A Novel Regulator of Type II Diabetes: MicroRNA-143

Deciphering the role of MicroRNAs in diabetic nephropathy: Regulatory mechanisms and molecular insights

A serious consequence of diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy (DN) which causes gradual damage to the kidneys. Dietary changes, blood pressure control, glucose control, and hyperlipidemia are all important components of DN management. New research, however, points to microRNAs (miRNAs) as having a pivotal role in DN pathogenesis. Miniature non-coding RNA molecules such as miRNAs control gene expression and impact several biological processes. The canonical and non-canonical routes of miRNA biogenesis are discussed in this article. In addition, several important signaling pathways are examined in the study of miRNA regulation in DN. A deeper knowledge of these regulatory mechanisms would allow for a better understanding of the molecular basis of DN and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Finally, miRNAs show tremendous potential as DN diagnostic biomarkers and treatment targets, opening up promising avenues for further study and potential clinical use.

Recent advances in mechanistic studies of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and its comorbidities-Role of microRNAs

BACKGROUND

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a multifaceted syndrome with a complex aetiology commonly associated with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension and renal disease. Various diseases induce systemic, chronic and low-grade inflammation; microvascular dysfunction; metabolic stress; tissue ischemia; and fibrosis, leading to HFpEF. An effective treatment for HFpEF is lacking, largely owing to its pathophysiological heterogeneity. Recent studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating the pathogenesis of HFpEF and its comorbidities.

METHODS

This narrative review included original articles and reviews published over the past 20 years found through 'PubMed' and 'Web of Science'. The search terms included "HFpEF," "MicroRNAs," "comorbidities," "Microvascular Dysfunction (MVD)," "inflammation," "pathophysiology," "endothelial dysfunction," "energy metabolism abnormalities" "cardiac fibrosis" and "treatment."

RESULTS

Inflammation, MVD, abnormal energy metabolism, myocardial hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis are important pathophysiological mechanisms underlying HFpEF. As gene expression regulators, miRNAs may contribute to the pathophysiology of HFpEF and are expected to serve in the stratification of patients with HFpEF and as prognostic indicators for monitoring treatment responses.

CONCLUSIONS

A customized strategy based on miRNAs has emerged as an effective treatment for HFpEF. In this review, we discuss recent research surrounding miRNAs and HFpEF and propose potential miRNA targets for the pathophysiology of HFpEF and its comorbidities. Although current research concerning miRNAs and their therapeutic potential is in its early stages, miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics hold great promise in the future.

Endogenous and microbial biomarkers for periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus

It has been well documented that there is a two-way relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontitis. Diabetes mellitus represents an established risk factor for chronic periodontitis. Conversely, chronic periodontitis adversely modulates serum glucose levels in diabetic patients. Activated immune and inflammatory responses are noted during diabetes and periodontitis, under the modulation of similar biological mediators. These activated responses result in increased activity of certain immune-inflammatory mediators including adipokines and microRNAs in diabetic patients with periodontal disease. Notably, certain microbes in the oral cavity were identified to be involved in the occurrence of diabetes and periodontitis. In other words, these immune-inflammatory mediators and microbes may potentially serve as biomarkers for risk assessment and therapy selection in diabetes and periodontitis. In this review, we briefly provide an updated overview on different potential biomarkers, providing novel diagnostic and therapeutic insights on periodontal complications and diabetes mellitus.

Study on the Regulation of Trophoblast Activity by Abnormally Expressed lncRNA CCDC144NL-AS1 in Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication in pregnant women. The growth and differentiation of trophoblast cells determine the function of the placenta, and therefore further affect the transport of nutrients to the fetus. lncRNA Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 144 N-Terminal-Like antisense1 (CCDC144NL-AS1) was reported to be abnormally expressed in GDM, but its function and mechanism remain undefined. This study aimed to reveal the expression of CCDC144NL-AS1 in GDM and evaluate its significance in disease development. The expression of CCDC144NL-AS1 in serum and placenta tissues of GDM patients and healthy pregnant women was evaluated using PCR. The effect of CCDC144NL-AS1 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of trophoblast cells was evaluated with CCK8 and Transwell assay. The mechanism of the interaction between CCDC144NL-AS1 and miR-143-3p was assessed by luciferase reporter assay and cell transfection. CCDC144NL-AS1 was upregulated in GDM patients, which discriminated GDM patients from healthy pregnant women with high sensitivity and specificity and was positively correlated with the insulin resistance indexes. In trophoblast cells, high glucose exposure induced increased CCDC144NL-AS1 and suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Silencing CCDC144NL-AS1 could alleviate the inhibitory effect of high glucose, while the knockdown of miR-143-3p reversed the effect of CCDC144NL-AS1. In conclusion, upregulated CCDC144NL-AS1 served as a diagnostic biomarker of GDM and regulated the development of trophoblast cells via negatively modulating miR-143-3p.

Potential Function of Testicular MicroRNAs in Heat-Stress-Induced Spermatogenesis Disorders

Spermatogenesis is temperature-dependent, and the increase in testicular temperature seriously affects mammalian spermatogenesis and semen quality. In this study, the testicular heat stress model of mice was made with a 43 °C water bath for 25 min, and the effects of heat stress on semen quality and spermatogenesis-related regulators were analyzed. On the 7th day after heat stress, testis weight shrank to 68.45% and sperm density dropped to 33.20%. High-throughput sequencing analysis showed that 98 microRNAs (miRNAs) and 369 mRNAs were down-regulated, while 77 miRNAs and 1424 mRNAs were up-regulated after heat stress. Through gene ontology (GO) analysis of differentially expressed genes and miRNA-mRNA co-expression networks, it was found that heat stress may be involved in the regulation of testicular atrophy and spermatogenesis disorders by affecting cell meiosis process and cell cycle. In addition, through functional enrichment analysis, co-expression regulatory network, correlation analysis and in vitro experiment, it was found that miR-143-3p may be a representative potential key regulatory factor affecting spermatogenesis under heat stress. In summary, our results enrich the understanding of miRNAs in testicular heat stress and provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of heat-stress-induced spermatogenesis disorders.

