DNMT1 regulates miR-20a/TXNIP-mediated pyroptosis of retinal pigment epithelial cells through DNA methylation

DNA hypomethylation modification promotes BST2 expression in cervical cancer by facilitating STAT1 binding to the promoter of BST2

Cervical cancer (CC) is a common cancer that causes considerable morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. Bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein, and its promoter methylation has been extensively documented in numerous human cancers. Nevertheless, the specific role of BST2 in CC remains unclear. This research utilized methylation-specific PCR (MSP), Western blotting, and RT-qPCR to evaluate the expression and DNA methylation levels of BST2 in CC tissues and cells. The role of STAT1 in regulating BST2 transcription was confirmed through dual-luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. Furthermore, we conducted experiments on cell proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and xenograft tumor models to investigate the functional role and regulatory mechanisms of BST2 in CC, both in vitro and in vivo. We found that BST2 was increased in CC tissues and cells, promoting cell proliferation and EMT while inhibiting apoptosis. Mechanistically, BST2 upregulation was associated with hypomethylation of its promoter, potentially regulated by DNMT3a and DNMT3b. Furthermore, the transcription factor STAT1 was found to bind to the BST2 promoter, positively regulating its expression and thereby accelerating tumorigenesis in CC. Silencing BST2 significantly reduced tumor growth in vivo. Our findings highlight BST2 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in CC, with its expression regulated by DNA methylation and STAT1 binding.

Research progress of non-coding RNA regulating the role of PANoptosis in diabetes mellitus and its complications

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that is endemic worldwide and is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia accompanied by multiple severe complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney dysfunction, neuropathy, and retinopathy. The pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and its complications is multifactorial, involving various molecular and cellular pathways. In recent years, research has indicated that mechanisms of cell death play a significant role in the advancement of diabetes and its complications. PANoptosis is a complex phenomenon caused by three cell death pathways: programmed apoptosis, necroptosis and pyroptosis. The contribution of PANoptosis to diabetes and its complications remains incompletely understood. Non-coding RNA, an important molecule in gene expression regulation, has shown significant regulatory functions in a variety of diseases. This paper reviews the underlying mechanisms of diverse types of non-coding RNAs (including lncRNA, miRNA and circRNA) in regulating PANoptosis and their specific contributions in diabetes, aiming to explore how non-coding RNAs influence PANoptosis and their effects in diabetes.

DNMT1 promotes the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells by inducing microRNA-125a-5p methylation to promote SERPINE1 protein

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor originating from gastric mucosal epithelial cells that has high morbidity and mortality. microRNAs (miR) are important diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in this disease.

AIM

To explore the mechanism of miR-125a-5p in the pathogenesis of GC.

METHODS

The expression levels of miR-125a-5p, SERPINE1 and DNMT1 in GC cells and tissues were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting. Methylation-specific PCR was used to detect the level of miR-125a-5p methylation. A cell counting kit 8 assay, scratch test, and a Transwell assay were performed to detect the proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of HGC27 cells, respectively. The expression of the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin in HGC27 cells was detected by Western blotting, while the expression of vimentin was detected by immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

This study revealed that miR-125a-5p was expressed at low levels in GC clinical samples and cells and that miR-125a-5p overexpression inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasiveness and EMT of GC cells. Mechanistically, miR-125a-5p can reduce GC cell proliferation, promote E-cadherin expression, inhibit N-cadherin and vimentin expression, and reduce the EMT of GC cells, thus constraining GC cells to a certain extent. Moreover, DNMT1 inhibited miR-125a-5p expression by increasing the methylation of the miR-125a-5p promoter, thereby promoting the expression of SERPINE1, which acts together with miR-125a-5p to exert antagonistic effects on GC.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that DNMT1 promoted SERPINE1 protein expression by inducing miR-125a-5p methylation, which led to the proliferation, migration and occurrence of EMT in GC cells.

Pyroptosis in lung cancer: The emerging role of non-coding RNAs

Lung cancer remains an intractable malignancy worldwide, prompting novel therapeutic modalities. Pyroptosis, a lethal form of programmed cell death featured by inflammation, has been involved in cancer progression and treatment response. Simultaneously, non-coding RNA has been shown to have important roles in coordinating pattern formation and oncogenic pathways, including long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs), microRNA (miRNAs), circular RNA (circRNAs), and small interfering RNA (siRNAs). Recent studies have revealed that ncRNAs can promote or inhibit pyroptosis by interacting with key molecular players such as NLRP3, GSDMD, and various transcription factors. This dual role of ncRNAs offers a unique therapeutic potential to manipulate pyroptosis pathways, providing opportunities for innovative cancer treatments. In this review, we integrate current research findings to propose novel strategies for leveraging ncRNA-mediated pyroptosis as a therapeutic intervention in lung cancer. We explore the potential of ncRNAs as biomarkers for predicting patient response to treatment and as targets for overcoming resistance to conventional therapies.

