Induction of miR-21 by retinoic acid in estrogen receptor-positive breast carcinoma cells: biological correlates and molecular targets

COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy: Pilot Study of Plasma MicroRNAs Associated with Inflammatory Cytokines after COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination

BACKGROUND

The impact of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines on the immunological profiles of pregnant women remains a crucial area of study. This research aims to explore the specific immunological changes triggered by these vaccines in this demographic.

METHODS

In a focused investigation, we examined the effects of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination on microRNA expression in pregnant women. Key microRNAs, including miR-451a, miR-23a-3p, and miR-21-5p, were analyzed for expression changes post-vaccination. Additionally, we assessed variations in S1RBD IgG levels and specific cytokines to gauge the broader immunological response.

RESULTS

Post-vaccination, significant expression shifts in the targeted microRNAs were observed. Alongside these changes, we noted alterations in S1RBD IgG and various cytokines, indicating an adapted inflammatory response. Notably, these immunological markers displayed no direct correlation with S1RBD IgG concentrations, suggesting a complex interaction between the vaccine and the immune system in pregnant women.

CONCLUSIONS

Our pilot study provides valuable insights into the nuanced effects of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine on immune dynamics in pregnant women, particularly emphasizing the role of microRNAs. The findings illuminate the intricate interplay between vaccines, microRNAs, and immune responses, enhancing our understanding of these relationships in the context of pregnancy. This research contributes significantly to the growing body of knowledge regarding mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and their specific impact on maternal immunology, offering a foundation for further studies in this vital area.

Protein phosphatase 2A modulation and connection with miRNAs and natural products

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a heterotrimeric holoenzyme (scaffolding, catalytic, and regulatory subunits), regulates dephosphorylation for more than half of serine/threonine phosphosites and exhibits diverse cellular functions. Although several studies on natural products and miRNAs have emphasized their impacts on PP2A regulation, their connections lack systemic organization. Moreover, only part of the PP2A family has been investigated. This review focuses on the PP2A-modulating effects of natural products and miRNAs' interactions with potential PP2A targets in cancer and non-cancer cells. PP2A-modulating natural products and miRNAs were retrieved through a literature search. Utilizing the miRDB database, potential PP2A targets of these PP2A-modulating miRNAs for the whole set (17 members) of the PP2A family were retrieved. Finally, PP2A-modulating natural products and miRNAs were linked via a literature search. This review provides systemic directions for assessing natural products and miRNAs relating to the PP2A-modulating functions in cancer and disease treatments.

miR-21 differentially regulates IL-1β and IL-10 expression in human decidual cells infected with streptococcus B

Intrauterine infections caused by bacteria like group B streptococcus (GBS) and the subsequent activation of the maternal inflammatory response have been long suspected to be the underlying cause of preterm labor. The inflammatory network triggered by maternal decidua has been widely described and includes the secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines as IL-1β and IL-10; however, the mechanisms that regulate their secretion have not been completely elucidated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical modulators of the inflammatory response by regulating cytokine expression in several cell types. Here, we explored the role of miR-21 in the expression of IL-1β and IL-10 in human decidual stromal cells (DSCs) exposed in vitro to GBS. We observed that IL1B and IL10 expression at the mRNA level was increased in DSCs after GBS infection. IL-10 but not IL-1β secretion was detected in the culture supernatants. We found a higher miR-21 expression (22-fold) in infected DSCs as compared with non-infected cells. miR-21 functional analysis revealed that DSCs transfected with an antagomiR vs. miR-21 significantly increased the secretion of IL-1β but decreased that of IL-10 in DSCs cells infected with GBS. Our results suggest that miR-21 participates in balancing the inflammatory response in infected decidua through at least IL-1β and IL-10 regulation. This is the first study attributing a functional role of miR-21 in the regulation of key molecules involved in the inflammatory response in infected DSCs, providing new insights into the epigenetic control of human decidual inflammation.

Involvement of extracellular vesicles in aging process and their beneficial effects in alleviating aging-associated symptoms

Aging is a gradual and unavoidable physiological phenomenon that manifests in the natural maturation process and continues to progress from infanthood to adulthood. Many elderly people suffer from aging-associated hematological and nonhematological disorders. Recent advances in regenerative medicine have shown new revolutionary paths of treating such diseases using stem cells; however, aging also affects the quality and competence of stem and progenitor cells themselves and ultimately directs their death or apoptosis and senescence, leading to a decline in their regenerative potential. Recent research works show that extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from different types of stem cells may provide a safe treatment for aging-associated disorders. The cargo of EVs comprises packets of information in the form of various macromolecules that can modify the fate of the target cells. To harness the true potential of EVs in regenerative medicine, it is necessary to understand how this cargo contributes to the rejuvenation of aged stem and progenitor populations and to identify the aging-associated changes in the macromolecular profile of the EVs themselves. In this review, we endeavor to summarize the current knowledge of the involvement of EVs in the aging process and delineate the role of EVs in the reversal of aging-associated phenotypes. We have also analyzed the involvement of the molecular cargo of EVs in the generation of aging-associated disorders. This knowledge could not only help us in understanding the mechanism of the aging process but could also facilitate the development of new cell-free biologics to treat aging-related disorders in the future.

Retinoic Acid Downregulates HSPB8 Gene Expression in Human Breast Cancer Cells MCF-7

Breast cancer (BC) is a serious and widespread disease for which different treatments have been developed. In addition to the classic therapies, the treatment with retinoic acid (RA) is still being clinically investigated. RA reduces cancer cells proliferation and migration, but its molecular mechanism of action is not clear. In tumor development, autophagy promotes cancer cell survival and prevents apoptosis. Small heat shock protein B8 (HSPB8) acts together with its co-chaperone BCL-2 associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) stimulating BC proliferation and migration. We analyzed whether direct correlations exist between RA and HSPB8 or BAG3 and how this may play a role in BC. We measured HSPB8 and BAG3 gene expression in MCF-7 BC cells and we analyzed the potential correlation between the antiproliferative and antimigratory effect of RA with the expression level of HSPB8. We found that in MCF-7 cells RA reduces both HSPB8 and BAG3 gene expression and it alters the mitotic spindle organization. Notably, the effects of RA on HSPB8 levels are exerted at both transcriptional and translational levels. RA effects are possibly mediated by miR-574-5p that targets the HSPB8 transcript. Our results suggest that therapeutic doses of RA can efficiently counteract the adverse effects of HSPB8 in BC progression.