MicroRNA regulation of phenotypic transformations in vascular smooth muscle: relevance to vascular remodeling

Alterations in the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) phenotype play a critical role in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and restenosis after angioplasty. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous noncoding RNAs (approximately 19-25 nucleotides in length) that function as regulators in various physiological and pathophysiological events. Recent studies have suggested that aberrant miRNAs' expression might underlie VSMC phenotypic transformation, appearing to regulate the phenotypic transformations of VSMCs by targeting specific genes that either participate in the maintenance of the contractile phenotype or contribute to the transformation to alternate phenotypes, and affecting atherosclerosis, hypertension, and coronary artery disease by altering VSMC proliferation, migration, differentiation, inflammation, calcification, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, suggesting an important regulatory role in vascular remodeling for maintaining vascular homeostasis. This review outlines recent progress in the discovery of miRNAs and elucidation of their mechanisms of action and functions in VSMC phenotypic regulation. Importantly, as the literature supports roles for miRNAs in modulating vascular remodeling and for maintaining vascular homeostasis, this area of research will likely provide new insights into clinical diagnosis and prognosis and ultimately facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

The novel importance of miR-143 in obesity regulation

Obesity and substantially increased risk of metabolic diseases have become a global epidemic. microRNAs have attracted a great deal of attention as a potential therapeutic target for obesity. MiR-143 has been known to specifically promote adipocyte differentiation by downregulating extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5. Our latest study found that miR-143 knockout is against diet-induced obesity by promoting brown adipose tissue thermogenesis and inhibiting white adipose tissue adipogenesis. Moreover, LPS- or IL-6-induced inhibition of miR-143 expression in brown adipocytes promotes thermogenesis by targeting adenylate cyclase 9. In this review, we will summarize the expression and functions of miR-143 in different tissues, the influence of obesity on miR-143 in various tissues, the important role of adipose-derived miR-143 in the development of obesity, the role of miR-143 in immune cells and thermoregulation and discuss the potential significance and application prospects of miR-143 in obesity management.

Effect of metformin on the long non-coding RNA expression levels in type 2 diabetes: an in vitro and clinical trial study

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that the anti-hyperglycemic effect of metformin could be associated with its impact on long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression levels. Accordingly, in the current study, we evaluated the effect of metformin on the expression of H19, MEG3, MALAT1, and GAS5 in in vitro and in vivo situations.

METHODS

The effect of hyperglycemia and metformin treatment on the lncRNAs expression level was evaluated in HepG2 cells. A total of 179 age- and sex-matched subjects, including 88 newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and 91 healthy volunteers, were included in the case-control phase of the study. Moreover, 40 newly diagnosed patients participated in the study's open-labeled non-controlled clinical trial phase. The expression levels of lncRNA in HepG2 cells and whole blood samples were determined using QRT-PCR.

RESULTS

In vitro results showed that hyperglycemia induced H19 and MALAT1 and decreased GAS5 expression levels. Moreover, metformin decreased H19 and increased GAS5 expression in high glucose-treated cells. Case-control study findings revealed that the circulating levels of H19, MALAT1, and MEG3 were significantly elevated in T2D patients compared to the control subjects. Finally, results showed that the level of circulating H19 levels decreased while GAS5 increased in T2D patients after taking metformin for 2 months.

CONCLUSION

The results of the current study provided evidence that metformin could exert its effect in the treatment of T2D by altering the expression levels of H19 and GAS5.

Evaluation of miRNA-143 and miRNA-145 Expression and Their Association with Vitamin-D Status Among Obese and Non-Obese Type-2 Diabetic Patients

Objective

Growing epidemics of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity have become a serious health concern. Since miRNAs and vitamin levels affect the development and progression of numerous pathogenic diseases, including diabetes, the present study aimed to evaluate miRNA-143 and miRNA-145 expression and vitamin-D status among obese and non-obese T2DM patients.

Methods

The study included 100 clinically confirmed newly diagnosed obese and non-obese T2DM cases and 100 healthy subjects. Total RNA was extracted from collected blood samples and 100 ng of RNA was used for cDNA synthesis, then TaqMan assay was performed to evaluate the miRNA-143 and miRNA-145 relative expression.

Results

T2DM cases with hypertension (4.08 fold, p=0.01; 5.36 fold, p=0.009), fatigue (5.07 fold, p=0.04; 5.32 fold, p=0.03) and blurred vision (5.15 fold, p=0.01) showed higher miRNA-143 and miRNA-145 relative expression compared with their counterparts, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between miRNA-143 and miRNA-145 expression and decreased vitamin-D status in T2DM had significant association with impaired blood glucose fasting (p=0.001) and HDL level (p<0.0001). Obese T2DM cases showed higher miRNA-143 and miRNA-145 expression compared with their counterparts. Vitamin-D deficient T2DM cases had higher miRNA-143 and miRNA-145 expression (5.69 fold, 5.91 fold) compared with insufficient (4.27 fold, p=0.03; 4.61 fold, p=0.03) and sufficient (4.08 fold, p=0.002; 4.29 fold, p=0.003). ROC curve for miRNA-143 and miRNA-145 between obese T2DM vs non-obese T2DM cases, at best possible cutoff value of 4.39 fold, 4.0 fold showed increased miRNA-143 and miRNA-145 expression, the sensitivity and specificity were 85%, 88% and 61%, 53% respectively (AUC=0.83, p<0.0001; AUC=0.81, p<0.0001).

Conclusion

Higher miRNA-143 and miRNA-145 expression could be a predictive indicator for obese T2DM cases, decreased status of vitamin-D was also significantly associated with impaired fasting blood sugar and HDL level, therefore it is important to evaluate the vitamin-D status among T2DM cases for better clinical outcome during the intervention.