Review on the role of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway in diabetes: mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications

This review explores the pivotal role of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications, highlighting the therapeutic potential of various oral hypoglycemic drugs targeting this pathway. NLRP3 inflammasome activation, triggered by metabolic stressors like hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and free fatty acids (FFAs), leads to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and interleukin-18, driving insulin resistance, pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. These processes contribute to diabetic complications such as nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Here we discuss the various transcriptional, epigenetic, and gut microbiome mediated regulation of NLRP3 activation in diabetes. Different classes of oral hypoglycemic drugs modulate NLRP3 inflammasome activity through various mechanisms: sulfonylureas inhibit NLRP3 activation and reduce inflammatory cytokine levels; sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) suppress inflammasome activity by reducing oxidative stress and modulating intracellular signaling pathways; dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors mitigate inflammasome activation, protecting against renal and vascular complications; glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists attenuate NLRP3 activity, reducing inflammation and improving metabolic outcomes; alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and thiazolidinediones exhibit anti-inflammatory properties by directly inhibiting NLRP3 activation. Agents that specifically target NLRP3 and inhibit their activation have been identified recently such as MCC950, Anakinra, CY-09, and many more. Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome, thus, presents a promising strategy for managing diabetes and its complications, with oral hypoglycemic drugs offering dual benefits of glycemic control and inflammation reduction. Further research into the specific mechanisms and long-term effects of these drugs on NLRP3 inflammasome activity is warranted.

Carvacrol inhibits the progression of oral submucous fibrosis via downregulation of PVT1/miR-20a-5p-mediated pyroptosis

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous condition in the oral cavity, which is closely related to the myofibroblast conversion of buccal mucosal fibroblasts (BMFs) after chronic consumption of areca nut. Emerging evidence suggests pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death that is mediated by inflammasome, is implicated in persistent myofibroblast activation and fibrosis. Besides, numerous studies have demonstrated the effects of non-coding RNAs on pyroptosis and myofibroblast activities. Herein, we aimed to target key long non-coding RNA PVT1 with natural compound, carvacrol, to alleviate pyroptosis and myofibroblast activation in OSF. We first identified PVT1 was downregulated in the carvacrol-treated fBMFs and then demonstrated that myofibroblast features and expression of pyroptosis makers were all reduced in response to carvacrol treatment. Subsequently, we analysed the expression of PVT1 and found that PVT1 was aberrantly upregulated in OSF specimens and positively correlated with several fibrosis markers. After revealing the suppressive effects of carvacrol on myofibroblast characterisitcs and pyroptosis were mediated by repression of PVT1, we then explored the potential mechanisms. Our data showed that PVT1 may serve as a sponge of microRNA(miR)-20a to mitigate the myofibroblast activation and pyroptosis. Altogether, these findings indicated that the anti-fibrosis effects of carvacrol merit consideration and may be due to the attenuation of pyroptosis and myofibroblast activation by targeting the PVT1/miR-20a axis.

Non-Apoptotic Programmed Cell Death as Targets for Diabetic Retinal Neurodegeneration

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains the leading cause of blindness among the global working-age population. Emerging evidence underscores the significance of diabetic retinal neurodegeneration (DRN) as a pivotal biomarker in the progression of vasculopathy. Inflammation, oxidative stress, neural cell death, and the reduction in neurotrophic factors are the key determinants in the pathophysiology of DRN. Non-apoptotic programmed cell death (PCD) plays a crucial role in regulating stress response, inflammation, and disease management. Therapeutic modalities targeting PCD have shown promising potential for mitigating DRN. In this review, we highlight recent advances in identifying the role of various PCD types in DRN, with specific emphasis on necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, parthanatos, and the more recently characterized PANoptosis. In addition, the therapeutic agents aimed at the regulation of PCD for addressing DRN are discussed.

The role of ncRNAs-mediated pyroptosis in diabetes and its vascular complications

Over the past decade, the prevalence of diabetes has increased significantly worldwide, leading to an increase in vascular complications of diabetes (VCD), such as diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), diabetic nephropathy (DN), and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long Noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play a key role in cellular processes, including the pathophysiology of diabetes and VCD via pyroptosis. ncRNAs (e.g., miR-17, lnc-MEG3, and lnc-KCNQ1OT1) can regulate pyroptosis in pancreatic β cells. Some ncRNAs are involved in VCD progression. For example, miR-21, lnc-KCNQ1OT1, lnc-GAS5, and lnc-MALAT1 were reported in DN and DCM, and lnc-MIAT was identified in DCM and DR. Herein, this review aimed to summarize recent research findings related to ncRNAs-mediated pyroptosis at the onset and progression of diabetes and VCD.

Applicability of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes as a cell-free miRNA therapy and epigenetic modifiers for diabetes

Given that exosome nanovesicles constitute various growth factors, miRNAs and lncRNAs, they have implications for epigenetic modifications. Few studies have shown that exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit therapeutic effects on diabetic complications by substituting miRNAs and regulating histone modifications. Therefore, reversing epigenetic aberrations in diabetes may provide new insight into its treatment. This review discusses the impact of DNA and histone methylations on the development of diabetes and its complications. Further, we talk about miRNAs dysregulated in diabetic conditions and the possibility of utilizing mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) exosomes for the development of miRNA cell-free therapy and epigenetic modifiers in reversing diabetic-induced epigenetic alterations.