Inhibition of retinoic acid receptor α phosphorylation represses the progression of triple-negative breast cancer via transactivating miR-3074-5p to target DHRS3

BACKGROUND

Retinoids are promising agents in the treatment of different types of neoplasia including estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers, whereas refractoriness/low sensitivity is observed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype. However, the reason for these diverse retinoid-sensitivity remains elusive.

METHODS

Determinants of retinoid sensitivity were investigated using immunohistochemistry of primary patient samples, and identified retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) as a putative factor. The anti-tumor activity of hypo-phosphorylated RARα was investigated in TNBC cell models and a xenograft mouse model. Next, miRNA sequencing analysis was performed to identify the target miRNA of RARα, and luciferase reporter was used to confirm the direct target gene of miR-3074-5p.

RESULTS

We discovered that serine-77 residue of RARα was constantly phosphorylated, which correlated with TNBC's resistance to retinoids. Overexpression of a phosphorylation-defective mutant RARαS77A mimicked activated RARα and repressed TNBC cell progression both in vitro and in vivo, via activating cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and cytotoxic autophagy, independent of RARα agonists. We further revealed that the anti-tumor action of RARαS77A was, at least in part, mediated by the up-regulation of miR-3074-5p, which directly targeted DHRS3, a reductase negatively associated with TNBC patient survival. Our results suggest that the inhibition of RARαS77 phosphorylation by either expressing RARαS77A or inhibiting RARα's phosphokinase CDK7, can bypass RA stimuli to transactivate tumor-suppressive miR-3074-5p and reduce oncogenic DHRS3, thus overcoming the RA-resistance of TNBC.

CONCLUSION

The novel regulatory network, involving RARαS77 phosphorylation, miR-3074-5p, and DHRS3, emerges as a new target for TNBC treatment.

The miRNA: a small but powerful RNA for COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a severe and rapidly evolving epidemic. Now, although a few drugs and vaccines have been proved for its treatment and prevention, little systematic comments are made to explain its susceptibility to humans. A few scattered studies used bioinformatics methods to explore the role of microRNA (miRNA) in COVID-19 infection. Combining these timely reports and previous studies about virus and miRNA, we comb through the available clues and seemingly make the perspective reasonable that the COVID-19 cleverly exploits the interplay between the small miRNA and other biomolecules to avoid being effectively recognized and attacked from host immune protection as well to deactivate functional genes that are crucial for immune system. In detail, SARS-CoV-2 can be regarded as a sponge to adsorb host immune-related miRNA, which forces host fall into dysfunction status of immune system. Besides, SARS-CoV-2 encodes its own miRNAs, which can enter host cell and are not perceived by the host's immune system, subsequently targeting host function genes to cause illnesses. Therefore, this article presents a reasonable viewpoint that the miRNA-based interplays between the host and SARS-CoV-2 may be the primary cause that SARS-CoV-2 accesses and attacks the host cells.

Non-Coding RNAs in Retinoic Acid as Differentiation and Disease Drivers

All-trans retinoic acid (RA) is the most active metabolite of vitamin A. Several studies have described a pivotal role for RA signalling in different biological processes such as cell growth and differentiation, embryonic development and organogenesis. Since RA signalling is highly dose-dependent, a fine-tuning regulatory mechanism is required. Thus, RA signalling deregulation has a major impact, both in development and disease, related in many cases to oncogenic processes. In this review, we focus on the impact of ncRNA post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, especially those of microRNAs and lncRNAs, in RA signalling pathways during differentiation and disease.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Limits Host Glycolysis and IL-1β by Restriction of PFK-M via MicroRNA-21

Increased glycolytic metabolism recently emerged as an essential process driving host defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), but little is known about how this process is regulated during infection. Here, we observe repression of host glycolysis in Mtb-infected macrophages, which is dependent on sustained upregulation of anti-inflammatory microRNA-21 (miR-21) by proliferating mycobacteria. The dampening of glycolysis by miR-21 is mediated through targeting of phosphofructokinase muscle (PFK-M) isoform at the committed step of glycolysis, which facilitates bacterial growth by limiting pro-inflammatory mediators, chiefly interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Unlike other glycolytic genes, PFK-M expression and activity is repressed during Mtb infection through miR-21-mediated regulation, while other less-active isoenzymes dominate. Notably, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), which drives Mtb host defense, inhibits miR-21 expression, forcing an isoenzyme switch in the PFK complex, augmenting PFK-M expression and macrophage glycolysis. These findings place the targeting of PFK-M by miR-21 as a key node controlling macrophage immunometabolic function.

Retinoic acid and microRNA

Retinoic acid (RA), the biologically active metabolite of vitamin A, regulates a vast spectrum of biological processes, such as cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and morphogenesis. microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating gene expression by binding to messenger RNA (mRNA) which leads to mRNA degradation and/or translational repression. Like RA, miRNAs regulate multiple biological processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, neurogenesis, tumorigenesis, and immunity. In fact, RA regulates the expression of many miRNAs to exert its biological functions. miRNA and RA regulatory networks have been studied in recent years. In this manuscript, we summarize literature that highlights the impact of miRNAs in RA-regulated molecular networks included in the PubMed.

MicroRNA and retinoic acid

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Retinoic acid is a metabolite of vitamin A that is necessary to maintain health in human and most of the other vertebrates. MicroRNAs (miR or miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA particles that diminish mRNA translation of various genes and so can regulate critical cell processes including cell death, proliferation, development, etc. The aim of this review is to study interrelations between retinoic acid with miRNAs.

METHODS

We reviewed and summarized all published articles in PubMed, Europe PMC, and Embase databases with any relationship between retinoic acid and miRNAs from Jun 2003 to Dec 2018 that includes 126 articles.

RESULTS

Results showed direct and indirect relationships between retinoic acid and miRNAs in various levels including effects of retinoic acid on expression of various miRNAs and miRNA-biogenesis enzymes, and effect of miRNAs on metabolism of retinoic acid.

DISCUTION AND CONCLUSION

This review indicates that retinoic acid has inter-correlations with various miRNA members and their metabolism in health and disease may require implications of the other.