Non-coding RNAs: The link between maternal malnutrition and offspring metabolism

Early life nutrition is associated with the development and metabolism in later life, which is known as the Developmental Origin of Health and Diseases (DOHaD). Epigenetics have been proposed as an important explanation for this link between early life malnutrition and long-term diseases. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) may play a role in this epigenetic programming. The expression of ncRNAs (such as long non-coding RNA H19, microRNA-122, and circular RNA-SETD2) was significantly altered in specific tissues of offspring exposed to maternal malnutrition. Changes in these downstream targets of ncRNAs lead to abnormal development and metabolism. This review aims to summarize the existing knowledge on ncRNAs linking the maternal nutrition condition and offspring metabolic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

miR-143-null Is against Diet-Induced Obesity by Promoting BAT Thermogenesis and Inhibiting WAT Adipogenesis

Excessive energy intake is the main cause of obesity, and stimulation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis has emerged as an attractive tool for anti-obesity. Although miR-143 has been reported to promote white adipocyte differentiation, its role in BAT remains unclear. In our study, we found that during HFD-induced obesity, the expression of miR-143 in BAT was significantly reduced, and the expression of miR-143 in WAT first increased and then decreased. Knockout (KO) of miR-143 with CRISPR/Cas9 did not affect the energy metabolism of normal diet fed mice and brown adipocyte differentiation but inhibited the differentiation of white adipocytes. Importantly, during high fat diet-induced obesity, miR-143KO significantly reduced body weight, and improved energy expenditure, insulin sensitivity, and glucose tolerance. Further exploration showed that miR-143KO reduced the weight of adipose tissue, promoted mitochondrial number and functions, induced thermogenesis and lipolysis of BAT, increased lipolysis, and inhibited lipogenesis of white adipose tissue (WAT). Our study considerably improves our collective understanding of the function of miR-143 in adipose tissue and its potential significance in anti-obesity and provides a new avenue for the management of obesity through the inhibition of miR-143 in BAT and WAT.

miR-143-Mediated Responses to Betaine Supplement Repress Lipogenesis and Hepatic Gluconeogenesis by Targeting MAT1a and MAPK11

The liver as the central organ is responsible for lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis and one-carbon metabolism. Methyl donors (e.g., betaine) modulate metabolic homeostasis and gene regulation through one-carbon metabolism. MiR-143 regulates DNA methylation by targeting DNMT3A, thereby suggesting that this miRNA participates in one-carbon metabolic pathways. However, the effect and mechanism that regulate glucose and lipid metabolism via the methyl group metabolism pathway remain elusive. In this study, we found that a betaine supplement and miR-143 KO significantly promoted lipolysis and glucose utilization and repressed lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis through enhancing energy consumption and thermogenesis, repressing GPNMB and targeting MAPK11, respectively. We further explored the relationship between miR-143 and a methyl donor (betaine) and the miR-143-mediated responses to the betaine supplement regulating the mechanism of the glucose and lipid metabolism. The results showed that betaine significantly down-regulated the expression of miR-143 that subsequently increased SAM levels in the liver by targeting MAT1a. In brief, the regulations of glucose and lipid metabolism are related to the miR-143-regulation of one-carbon units, and the relationship between betaine and miR-143 in the methionine cycle is a typical yin-yang type of regulation. Thus, betaine and miR-143 function together as key regulators and biomarkers for preventing and diagnosing metabolic diseases such as fatty liver disease, obesity, and diabetes.

A functional polymorphism of microRNA-143 is associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the northern Chinese Han population

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between two polymorphisms of microRNA-143 (miR-143) and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the northern Chinese Han population.

STUDY DESIGN

This case-control study involved 326 patients with T2DM and 342 healthy controls. Two genetic variants (rs4705342 and rs353292) of miR-143 were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction/ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR) method. The levels of miR-143 in the serum from 52 T2DM patients and 55 healthy subjects were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS

The CC genotype frequency of rs4705342 was significantly higher in the T2DM patients than in the healthy controls (P = 0.012). After adjusting for sex, age, and body mass index, the rs4705342 CC genotype was also related to a significantly increased risk of T2DM compared with the TT genotype (adjusted OR: 1.87; 95% CI = 1.09-3.19; P = 0.022). Stratified analyses demonstrated that T2DM patients with the rs4705342 CC genotype had significantly higher levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) than those carrying the rs4705342 TT genotype. The qRT-PCR results showed that the expression levels of miR-143 were significantly higher in the serum of cases than in the serum of controls (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the levels of miR-143 were significantly higher in the serum of T2DM patients carrying the rs4705342 CC genotype than in those carrying the TC and TT genotypes of rs4705342 (P = 0.005 and 0.003, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The CC genotype of rs4705342 might be a risk factor for developing T2DM by increasing the expression of miRNA-143 in the northern Chinese Han population.

Non-coding RNAs in diabetes mellitus and diabetic cardiovascular disease

More than 10% of the world's population already suffers from varying degrees of diabetes mellitus (DM), but there is still no cure for the disease. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most common and dangerous of the many health complications that can be brought on by DM, and has become the leading cause of death in people with diabetes. While research on DM and associated CVD is advancing, the specific mechanisms of their development are still unclear. Given the threat of DM and CVD to humans, the search for new predictive markers and therapeutic ideas is imminent. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been a popular subject of research in recent years. Although they do not encode proteins, they play an important role in living organisms, and they can cause disease when their expression is abnormal. Numerous studies have observed aberrant ncRNAs in patients with DM complications, suggesting that they may play an important role in the development of DM and CVD and could potentially act as biomarkers for diagnosis. There is additional evidence that treatment with existing drugs for DM, such as metformin, alters ncRNA expression levels, suggesting that regulation of ncRNA expression may be a key mechanism in future DM treatment. In this review, we assess the role of ncRNAs in the development of DM and CVD, as well as the evidence for ncRNAs as potential therapeutic targets, and make use of bioinformatics to analyze differential ncRNAs with potential functions in DM.

TGF-β Induction of miR-143/145 Is Associated to Exercise Response by Influencing Differentiation and Insulin Signaling Molecules in Human Skeletal Muscle

Physical training improves insulin sensitivity and can prevent type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, approximately 20% of individuals lack a beneficial outcome in glycemic control. TGF-β, identified as a possible upstream regulator involved in this low response, is also a potent regulator of microRNAs (miRNAs). The aim of this study was to elucidate the potential impact of TGF-β-driven miRNAs on individual exercise response. Non-targeted long and sncRNA sequencing analyses of TGF-β1-treated human skeletal muscle cells corroborated the effects of TGF-β1 on muscle cell differentiation, the induction of extracellular matrix components, and identified several TGF-β1-regulated miRNAs. qPCR validated a potent upregulation of miR-143-3p/145-5p and miR-181a2-5p by TGF-β1 in both human myoblasts and differentiated myotubes. Healthy subjects who were overweight or obese participated in a supervised 8-week endurance training intervention (n = 40) and were categorized as responder or low responder in glycemic control based on fold change ISIMats (≥+1.1 or <+1.1, respectively). In skeletal muscle biopsies of low responders, TGF-β signaling and miR-143/145 cluster levels were induced by training at much higher rates than among responders. Target-mining revealed HDACs, MYHs, and insulin signaling components INSR and IRS1 as potential miR-143/145 cluster targets. All these targets were down-regulated in TGF-β1-treated myotubes. Transfection of miR-143-3p/145-5p mimics in differentiated myotubes validated MYH1, MYH4, and IRS1 as miR-143/145 cluster targets. Elevated TGF-β signaling and miR-143/145 cluster induction in skeletal muscle of low responders might obstruct improvements in insulin sensitivity by training in two ways: by a negative impact of miR-143-3p on muscle cell fusion and myofiber functionality and by directly impairing insulin signaling via a reduction in INSR by TGF-β and finetuned IRS1 suppression by miR-143-3p.

Exploration of the Effect on Genome-Wide DNA Methylation by miR-143 Knock-Out in Mice Liver

MiR-143 play an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma and liver fibrosis via inhibiting hepatoma cell proliferation. DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3a), as a target of miR-143, regulates the development of primary organic solid tumors through DNA methylation mechanisms. However, the effect of miR-143 on DNA methylation profiles in liver is unclear. In this study, we used Whole-Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) to detect the differentially methylated regions (DMRs), and investigated DMR-related genes and their enriched pathways by miR-143. We found that methylated cytosines increased 0.19% in the miR-143 knock-out (KO) liver fed with high-fat diet (HFD), compared with the wild type (WT). Furthermore, compared with the WT group, the CG methylation patterns of the KO group showed lower CG methylation levels in CG islands (CGIs), promoters and hypermethylation in CGI shores, 5'UTRs, exons, introns, 3'UTRs, and repeat regions. A total of 984 DMRs were identified between the WT and KO groups consisting of 559 hypermethylation and 425 hypomethylation DMRs. Furthermore, DMR-related genes were enriched in metabolism pathways such as carbon metabolism (serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (Shmt2), acyl-Coenzyme A dehydrogenase medium chain (Acadm)), arginine and proline metabolism (spermine synthase (Sms), proline dehydrogenase (Prodh2)) and purine metabolism (phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase 2 (Prps2)). In summary, we are the first to report the change in whole-genome methylation levels by miR-143-null through WGBS in mice liver, and provide an experimental basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment in liver diseases, indicating that miR-143 may be a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for liver damage-associated diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Screening of MicroRNAs with Potential Systemic Effects Released from Goose Fatty Liver

Communication between tissues and organs plays an important role in the maintenance of normal physiological functions as well as the occurrence and development of diseases. Communication molecules act as a bridge for interactions between tissues and organs, playing not only a local role in the tissues and organs where they are secreted but also in exerting systemic effects on the whole body via circulation. In this study, blood microRNA-omics analysis of overfed vs. normally fed (control) Landes geese revealed that the content of each of the 21 microRNAs (miRNAs) in the blood of overfed geese was significantly higher than that in the blood of control geese. These miRNAs may have systematic effects in the development of goose fatty liver as well as being candidate markers for the diagnosis of goose fatty liver. We determined the expression of miR-143, miR-455-5p, miR-222a-5p, miR-184, miR-1662, and miR-129-5p using quantitative PCR in goose fatty liver vs. that in normal liver. The expression of these miRNAs, except miR-129-5p, in goose fatty liver was also significantly higher than that in normal liver (P<0.05), suggesting that these blood miRNAs are released from goose fatty liver. In addition, we found that expression of IGFBP5, the predicted target gene of miR-143, was significantly decreased in goose fatty liver vs. the normal liver (P<0.05), indicating that miR-143 may exert both local and systematic effects by inhibiting the expression of IGFBP5, thus promoting the development of goose fatty liver. In conclusion, we identified several miRNAs, including those we validated (i.e., miR-143, miR-455-5p, miR-222a-5p, miR-184, miR-1662, and miR-129-5p) that may serve as candidate markers in the diagnosis of goose fatty liver as well as local and global regulators contributing to the development of goose fatty liver.

Oxysterol-binding protein-like 2 contributes to the developmental progression of preadipocytes by binding to β-catenin

Oxysterol-binding protein-like 2 (OSBPL2), also known as oxysterol-binding protein-related protein (ORP) 2, is a member of lipid transfer protein well-known for its role in regulating cholesterol homeostasis. A recent study reported that OSBPL2/ORP2 localizes to lipid droplets (LDs) and is associated with energy metabolism and obesity. However, the function of OSBPL2/ORP2 in adipocyte differentiation is poorly understood. Here, we report that OSBPL2/ORP2 contributes to the developmental progression of preadipocytes. We found that OSBPL2/ORP2 binds to β-catenin, a key effector in the Wnt signaling pathway that inhibits adipogenesis. This complex plays a role in regulating the protein level of β-catenin only in preadipocytes, not in mature adipocytes. Our data further indicated that OSBPL2/ORP2 mediates the transport of β-catenin into the nucleus and thus regulates target genes related to adipocyte differentiation. Deletion of OSBPL2/ORP2 markedly reduces β-catenin both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus, promotes preadipocytes maturation, and ultimately leads to obesity-related characteristics. Altogether, we provide novel insight into the function of OSBPL2/ORP2 in the developmental progression of preadipocytes and suggest OSBPL2/ORP2 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity-related diseases.