Modulation of all-trans retinoic acid-induced MiRNA expression in neoplastic cell lines: a systematic review

Background

Cancer is a genetic and epigenetic disease that involves inactivation of tumor suppressor genes and activation of proto-oncogenes. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is an isomer of retinoic acid involved in the onset of differentiation and apoptosis of a number of normal and cancer cells, functioning as an anti-cancer agent in several neoplasms. Ectopic changes in the expression of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) occur in response to ATRA, leading to phenotypic alterations in neoplastic cell lines. Moreover, the modulation of miRNA patterns upon ATRA-treatment may represent an effective chemopreventive and anti-cancer therapy strategy. The present systematic review was performed to provide an overview of the modulation of ATRA-induced miRNA expression in different types of neoplastic cells and identify the efficacy of intervention factors (i.e., concentration and duration of treatment) and how they influence expression profiles of oncogenesis-targeting miRNAs.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted according to the PRISMA statement via the US National Library of Medicine MEDLINE/PubMed bibliographic search engine.

Results

The search identified 31 experimental studies involving human cell lines from nine different cancer types (neuroblastoma, acute myeloid leukemia, breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, glioma, glioblastoma, embryonal carcinoma, and colorectal cancer) treated with ATRA at concentrations ranging from 10^− 3 μmol/L to 10² μmol mol/L for 24 h to 21 days.

Conclusion

The concentrations used and the duration of treatment of cancer cells with ATRA varied widely. The presence of ATRA in the culture medium of cancer cells was able to modulate the expression of more than 300 miRNAs, and inhibit invasive behavior and deregulated growth of cancer cells, resulting in total tumor remission in some cases. ATRA may thus be broadly effective for neoplasm treatment and prevention, although these studies may not accurately represent in vivo conditions. Additional studies are required to elucidate ATRA-induced miRNA modulation during neoplasm treatment.

Bifidobacterium longum Suppresses Murine Colorectal Cancer through the Modulation of oncomiRs and Tumor Suppressor miRNAs

The modulatory role of the Bifidobacterium longum (BL), isolated from women breast milk, on some oncogenic and tumor suppressor miRNAs as well as IL-1β and IL6 targeted-miRNAs was investigated using murine colorectal cancer (CRC) induced on the top of inflammatory ulcerative colitis model. The investigation of the oncomiRs miR-21a and miR-155, which regulate IL-6 and IL-1β expression, indicated that both was depressed by BL-administration in healthy and in CRC-mice. BL-administration induced the tumor suppressor miRNAs (miR-145 and miR-15a) expression in both of the healthy and in CRC-mice. The miR-146a expression, which regulates both of IL-1β and IL-6 expression, was decreased after the BL-administration in both of the healthy and in CRC-mice. In CRC-mice, NF-Kb concentration was elevated, however this NF-Kb induction was diminished after the treatment with BL. BL highly enhanced the IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA and protein concentrations in healthy mice. The administration of BL to CRC-mice resulted in a dramatic increase in IL-1β mRNA and IL-1β concentration, which in contrast was accompanied with a decrease in the IL-6 mRNA and IL-6 concentration. BL-administration resulted in a drop in the aberrant crypt foci number in CRC-mice and increased necrosis and fibrosis of the colon cells. The modulatory influence of B. longum on microRNAs may provide an important therapeutic impact in CRC through inhibition of the proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and cell cycle of tumor cells.

Large-scale identification of functional microRNA targeting reveals cooperative regulation of the hemostatic system

Essentials MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the molecular networks controlling biological functions such as hemostasis. We utilized novel methods to analyze miRNA-mediated regulation of the hemostatic system. 52 specific miRNA interactions with 11 key hemostatic associated genes were identified. Functionality and drugability of miRNA-19b-3p against antithrombin were demonstrated in vivo. SUMMARY: Background microRNAs (miRNAs) confer robustness to complex molecular networks regulating biological functions. However, despite the involvement of miRNAs in almost all biological processes, and the importance of the hemostatic system for a multitude of actions in and beyond blood coagulation, the role of miRNAs in hemostasis is poorly defined. Objectives Here we comprehensively illuminate miRNA-mediated regulation of the hemostatic system in an unbiased manner. Methods In contrast to widely applied association studies, we used an integrative screening approach that combines functional aspects of miRNA silencing with biophysical miRNA interaction based on RNA pull-downs (miTRAP) coupled to next-generation sequencing. Results Examination of a panel of 27 hemostasis-associated gene 3'UTRs revealed the majority to possess substantial Dicer-dependent silencing capability, suggesting functional miRNA targeting. miTRAP revealed 150 specific miRNA interactions with 14 3'UTRs, of which 52, involving 40 miRNAs, were functionally confirmed. This includes cooperative miRNA regulation of key hemostatic genes comprising procoagulant (F7, F8, F11, FGA, FGG and KLKB1) and anticoagulant (SERPINA10, PROZ, SERPIND1 and SERPINC1) as well as fibrinolytic (PLG) components. Bioinformatic analysis of miRNA functionality reveals established and potential novel links between the hemostatic system and other pathologies, such as cancer, bone metabolism and renal function. Conclusions Our findings provide, along with an in-vivo proof of concept, deep insights into the network of miRNAs regulating the hemostatic system and present a foundation for biomarker discovery and novel targeted therapeutics for correction of de-regulated hemostasis and associated processes in the future. A repository of the miRNA targetome covering 14 hemostatic components is provided.

Impact of dietary compounds on cancer-related gut microbiota and microRNA

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Extensive research has been conducted on cancer; regardless, the link between cancer and diet remains undetermined. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of miRNAs in cancer-associated pathways from the perspective of dietary modulation. We highlighted the recent data on dietary modulation of gut microbiota and miRNAs related to cancer on the basis of recently published results. The targets of miRNAs are oncogenes or tumor suppressors that mediate the progression and initiation of carcinogenesis. Different miRNAs display complex expression profiles in response to dietary manipulation. Various dietary components, such as fatty acids, resveratrol, isothiocyanate, and curcumin, have been effectively used in cancer prevention and treatment. This potency is attributed to the capability of these components to alter miRNA expression, thereby modulating the vital pathways involved in metastasis, invasion, apoptosis, tumor growth, and cell proliferation.

Inhibition of miR-21-5p suppresses high glucose-induced proliferation and angiogenesis of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells by the regulation of AKT and ERK pathways via maspin

The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of miR-21-5p in angiogenesis of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs). HRMECs were incubated with 5 mM glucose, 30 mM glucose or 30 mM mannitol for 24 h, 48 h or 72 h. Then, HRMECs exposed to 30 mM glucose were transfected with miR-21-5p inhibitor. We found that high glucose increased the expression of miR-21-5p, VEGF, VEGFR2 and cell proliferation activity. Inhibition of miR-21-5p reduced high glucose-induced proliferation, migration, tube formation of HRMECs, and reversed the decreased expression of maspin as well as the abnormal activation of PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways. Down-regulation of maspin by siRNA significantly increased the activities of PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways. In conclusion, inhibition of miR-21-5p could suppress high glucose-induced proliferation and angiogenesis of HRMECs, and these effects may partly dependent on the regulation of PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways via its target protein maspin.

microRNAs in the haemostatic system: More than witnesses of thromboembolic diseases?