Regulatory MicroRNAs in T2DM and Breast Cancer

MicroRNAs orchestrate the tight regulation of numerous cellular processes and the deregulation in their activities has been implicated in many diseases, including diabetes and cancer. There is an increasing amount of epidemiological evidence associating diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus, to an elevated risk of various cancer types, including breast cancer. However, little is yet known about the underlying molecular mechanisms and even less about the role miRNAs play in driving the tumorigenic potential of the cell signaling underlying diabetes pathogenesis. This article reviews the role of miRNA in bridging the diabetes–breast cancer association by discussing specific miRNAs that are implicated in diabetes and breast cancer and highlighting the overlap between the disease-specific regulatory miRNA networks to identify a 20-miRNA signature that is common to both diseases. Potential therapeutic targeting of these molecular players may help to alleviate the socioeconomic burden on public health that is imposed by the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)–breast cancer association.

MicroRNAs as Regulators of Immune and Inflammatory Responses: Potential Therapeutic Targets in Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the principal cause of end-stage renal disease and results in high morbidity and mortality in patients, causing a large socioeconomic burden. Multiple factors, such as metabolic abnormalities, inflammation, immunoregulation and genetic predisposition, contribute to the pathogenesis of DN, but the exact mechanism is unclear, and the therapeutic strategies are not satisfactory. Accordingly, there is an unmet need for new therapeutic targets and strategies for DN. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as major epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene expression and provide novel insights into our understanding of the molecular and signaling pathways that are associated with various diseases, including DN. Studies in the past decade have shown that different miRNAs affect the progression of DN by modulating different aspects of immune and inflammatory responses. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the pivotal roles of miRNAs in inflammatory and immune processes, with an integrative comprehension of the detailed signaling network. Additionally, we discussed the possibilities and significance of these miRNAs as therapeutic targets in the treatment of DN. This review will facilitate the identification of new therapeutic targets and novel strategies that can be translated into clinical applications for DN treatment.

Urinary organophosphate esters metabolites, glucose homeostasis and prediabetes in adolescents

BACKGROUND

Emerging experimental evidence indicates that organophosphate esters (OPEs) can trigger glucose metabolic disorders. However, human evidence, especially in adolescents, is unavailable.

OBJECTIVES

We utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014 to evaluate whether urinary OPEs metabolites were associated with prediabetes and glucose homeostasis.

METHODS

A total of 349 adolescents (12-19-year old) who provided at least 8 h fasting blood samples, had urinary OPEs metabolites detected were included. Prediabetes was defined according to the levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h post oral plasma glucose (2 h-OGTT) and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) and the Single Point Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (SPISE) were used to assess insulin resistance and sensitivity, respectively. Multiple binary logistic and linear regressions were used to evaluate the associations with prediabetes and indices of glucose homeostasis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to assess the associations in a multi-pollutant context.

RESULTS

After adjusting for covariates, certain urinary OPEs metabolites were associated with prediabetes and indices of glucose homeostasis in all adolescents. Stratified analyses by sex revealed that such associations were largely sex-dependent. In females, the multiple pollutant models showed that bis(1,3-32 dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP) was positively associated with prediabetes [odds ratio (OR) = 2.51, 95%CI:1.29, 4.89, for one scaled unit increase in exposure] and 2 h-OGTT (β = 0.07, 95%CI:0.01,0.12); bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP) was negatively associated with fasting insulin (β = -0.10, 95%CI: 0.19,-0.01) and HOMA-IR (β = -0.10, 95%CI: 0.19,-0.003); and detectable bis(1-choloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCIPP) (>LOD vs < LOD) was inversely associated with 2 h-OGTT (β = -0.11, 95%CI: 0.21,-0.02). In males, consistent inverse associations were found for detectable di-n-butyl phosphate (DNBP) with prediabetes, FPG, 2 h-OGTT, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR.

CONCLUSION

Urinary OPEs metabolites were associated with prediabetes and indices of glucose homeostasis in adolescents. But such associations varied by sex. Future studies with multiple measurements of OPEs exposure are needed to confirm our findings.

Regulatory microRNAs in Brown, Brite and White Adipose Tissue

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a class of short noncoding RNAs which regulate gene expression by targeting messenger RNA, inducing translational repression and messenger RNA degradation. This regulation of gene expression by miRNAs in adipose tissue (AT) can impact on the regulation of metabolism and energy homeostasis, particularly considering the different types of adipocytes which exist in mammals, i.e., white adipocytes (white AT; WAT), brown adipocytes (brown AT; BAT), and inducible brown adipocytes in WAT (beige or brite or brown-in-white adipocytes). Indeed, an increasing number of miRNAs has been identified to regulate key signaling pathways of adipogenesis in BAT, brite AT, and WAT by acting on transcription factors that promote or inhibit adipocyte differentiation. For example, MiR-328, MiR-378, MiR-30b/c, MiR-455, MiR-32, and MiR-193b-365 activate brown adipogenesis, whereas MiR-34a, MiR-133, MiR-155, and MiR-27b are brown adipogenesis inhibitors. Given that WAT mainly stores energy as lipids, whilst BAT mainly dissipates energy as heat, clarifying the effects of miRNAs in different types of AT has recently attracted significant research interest, aiming to also develop novel miRNA-based therapies against obesity, diabetes, and other obesity-related diseases. Therefore, this review presents an up-to-date comprehensive overview of the role of key regulatory miRNAs in BAT, brite AT, and WAT.