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. In the last few years, these molecules have been implicated in the regulation of haemostasis, and an increasing number of studies have investigated their relationship with the development of thrombosis. In this review, we discuss the latest developments regarding the role of miRNAs in the regulation of platelet function and secondary haemostasis. We also discuss the genetic and environmental factors that regulate miRNAs. Finally, we address the potential use of miRNAs as prognostic and diagnostic tools in thrombosis.

Leukemia cell-derived microvesicles induce T cell exhaustion via miRNA delivery

T cell function in cancer patients is usually impaired due to the constitutive activation of immune checkpoint inhibitors. This state is known as 'exhaustion' and is often associated with the inefficient control of tumors or persistent infections. In this work, we investigated the role of leukemia cell-derived microvesicles (MVs) in T cell exhaustion. Following incubation with MVs from various sources, all T cell subtypes exhibited the exhaustion phonotype and impaired cytokine secretion in vitro. Mice models also showed the connection between immune checkpoint inhibitors and MV injection. Sequencing and bioinformatics analyses indicated that a number of transcription factors and microRNAs (miRNAs) were attributable to the dysregulation of pathways and exhaustion in T cells. Further work revealed that functional miR-92a-3p, miR-21-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-126 and miR-182-5p in MVs could be delivered into T cells to induce the exhaustion phenotype. SerpinB2, IL-1β and CXCL5, which are mediators of the NF-κB pathway, were identified as the targets of the miRNAs mentioned above. We demonstrated that leukemia-derived MVs could initiate T cell exhaustion via the progressive temporal delivery of multiple exogenous miRNAs into T cells and the subsequent interaction of these miRNAs with their targets. Therefore, MVs can be expected not only to become new indicators of the T cell status in patients but also to be used as novel targets for personalized patient treatment.

Bioinformatics identification of dysregulated microRNAs in triple negative breast cancer based on microRNA expression profiling

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for approximately 15-20% of all breast cancer cases and is usually more aggressive with a poorer clinical outcome compared with other breast cancer subtypes. Evidence of the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer has provided an opportunity for the development of novel effective therapeutic targets in TNBC. In the present study, the miRNA expression profiles of the human breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-7 cells, was evaluated by using miRNA microarray analysis. A total of 107 differentially expressed miRNAs (57 upregulated and 50 downregulated) were identified in MDA-MB-231 cells compared with MCF-7 cells. Five prominently dysregulated miRNAs (miR-200c-3p, miR-221-3p, miR-222-3p, miR-192-5p and miR-146a) were further confirmed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, gene ontology analysis and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the dysregulated miRNAs and predicted targets were found to be involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt, and transforming growth factor-β signaling pathways, which were known to contribute to TNBC progression and metastasis. Finally, miRNA gene network analyses suggested that miR-200c may serve as a crucial miRNA in breast cancer. Taken together, these findings may provide a comprehensive view of the function of aberrant miRNAs involved in TNBC, and dysregulated miRNAs hold promise as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for patients with TNBC.

Role of MicroRNA Regulation in Obesity-Associated Breast Cancer: Nutritional Perspectives

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy diagnosed in women, and the incidence of breast cancer is increasing every year. Obesity has been identified as one of the major risk factors for breast cancer progression. The mechanisms by which obesity contributes to breast cancer development is not yet understood; however, there are a few mechanisms counted as potential producers of breast cancer in obesity, including insulin resistance, chronic inflammation and inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, and sex hormones. Recent emerging evidence suggests that alterations in microRNA (miRNA) expressions are found in several diseases, including breast cancer and obesity; however, miRNA roles in obesity-linked breast cancer are beginning to unravel. miRNAs are thought to be potential noninvasive biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of cancer patients with comorbid conditions of obesity as well as therapeutic targets. Recent studies have evidenced that nutrients and other dietary factors protect against cancer and obesity through modulation of miRNA expressions. Herein, we summarize a comprehensive overview of up-to-date information related to miRNAs and their molecular targets involved in obesity-associated breast cancer. We also address the mechanisms by which dietary factors modulate miRNA expression and its protective roles in obesity-associated breast cancer. It is hoped that this review would provide new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of obesity-associated breast cancer to reduce the burden of breast cancer.

Transcriptome integration analysis in hepatocellular carcinoma reveals discordant intronic miRNA-host gene pairs in expression

Intronic miRNAs, residing in intronic regions of host genes, are thought to be co-transcribed from their host genes and present consistent expression patterns with host genes. Recent studies reported a few intronic miRNAs with discordant expression with their host genes. We therefore aimed to understand the expression pattern of intronic miRNAs and their host genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and reveal possible associated molecular mechanisms. Our genome wide integration analysis of miRNA and mRNA transcriptomes, in three dataset from 550 patients with HCC, found that a large amount of miRNA-host gene pairs were discordantly expressed. Consistent results were also revealed in 775 breast cancer patients. Further, most of HCC-related intronic miRNAs were predicted to have distinct upstream regulators and independent proximal promoter signals from host genes. The discordant expression of representative pairs, miR-26s/CTDSPs, was validated experimentally. We have also identified the independent transcriptional start site, promoter signal, and transcriptional factor of miR-26b from its host gene. Collectively, discordant expression of intronic miRNAs and their host genes was relatively ubiquitous and the intronic miRNA “independent transcription” may partially contribute to such a phenotype.

Exosome-based immunomodulation during aging: A nano-perspective on inflamm-aging

Exosomes are nanovesicles formed by inward budding of endosomal membranes. They exert complex immunomodulatory effects on target cells, acting both as antigen-presenting vesicles and as shuttles for packets of information such as proteins, coding and non-coding RNA, and nuclear and mitochondrial DNA fragments. Albeit different, all such functions seem to be encompassed in the adaptive mechanism mediating the complex interactions of the organism with a variety of stressors, providing both for defense and for the evolution of symbiotic relationships with others organisms (gut microbiota, bacteria, and viruses). Intriguingly, the newly deciphered human virome and exosome biogenesis seem to share some physical-chemical characteristics and molecular mechanisms. Exosomes are involved in immune system recognition of self from non-self throughout life: they are therefore ideal candidate to modulate inflamm-aging, the chronic, systemic, age-related pro-inflammatory status, which influence the development/progression of the most common age-related diseases (ARDs). Not surprisingly, recent evidence has documented exosomal alteration during aging and in association with ARDs, even though data in this field are still limited. Here, we review current knowledge on exosome-based trafficking between immune cells and self/non-self cells (i.e. the virome), sketching a nano-perspective on inflamm-aging and on the mechanisms involved in health maintenance throughout life.

Current state of phenolic and terpenoidal dietary factors and natural products as non-coding RNA/microRNA modulators for improved cancer therapy and prevention

The epigenetic regulation of cancer cells by small non-coding RNA molecules, the microRNAs (miRNAs), has raised particular interest in the field of oncology. These miRNAs play crucial roles concerning pathogenic properties of cancer cells and the sensitivity of cancer cells towards anticancer drugs. Certain miRNAs are responsible for an enhanced activity of drugs, while others lead to the formation of tumor resistance. In addition, miRNAs regulate survival and proliferation of cancer cells, in particular of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), that are especially drug-resistant and, thus, cause tumor relapse in many cases. Various small molecule compounds were discovered that target miRNAs that are known to modulate tumor aggressiveness and drug resistance. This review comprises the effects of naturally occurring small molecules (phenolic compounds and terpenoids) on miRNAs involved in cancer diseases.

miR-410 controls adult SVZ neurogenesis by targeting neurogenic genes

Over-expression of the early neural inducer, Noggin, in nestin positive subventricular zone (SVZ), neural stem cells (NSC) promotes proliferation and neuronal differentiation of neural progenitors and inhibits the expression of a CNS-enriched microRNA-410 (miR-410) (Morell et al., 2015). When expressed in neurospheres derived from the adult SVZ, miR-410 inhibits neuronal and oligodendrocyte differentiation, and promotes astrocyte differentiation. miR-410 also reverses the increase in neuronal differentiation and decreased astroglial differentiation caused by Noggin over-expression. Conversely, inhibition of miR-410 activity promotes neuronal and decreases astroglial differentiation of NSC. Using computer prediction algorithms and luciferase reporter assays we identified multiple neurogenic genes including Elavl4 as downstream targets of miR-410 via the canonical miRNA-3'UTR interaction. Over-expression of Elavl4 transcripts without the endogenous 3'UTR rescued the decrease in neuronal differentiation caused by miR-410 overexpression. Interestingly, we also observed that miR-410 affected neurite morphology; over-expression of miR-410 resulted in the formation of short, unbranched neurites. We conclude that miR-410 expression provides a new link between BMP signaling and the crucial lineage choice of adult neural stem cells via its ability to bind and control the expression of neurogenic gene transcripts.

ATRA transcriptionally induces nSMase2 through CBP/p300-mediated histone acetylation

Neutral sphingomyelinase-2 (nSMase2) is a key ceramide-producing enzyme in cellular stress responses. While many posttranslational regulators of nSMase2 are known, emerging evidence suggests a more protracted regulation of nSMase2 at the transcriptional level. Previously, we reported that nSMase2 is induced by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in MCF7 cells and implicated nSMase2 in ATRA-induced growth arrest. Here, we further investigated how ATRA regulates nSMase2. We find that ATRA regulates nSMase2 transcriptionally through the retinoic acid receptor-α, but this is independent of previously identified transcriptional regulators of nSMase2 (Sp1, Sp3, Runx2) and is not through increased promoter activity. Epigenetically, the nSMase2 gene is not repressively methylated in MCF7 cells. However, inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) with trichostatin A (TSA) induced nSMase2 comparably to ATRA; furthermore, combined ATRA and TSA treatment was not additive, suggesting ATRA regulates nSMase2 through direct modulation of histone acetylation. Confirming this, the histone acetyltransferases CREB-binding protein and p300 were required for ATRA induction of nSMase2. Finally, use of class-specific HDAC inhibitors suggested that HDAC4 and/or HDAC5 are negative regulators of nSMase2 expression. Collectively, these results identify a novel pathway of nSMase2 regulation and suggest that physiological or pharmacological modulation of histone acetylation can directly affect nSMase2 levels.

MicroRNA networks regulated by all-trans retinoic acid and Lapatinib control the growth, survival and motility of breast cancer cells

SKBR3-cells, characterized by ERBB2/RARA co-amplification, represent a subgroup of HER2⁺ breast-cancers sensitive to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and Lapatinib. In this model, the two agents alone or in combination modulate the expression of 174 microRNAs (miRs). These miRs and predicted target-transcripts are organized in four interconnected modules (Module-1 to -4). Module-1 and Module-3 consist of ATRA/Lapatinib up-regulated and potentially anti-oncogenic miRs, while Module-2 contains ATRA/Lapatinib down-regulated and potentially pro-oncogenic miRs. Consistent with this, the expression levels of Module-1/-3 and Module-2 miRs are higher and lower, respectively, in normal mammary tissues relative to ductal-carcinoma-in-situ, invasive-ductal-carcinoma and metastases. This indicates associations between tumor-progression and the expression profiles of Module-1 to -3 miRs. Similar associations are observed with tumor proliferation-scores, staging, size and overall-survival using TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) data. Forced expression of Module-1 miRs, (miR-29a-3p; miR-874-3p) inhibit SKBR3-cell growth and Module-3 miRs (miR-575; miR-1225-5p) reduce growth and motility. Module-2 miRs (miR-125a; miR-193; miR-210) increase SKBR3 cell growth, survival and motility. Some of these effects are of general significance, being replicated in other breast cancer cell lines representing the heterogeneity of this disease. Finally, our study demonstrates that HIPK2-kinase and the PLCXD1-phospholipase-C are novel targets of miR-193a-5p/miR-210-3p and miR-575/miR-1225-5p, respectively.