High-Intensity Interval Training: Methodological Considerations for Interpreting Results and Conducting Research

In recent years, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has gained prominence in the health and fitness area, becoming a worldwide trend. Given the positive results of HIIT, researchers have compared it with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). However, much of that research has presented methodological challenges. Therefore, the aim of this opinion article is to address an important risk of bias common in research comparing HIIT and MICT: the lack of equalisation among protocols. This limitation can be considered a risk of bias that limits the conclusions of many studies. Thus, it is necessary to achieve the equalisation of sessions in some way such as using equalisation by energy expenditure, by workload performed in the session, or by duration of the session.

Maternal low-protein diet on the last week of pregnancy contributes to insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction in the mouse offspring

Maternal low-protein diet (LP) throughout gestation affects pancreatic β-cell fraction of the offspring at birth, thus increasing their susceptibility to metabolic dysfunction and type 2 diabetes in adulthood. The present study sought to strictly examine the effects of LP during the last week of gestation (LP12.5) alone as a developmental window for β-cell programming and metabolic dysfunction in adulthood. Islet morphology analysis revealed normal β-cell fraction in LP12.5 newborns. Normal glucose tolerance was observed in 6- to 8-wk-old male and female LP12.5 offspring. However, male LP12.5 offspring displayed glucose intolerance and reduced insulin sensitivity associated with β-cell dysfunction with aging. High-fat diet exposure of metabolically normal 12-wk-old male LP12.5 induced glucose intolerance due to increased body weight, insulin resistance, and insufficient β-cell mass adaptation despite higher insulin secretion. Assessment of epigenetic mechanisms through microRNAs (miRs) by a real-time PCR-based microarray in islets revealed elevation in miRs that regulate insulin secretion (miRs 342, 143), insulin resistance (miR143), and obesity (miR219). In the islets, overexpression of miR143 reduced insulin secretion in response to glucose. In contrast to the model of LP exposure throughout pregnancy, islet protein levels of mTOR and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 were normal in LP12.5 islets. Collectively, these data suggest that LP diet during the last week of pregnancy is critical and sufficient to induce specific and distinct developmental programming effects of tissues that control glucose homeostasis, thus causing permanent changes in specific set of microRNAs that may contribute to the overall vulnerability of the offspring to obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.

Altered Regulation of adipomiR Editing with Aging

Adipose dysfunction with aging increases risk to insulin resistance and other chronic metabolic diseases. We previously showed functional changes in microRNAs involved in pre-adipocyte differentiation with aging resulting in adipose dysfunction. However, the mechanisms leading to this dysfunction in microRNAs in adipose tissue (adipomiRs) during aging are not well understood. We determined the longitudinal changes in expression of adipomiRs and studied their regulatory mechanisms, such as miRNA biogenesis and editing, in an aging rodent model, with Fischer344 × Brown-Norway hybrid rats at ages ranging from 3 to 30 months (male/females, n > 8). Expression of adipomiRs and their edited forms were determined by small-RNA sequencing. RT-qPCR was used to measure the mRNA expression of biogenesis and editing enzymes. Sanger sequencing was used to validate editing with aging. Differential expression of adipomiRs involved in adipocyte differentiation and insulin signaling was altered with aging. Sex- and age-specific changes in edited adipomiRs were observed. An increase in miRNA biogenesis and editing enzymes (ADARs and their splice variants) were observed with increasing age, more so in female than male rats. The adipose dysfunction observed with age is attributed to differences in editing of adipomiRs, suggesting a novel regulatory pathway in aging.

The Yin and Yang function of microRNAs in insulin signalling and cancer

Data accumulated over the past several decades uncover a vital role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in various biological processes. It is well established that, by binding to target mRNAs, miRNAs act as post-transcription suppressors to inhibit mRNA translation and/or to promote mRNA degradation. Very recently, miRNAs have been found to act as positive regulators to promote gene transcription. In this review, we briefly summarize the regulation and functional roles of miRNAs in metabolic diseases and cancer development. We also review recent advances on the mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate gene expression, focusing on their unconventional roles as enhancers to promote gene expression. Given the high potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for risk assessment and as high-value targets for therapy, a better understanding of the Yin-Yang functional feature of miRNAs and their mechanisms of action could have significant clinical implications for the treatment of various diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

Interactions Among lncRNAs/circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs in Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain (NP) is directly caused by an injury or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. It is a serious type of chronic pain that is a burden to the economy and public health. Although recent studies have improved our understanding of NP, its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Noncoding RNAs, including lncRNAs, circRNAs, and miRNAs, are involved in the pathological development of NP through many mechanisms. In addition, extensive evidence suggests that novel regulatory mechanisms among lncRNAs/circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs play a crucial role in the pathophysiological process of NP. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the regulatory relationship among lncRNAs/circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs and emphasize the important role of the lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis in NP.

ORP5 and ORP8: Sterol Sensors and Phospholipid Transfer Proteins at Membrane Contact Sites?

Oxysterol binding related proteins 5 and 8 (ORP5 and ORP8) are two close homologs of the larger oxysterol binding protein (OSBP) family of sterol sensors and lipid transfer proteins (LTP). Early studies indicated these transmembrane proteins, anchored to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), bound and sensed cholesterol and oxysterols. They were identified as important for diverse cellular functions including sterol homeostasis, vesicular trafficking, proliferation and migration. In addition, they were implicated in lipid-related diseases such as atherosclerosis and diabetes, but also cancer, although their mechanisms of action remained poorly understood. Then, alongside the increasing recognition that membrane contact sites (MCS) serve as hubs for non-vesicular lipid transfer, added to their structural similarity to other LTPs, came discoveries showing that ORP5 and 8 were in fact phospholipid transfer proteins that rather sense and exchange phosphatidylserine (PS) for phosphoinositides, including phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI(4)P) and potentially phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2). Evidence now points to their action at MCS between the ER and various organelles including the plasma membrane, lysosomes, mitochondria, and lipid droplets. Dissecting exactly how this unexpected phospholipid transfer function connects with sterol regulation in health or disease remains a challenge for future studies.

Major miRNA Involved in Insulin Secretion and Production in Beta-Cells

Insulin is implicated as a leading factor in glucose homeostasis and an important theme in diabetes mellitus (DM). Numerous proteins are involved in insulin signaling pathway and their dysregulation contributes to DM. microRNAs (miRNAs) as single-strand molecules have a critical effect on gene expression at post-transcriptional levels. Intensive investigation done by DM researchers disclosed that miRNAs have a significant role in insulin secretion by direct targeting numerous proteins engaged in insulin signaling pathway; so, their dysregulation contributes to DM. In this review, we presented some major miRNAs engaged in the insulin production and secretion.

Mapping Research in the Obesity, Adipose Tissue, and MicroRNA Field: A Bibliometric Analysis

Recent studies have investigated the control of adipose tissue expansion and inflammatory process by microRNAs (miRNAs). These two processes are of great interest because both are associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, despite the great relevance of the role of miRNAs in obesity and adipose tissue, no qualitative and quantitative analysis on the subject has been performed. Thus, we aimed to examine global research activity and current trends with respect to the interaction between obesity, adipose tissue and miRNAs through a bibliometric analysis. This research was performed on the Scopus database for publications containing miRNA, obesity, and adipose tissue keyword combinations. In total, 898 articles were analyzed and the most frequently occurring keywords were selected and clustered into three well-defined groups. As a result, first group of keywords pointed to the research area on miRNAs expressed in obesity-associated diseases. The second group demonstrated the regulation of the adipogenesis process by miRNAs, while the third group highlighted brown adipose tissue and thermogenesis as one of the latest global research trends related to the theme. The studies selected in this paper describe the expression and performance of different miRNAs in obesity and comorbidities. Most studies have focused on identifying miRNAs and signaling pathways associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. Thus, the miRNA profile for these diseases may be used as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the prevention and treatment of obesity-associated diseases.

The current and future perspectives of zinc oxide nanoparticles in the treatment of diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multifaceted and costly disease, which requires serious attention. Finding a cheaper anti-diabetic alternative that can act on multiple disease-related targets and pathways is the ultimate treatment goal for DM. Nanotechnology has offered some exciting possibilities in biomedical and drug delivery applications. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), a novel agent to deliver zinc, have great implications in many disease therapies including DM. This review summarizes the pharmacological mechanisms by which ZnO-NPs alleviate DM and diabetic complications. Research implications and future perspectives were also discussed.

Metformin-induced autophagy and irisin improves INS-1 cell function and survival in high-glucose environment via AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signal pathway

In order to explore the protective function of metformin on pancreatic β cells to alleviate insulin resistance and underlying mechanisms, INS-1 cells were cultured into normal control (N), high glucose (H), high glucose and metformin (H + Met), high glucose and chloroquine (H + CQ), and high glucose and Ex527 (H + Ex527) groups, respectively. Upon 24-hr cultivation, the proliferation and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) of INS-1 cells were determined, and the expression of irisin and other proteins associated with AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signal pathway, autophagy, and apoptosis was evaluated. Compared with the N group, the cells from the H group revealed lower proliferation, GSIS, and expression of irisin and proteins associated with AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signal pathway and autophagy, but higher expression of proteins associated with apoptosis; in contrast, metformin could significantly rescue lower cell proliferation, GSIS, and expression of proteins associated with AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signal pathway and autophagy, as well as irisin, and suppress apoptosis in high-glucose environment. Meanwhile, autophagy inhibitor CQ and SIRT1 inhibitor Ex527 can block above functions of metformin. Therefore, metformin can promote INS-1 cell proliferation, enhance GSIS, and suppress apoptosis by activating AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signal pathway, up-regulating irisin expression, and inducing autophagy in INS-1 cells in high-glucose environment.

Regulation of insulin resistance by targeting the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor with microRNA-122-5p in hepatic cells

Insulin resistance (IR) is a common etiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D) defined by a state of decreased reactivity to insulin in multiple organs, such as the liver. This study aims to investigate how microRNA-122-5p (miR-122) regulates the hepatic IR in vitro. We first found that the miR-122 level was upregulated in the liver of rats fed with a high-fat diet and injected with streptozotocin (T2D rats), while the expression level of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R), a potential target of miR-122, was downregulated in the diabetic liver. In vitro, glucosamine-induced IR was introduced in HepG2 hepatic cells, and the levels of miR-122 and IGF-1R were further assessed. An increase of miR-122 level and a decrease of IGF-IR level were observed in IR hepatic cells, which was the same as that in the diabetic liver. Results of the luciferase reporter assay validated IGF-1R as a direct target of miR-122. Moreover, in IR HepG2 cells, antagonizing miR-122 with its specific inhibitor enhanced glucose uptake and suppressed the expression of glucose 6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, two key enzymes in regulating gluconeogenesis. Such alterations induced by the miR-122 inhibitor in IR hepatic cells were impaired when IGF-1R was simultaneously knocked down. In addition, the PI3K/Akt pathway was deactivated in IR cells, and then reactivated with miR-122 inhibitor transfection. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that miR-122 is able to regulate IR in hepatic cells by targeting IGF-1R.

Drug resistance-related microRNAs in osteosarcoma: Translating basic evidence into therapeutic strategies

Although the application of multiple chemotherapy brought revolutionary changes to improve overall survival of osteosarcoma patients, the existence of multidrug resistance (MDR) has become a great challenge for successful osteosarcoma treatment in recent decades. Substantial studies have revealed various underlying mechanisms of MDR in cancers. As for osteosarcoma, evidence has highlighted that microRNAs (miRNAs) can mediate in the processes of DNA damage response, apoptosis avoidance, autophagy induction, activation of cancer stem cells, and signal transduction. Besides, these drug resistance‐related miRNAs showed much promise for serving as candidates for predictive biomarkers of poor outcomes and shorter survival time, and therapeutic targets to reverse drug resistance and overcome treatment refractoriness. This review aims to demonstrate the potential molecular mechanisms of miRNAs‐regulated drug resistance in osteosarcoma, and provide insight in translating basic evidence into therapeutic strategies.