Cellular and molecular determinants of all-trans retinoic acid sensitivity in breast cancer: Luminal phenotype and RARα expression

Forty-two cell lines recapitulating mammary carcinoma heterogeneity were profiled for all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) sensitivity. Luminal and ER⁺ (estrogen-receptor-positive) cell lines are generally sensitive to ATRA, while refractoriness/low sensitivity is associated with a Basal phenotype and HER2 positivity. Indeed, only 2 Basal cell lines (MDA-MB157 and HCC-1599) are highly sensitive to the retinoid. Sensitivity of HCC-1599 cells is confirmed in xenotransplanted mice. Short-term tissue-slice cultures of surgical samples validate the cell-line results and support the concept that a high proportion of Luminal/ER⁺ carcinomas are ATRA sensitive, while triple-negative (Basal) and HER2-positive tumors tend to be retinoid resistant. Pathway-oriented analysis of the constitutive gene-expression profiles in the cell lines identifies RARα as the member of the retinoid pathway directly associated with a Luminal phenotype, estrogen positivity and ATRA sensitivity. RARα3 is the major transcript in ATRA-sensitive cells and tumors. Studies in selected cell lines with agonists/antagonists confirm that RARα is the principal mediator of ATRA responsiveness. RARα over-expression sensitizes retinoid-resistant MDA-MB453 cells to ATRA anti-proliferative action. Conversely, silencing of RARα in retinoid-sensitive SKBR3 cells abrogates ATRA responsiveness. All this is paralleled by similar effects on ATRA-dependent inhibition of cell motility, indicating that RARα may mediate also ATRA anti-metastatic effects. We define gene sets of predictive potential which are associated with ATRA sensitivity in breast cancer cell lines and validate them in short-term tissue cultures of Luminal/ER⁺ and triple-negative tumors. In these last models, we determine the perturbations in the transcriptomic profiles afforded by ATRA. The study provides fundamental information for the development of retinoid-based therapeutic strategies aimed at the stratified treatment of breast cancer subtypes.

Extracellular vesicles from bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells transport tumor regulatory microRNA, proteins, and metabolites

Human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) have been shown to support breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, partly through their secretome. hMSCs have a remarkable ability to survive for long periods under stress, and their secretome is tumor supportive. In this study, we have characterized the cargo of extracellular vesicular (EV) fraction (that is in the size range of 40-150nm) of serum deprived hMSCs (SD-MSCs). Next Generation Sequencing assays were used to identify small RNA secreted in the EVs, which indicated presence of tumor supportive miRNA. Further assays demonstrated the role of miRNA-21 and 34a as tumor supportive miRNAs. Next, proteomic assays revealed the presence of ≈150 different proteins, most of which are known tumor supportive factors such as PDGFR-β, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2. Lipidomic assays verified presence of bioactive lipids such as sphingomyelin. Furthermore, metabolite assays identified the presence of lactic acid and glutamic acid in EVs. The co-injection xenograft assays using MCF-7 breast cancer cells demonstrated the tumor supportive function of these EVs. To our knowledge this is the first comprehensive -omics based study that characterized the complex cargo of extracellular vesicles secreted by hMSCs and their role in supporting breast cancers.

MiR-9 and miR-21 as prognostic biomarkers for recurrence in papillary thyroid cancer

Despite low mortality rates, nodal recurrence in papillary thyroid carcinoma occurs in up to 20 % of patients. Emerging evidences indicate that dysregulated microRNAs are implicated in the process of metastasis. In the present study, we investigated whether miR-9, miR-10b, miR-21 and miR-146b levels are predictive of papillary thyroid carcinoma recurrence. Using macro-dissection followed by quantitative real-time PCR, we measured miR-9, miR-10b, miR-21 and miR-146b expression levels in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples of 66 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma categorized into two groups: the recurrent group (n = 19) and the non-recurrent group (n = 47). All patients underwent total thyroidectomy and were followed for at least 120 months after surgery to be considered recurrence-free. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed using the Cox proportional hazard model in order to identify associations between multiple clinical variables and microRNA expression levels and papillary thyroid carcinoma recurrence. MiR-9 and miR-21 expression levels were found to be significant prognostic factors for recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (HR = 1.48; 95 % CI 1.24-1.77, p < 0.001; and HR = 1.52; 95 % CI 1.18-1.94, p = 0.001; respectively). Multivariate analysis involving the expression level of miR-9 and miR-21 and various clinical parameters identified the expression of these microRNAs as independent prognostic factors for papillary thyroid cancer patients. In conclusion, our results support the potential clinical value of miR-9 and miR-21 as prognostic biomarkers for recurrence in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Dehydroepiandrosterone Activation of G-protein-coupled Estrogen Receptor Rapidly Stimulates MicroRNA-21 Transcription in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Little is known about the regulation of the oncomiR miR-21 in liver. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) regulates gene expression as a ligand for a G-protein-coupled receptor and as a precursor for steroids that activate nuclear receptor signaling. We report that 10 nm DHEA increases primary miR-21 (pri-miR-21) transcription and mature miR-21 expression in HepG2 cells in a biphasic manner with an initial peak at 1 h followed by a second, sustained response from 3-12 h. DHEA also increased miR-21 in primary human hepatocytes and Hep3B cells. siRNA, antibody, and inhibitor studies suggest that the rapid DHEA-mediated increase in miR-21 involves a G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30), estrogen receptor α-36 (ERα36), epidermal growth factor receptor-dependent, pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway requiring activation of c-Src, ERK1/2, and PI3K. GPER antagonist G-15 attenuated DHEA- and BSA-conjugated DHEA-stimulated pri-miR-21 transcription. Like DHEA, GPER agonists G-1 and fulvestrant increased pri-miR-21 in a GPER- and ERα36-dependent manner. DHEA, like G-1, increased GPER and ERα36 mRNA and protein levels. DHEA increased ERK1/2 and c-Src phosphorylation in a GPER-responsive manner. DHEA increased c-Jun, but not c-Fos, protein expression after 2 h. DHEA increased androgen receptor, c-Fos, and c-Jun recruitment to the miR-21 promoter. These results suggest that physiological concentrations of DHEA activate a GPER intracellular signaling cascade that increases pri-miR-21 transcription mediated at least in part by AP-1 and androgen receptor miR-21 promoter interaction.

Circulating cell-free miRNAs as biomarker for triple-negative breast cancer

Background:

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15–20% of all breast cancer in women globally. This subtype often has early and high recurrence rates resulting in poor survival, partially due to lack of targeted therapies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify TNBC-specific biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring, and to develop more effective targeted therapy.

Methods:

By using miRCURY LNA array platform, we compared the differential miRNA expressions in plasma of patient with TNBC (n=5) and non-TNBC (n=5), as well as healthy controls (n=5). Potential miRNAs were then validated in a large cohort of patients by real-time PCR.

Results:

Ten putative miRNAs from the microarray data that differentially expressed between non-TNBC and healthy controls were identified. In the screening phase (n=90), we selected five miRNAs (miR-92a-3p, miR-342-3p, miR-16, miR-21 and miR-199a-5p) that could discriminate TNBC from non-TNBC for further validation. Results showed that miR-16, miR-21 and miR-199a-5p were underexpressed in TNBC when compared with non-TNBC, and were further validated in a large cohort (n=252). In addition, post-operative plasma levels of miR-16, miR-21 and miR-199a-5p were significantly restored when compared with pre-operative plasma of TNBC. Plasma miR-199a-5p expression in TNBC had significant difference when compared with non-TNBC and healthy controls, the receiver-operator characteristics curve analysis revealed the highest area under curve (AUC=0.8838) among all. The expression levels were associated with TNM stage and tumour subtypes.

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that miR-199a-5p could be a TNBC-specific marker with diagnostic value and provide insights into targeted therapy in the treatment of TNBC.

Inflammaging and cancer: a challenge for the Mediterranean diet

Aging is considered the major risk factor for cancer, one of the most important mortality causes in the western world. Inflammaging, a state of chronic, low-level systemic inflammation, is a pervasive feature of human aging. Chronic inflammation increases cancer risk and affects all cancer stages, triggering the initial genetic mutation or epigenetic mechanism, promoting cancer initiation, progression and metastatic diffusion. Thus, inflammaging is a strong candidate to connect age and cancer. A corollary of this hypothesis is that interventions aiming to decrease inflammaging should protect against cancer, as well as most/all age-related diseases. Epidemiological data are concordant in suggesting that the Mediterranean Diet (MD) decreases the risk of a variety of cancers but the underpinning mechanism(s) is (are) still unclear. Here we review data indicating that the MD (as a whole diet or single bioactive nutrients typical of the MD) modulates multiple interconnected processes involved in carcinogenesis and inflammatory response such as free radical production, NF-κB activation and expression of inflammatory mediators, and the eicosanoids pathway. Particular attention is devoted to the capability of MD to affect the balance between pro- and anti-inflammaging as well as to emerging topics such as maintenance of gut microbiota (GM) homeostasis and epigenetic modulation of oncogenesis through specific microRNAs.

The emerging role of microRNAs and nutrition in modulating health and disease

Understanding the molecular mechanisms that inform how diet and dietary supplements influence health and disease is an active research area. One such mechanism concerns the role of diet in modulating the activity and function of microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are small noncoding RNA molecules that are involved in posttranscriptional gene silencing and have been shown to control gene expression in diverse biological processes including development, differentiation, cell proliferation, metabolism, and inflammation as well as in human diseases. Recent evidence described in this review highlights how dietary factors may influence cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through modulation of miRNA expression. Additionally, circulating miRNAs are emerging as putative biomarkers of disease, susceptibility, and perhaps dietary exposure. Research needs to move beyond associations in cells and animals to understanding the direct effects of diet and dietary supplements on miRNA expression and function in human health and disease.

Nano metal-organic framework (NMOF)-based strategies for multiplexed microRNA detection in solution and living cancer cells

MiRNAs are an emerging type of biomarker for diagnostics and prognostics. A reliable sensing strategy that can monitor miRNA expression in living cancer cells would be critical in view of its extensive advantages for fundamental research related to miRNA-associated bioprocesses and biomedical applications. Conventional miRNA sensing methods include northern blot, microarrays and real-time quantitative PCR. However, none of them is able to monitor miRNA levels expressed in living cancer cells in a real-time fashion. Some fluorescennt biosensors developed recently from carbon nanomaterials, such as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), graphene oxide (GO), and carbon nanoparticles, have been successfully used for assaying miRNA in vitro; however the preparation processes are often expensive, complicated and time-consuming, which have motivated the research on other substitute and novel materials. Herein we present a novel sensing strategy based on peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes labeled with fluorophores and conjugated with an NMOF vehicle to monitor multiplexed miRNAs in living cancer cells. The NMOF works as a fluorescence quencher of the labelled PNA that is firmly bound with the metal center. In the presence of a target miRNA, PNA is hybridized and released from the NMOF leading to the recovery of fluorescence. This miRNA sensor not only enables the quantitative and highly specific detection of multiplexed miRNAs in living cancer cells, but it also allows the precise and in situ monitoring of the spatiotemporal changes of miRNA expression.

Epigenetic Regulation of miRNAs and Breast Cancer Stem Cells

MicroRNAs have emerged as important targets of chemopreventive strategies in breast cancer. We have found that miRNAs are dysregulated at an early stage in breast cancer, in non-malignant Ductal Carcinoma In Situ. Many dietary chemoprevention agents can act by epigenetically activating miRNA-signaling pathways involved in tumor cell proliferation and invasive progression. In addition, many miRNAs activated via chemopreventive strategies target cancer stem cell signaling and prevent tumor progression or relapse. Specifically, we have found that miRNAs regulate DCIS stem cells, which may play important roles in breast cancer progression to invasive disease. We have shown that chemopreventive agents can directly inhibit DCIS stem cells and block tumor formation in vivo, via activation of tumor suppressor miRNAs.

mRNA and miRNA regulatory networks reflective of multi-walled carbon nanotube-induced lung inflammatory and fibrotic pathologies in mice

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are known for their transient inflammatory and progressive fibrotic pulmonary effects; however, the mechanisms underlying these pathologies are unknown. In this study, we used time-series microarray data of global lung mRNA and miRNA expression isolated from C57BL/6J mice exposed by pharyngeal aspiration to vehicle or 10, 20, 40, or 80 µg MWCNT at 1, 7, 28, or 56 days post-exposure to determine miRNA and mRNA regulatory networks that are potentially involved in MWCNT-induced inflammatory and fibrotic lung etiology. Using a non-negative matrix factorization method, we determined mRNAs and miRNAs with expression profiles associated with pathology patterns of MWCNT-induced inflammation (based on bronchoalveolar lavage score) and fibrosis (based on Sirius Red staining measured with quantitative morphometric analysis). Potential binding targets between pathology-related mRNAs and miRNAs were identified using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and the miRTarBase, miRecords, and TargetScan databases. Using these experimentally validated and predicted binding targets, we were able to build molecular signaling networks that are potentially reflective of and play a role in MWCNT-induced lung inflammatory and fibrotic pathology. As understanding the regulatory networks between mRNAs and miRNAs in different disease states would be beneficial for understanding the complex mechanisms of pathogenesis, these identified genes and pathways may be useful for determining biomarkers of MWCNT-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis for early detection of disease.