Circulating microRNA-92a level predicts acute coronary syndrome in diabetic patients with coronary heart disease

PURPOSE

This study was designed to explore the value of monitoring miR-92a in T2DM patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

40 ACS patients with prior history of CHD and diabetes while the onset time of diabetes preceded that of CHD by more than 2 years were enrolled as the DACS group(diabetic ACS group). 40 ACS subjects who had had a definite diagnosis of CHD for more than 2 years with no history of T2DM were recuited as the CACS group(chronic CHD with ACS group). All enrolled subjects from DACS and CACS group came from an emergency basis and diagnosed with ACS by coronary angiography. Another 68 age- and sex-matched volunteers with chronic stable CHD without diabetes history were assigned as the control group (CHD group). We examined the serum levels of miR-92a and analyzed their correlations with blood pressure, glucose level, and lipid level.

RESULTS

The levels of miR-92a were significantly elevated in the DACS group compared with those of the CACS and CHD groups. Multivariate analysis showed that miR-92a, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were significantly related to ACS events in patients with T2DM. Forward stepwise binary logistic regression analysis identified miR-92a as an independent predictive factor for ACS events in the patients with T2DM.

CONCLUSION

An elevated circulating miR-92a level was associated with an increased risk of ACS in CHD patients with T2DM. Thus the level of miR-92a, especially combined with elevated SBP and HbA1c, may be helpful in the detection of ACS in patients with T2DM.

Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Neuroinflammation and the Blood-Brain Barrier

Metabolic syndrome, which includes diabetes and obesity, is one of the most widespread medical conditions. It induces systemic inflammation, causing far reaching effects on the body that are still being uncovered. Neuropathologies triggered by metabolic syndrome often result from increased permeability of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). The BBB, a system designed to restrict entry of toxins, immune cells, and pathogens to the brain, is vital for proper neuronal function. Local and systemic inflammation induced by obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus can cause BBB breakdown, decreased removal of waste, and increased infiltration of immune cells. This leads to disruption of glial and neuronal cells, causing hormonal dysregulation, increased immune sensitivity, or cognitive impairment depending on the affected brain region. Inflammatory effects of metabolic syndrome have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the effects of obesity and diabetes-induced inflammation on the BBB, the roles played by leptin and insulin resistance, as well as BBB changes occurring at the molecular level. We explore signaling pathways including VEGF, HIFs, PKC, Rho/ROCK, eNOS, and miRNAs. Finally, we discuss the broader implications of neural inflammation, including its connection to Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and the gut microbiome.

Exercise Training-Induced Changes in MicroRNAs: Beneficial Regulatory Effects in Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes, and Obesity

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. They are involved in the regulation of physiological processes, such as adaptation to physical exercise, and also in disease settings, such as systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), and obesity. In SAH, microRNAs play a significant role in the regulation of key signaling pathways that lead to the hyperactivation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, proliferation, and phenotypic change in smooth muscle cells, and the hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system. MicroRNAs are also involved in the regulation of insulin signaling and blood glucose levels in T2D, and participate in lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, and adipocyte differentiation in obesity, with specific microRNA signatures involved in the pathogenesis of each disease. Many studies report the benefits promoted by exercise training in cardiovascular diseases by reducing blood pressure, glucose levels, and improving insulin signaling and lipid metabolism. The molecular mechanisms involved, however, remain poorly understood, especially regarding the participation of microRNAs in these processes. This review aimed to highlight microRNAs already known to be associated with SAH, T2D, and obesity, as well as their possible regulation by exercise training.

DNA-Functionalized Porous Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for the Construction of Self-Powered miRNA Biosensor with Target Recycling Amplification

Herein, we have developed an ultrasensitive self-powered biosensor for miRNA assay based on biofuel cells. The system is composed of indium tin oxide cathode and graphene oxide/gold nanoparticle/glucose oxidase anode. Redox probe of [Fe(CN)₆]^3- is entrapped inside porous Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles by DNA. However, in the presence of target miRNA, hybridization reaction occurs between miRNA and DNA, which initiates the release of [Fe(CN)₆]^3-. Moreover, duplex specific nuclease is further employed to trigger target recycling amplification. As a result, much more redox probes are released and the open circuit voltage is significantly increased. A "signal-on" self-powered biosensor for miRNA quantification is thus developed. The detection range is from 10 aM to 10 fM; meanwhile, the limit of detection is as low as 1.4 aM, which is superior to that in most reported methods. Therefore, the proposed biosensor is expected to be a powerful point-of-care tool for miRNA diagnostics, which may have wide applications in the future.

Targeting MicroRNA-143 Leads to Inhibition of Glioblastoma Tumor Progression

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive of all brain tumors, with a median survival of only 14 months after initial diagnosis. Novel therapeutic approaches are an unmet need for GBM treatment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Several dysregulated miRNAs have been identified in all cancer types including GBM. In this study, we aimed to uncover the role of miR-143 in GBM cell lines, patient samples, and mouse models. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR of RNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples showed that the relative expression of miR-143 was higher in GBM patients compared to control individuals. Transient transfection of GBM cells with a miR-143 oligonucleotide inhibitor (miR-143-inh) resulted in reduced cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. SLC30A8, a glucose metabolism-related protein, was identified as a direct target of miR-143 in GBM cells. Moreover, multiple injections of GBM tumor-bearing mice with a miR-143-inh-liposomal formulation significantly reduced tumor growth compared to control mice. The reduced in vitro cell growth and in vivo tumor growth following miRNA-143 inhibition suggests that miR-143 is a potential therapeutic target for GBM therapy.