Retinoic acid and cancer treatment

Retinoic acid which belongs to the retinoid class of chemical compounds is an important metabolite of vitamin A in diets. It is currently understood that retinoic acid plays important roles in cell development and differentiation as well as cancer treatment. Lung, prostate, breast, ovarian, bladder, oral, and skin cancers have been demonstrated to be suppressed by retinoic acid. Our results also show that low doses and high doses of retinoic acid may respectively cause cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of cancer cells. Also, the common cell cycle inhibiting protein, p27, and the new cell cycle regulator, Cdk5, are involved in retinoic acid’s effects. These results provide new evidence indicating that the molecular mechanisms of/in retinoic acid may control cancer cells’ fates. Since high doses of retinoic acid may lead to cytotoxicity, it is probably best utilized as a potential supplement in one’s daily diet to prevent or suppress cancer progression. In this review, we have collected numerous references demonstrating the findings of retinoic acid in melanoma, hepatoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. We hope these observations will shed light on the future investigation of retinoic acid in cancer prevention and therapy.

MicroRNAs in cancer therapeutic response: Friend and foe

Cancer initiation and development engage extremely complicated pathological processes which involve alterations of a large number of cell signaling cascades and functional networks in temporal and spatial orders. During last decades, microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, have emerged as critical players in cancer pathogenesis and progression by modulating many pathological aspects related to tumor development, growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. The major function of miRNAs is to post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression depending on recognition of complementary sequence residing in target mRNAs. Commonly, a particular miRNA recognition sequence could be found in a number of genes, which allows a single miRNA to regulate multiple functionally connected genes simultaneously and/or chronologically. Furthermore, a single gene can be targeted and regulated by multiple miRNAs. However, previous studies have demonstrated that miRNA functions are highly context-dependent, which leads to distinct pathological outcomes in different types of cancer as well as at different stages by alteration of the same miRNA. Here we summarize recent progress in studies on miRNA function in cancer initiation, metastasis and therapeutic response, focusing on breast cancer. The varying functions of miRNAs and potential application of using miRNAs as biomarkers as well as therapeutic approaches are further discussed in the context of different cancers.

Dehydroepiandrosterone-induces miR-21 transcription in HepG2 cells through estrogen receptor β and androgen receptor

Although oncomiR miR-21 is highly expressed in liver and overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), its regulation is uncharacterized. We examined the effect of physiologically relevant nanomolar concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) on miR-21 expression in HepG2 human hepatoma cells. 10nM DHEA and DHEA-S increase pri-miR-21 transcription in HepG2 cells. Dietary DHEA increased miR-21 in vivo in mouse liver. siRNA and inhibitor studies suggest that DHEA-S requires desulfation for activity and that DHEA-induced pri-miR-21 transcription involves metabolism to androgen and estrogen receptor (AR and ER) ligands. Activation of ERβ and AR by DHEA metabolites androst-5-ene-3,17-dione (ADIONE), androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol (ADIOL), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and 5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol (3β-Adiol) increased miR-21 transcription. DHEA-induced miR-21 increased cell proliferation and decreased Pdcd4 protein, a bona fide miR-21. Estradiol (E2) inhibited miR-21 expression via ERα. DHEA increased ERβ and AR recruitment to the miR-21 promoter within the VMP1/TMEM49 gene, with possible significance in hepatocellular carcinoma.

High expression of miR-21 in triple-negative breast cancers was correlated with a poor prognosis and promoted tumor cell in vitro proliferation

The triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), with a particularly poor prognosis, is increasingly recognized as heterogeneous in molecular signatures. MicroRNA expression profiles have been used for the classification and prognostication of breast cancer, numerous significantly upregulated microRNAs, i.e. miR-21, have been verified oncogenic in non-TNBCs. In present study, we determined the miR-21 levels in TNBC specimens, and TNBC cell levels in vitro, and then identified the role of miR-21 on tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, and then identified PTEN as the possible target of the microRNA. It was shown that miR-21 expression is upregulated generally, and heterogeneous in TNBC specimens, posing a correlation with poor prognosis for TNBC patients. Further results demonstrated that the upregulated miR-21 promoted the tumor proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis in vitro. And pro-apoptotic PTEN had been shown being targeted and downregulated. Therefore, our finding emphasized the oncogenic role of miR-21 in TNBC.

Niacin in pharmacological doses alters microRNA expression in skeletal muscle of obese Zucker rats

Administration of pharmacological niacin doses was recently reported to have pronounced effects on skeletal muscle gene expression and phenotype in obese Zucker rats, with the molecular mechanisms underlying the alteration of gene expression being completely unknown. Since miRNAs have been shown to play a critical role for gene expression through inducing miRNA-mRNA interactions which results in the degradation of specific mRNAs or the repression of protein translation, we herein aimed to investigate the influence of niacin at pharmacological doses on the miRNA expression profile in skeletal muscle of obese Zucker rats fed either a control diet with 30 mg supplemented niacin/kg diet or a high-niacin diet with 780 mg supplemented niacin/kg diet for 4 wk. miRNA microarray analysis revealed that 42 out of a total of 259 miRNAs were differentially expressed (adjusted P-value <0.05), 20 being down-regulated and 22 being up-regulated, between the niacin group and the control group. Using a biostatistics approach, we could demonstrate that the most strongly up-regulated (log2 ratio ≥0.5) and down-regulated (log2 ratio ≤-0.5) miRNAs target approximately 1,800 mRNAs. Gene-term enrichment analysis showed that many of the predicted target mRNAs from the most strongly regulated miRNAs were involved in molecular processes dealing with gene transcription such as DNA binding, transcription regulator activity, transcription factor binding and in important regulatory pathways such as Wnt signaling and MAPK signaling. In conclusion, the present study shows for the first time that pharmacological niacin doses alter the expression of miRNAs in skeletal muscle of obese Zucker rats and that the niacin-regulated miRNAs target a large set of genes and pathways which are involved in gene regulatory activity indicating that at least some of the recently reported effects of niacin on skeletal muscle gene expression and phenotype in obese Zucker rats are mediated through miRNA-mRNA interactions.

Many Roles of CCL20: Emphasis on Breast Cancer

CCL20 or MIP3α is a small ~8 kDa protein primarily expressed in the liver, colon, prostate, cervix, and skin. The cellular receptor for CCL20 is CCR6. CCl20 unlike many other cytokines only binds CCR6, making the CCL20/CCR6 pathway an attractive drug target. Since the initial discovery of CCL20 in the early 1990's, there has been an increase in the evidence implicating the chemokine and its receptor in a number of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and human immunodeficiency virus infection. CCL20 has also been linked to malignancies such as ovarian, colorectal and pancreatic cancers. CCL20 can also attract tumor-promoting immune-suppressive cells to the tumor microenvironment, which may contribute to the immune evasive potential of the tumor and tumor progression.