A novel CCCH-zinc finger protein family regulates proinflammatory activation of macrophages

The RNA-Binding Proteins MCPIP2 and IGF2BP1 Competitively Modulate Breast Tumor Angiogenesis by Antagonizing VEGFA mRNA Stability and Expression

Tumor angiogenesis is essential for further growth and metastasis of solid tumors. However, the mechanisms underlying angiogenesis-related gene expression have yet to be clarified. Here, we discovered RNA-binding proteins monocyte chemotactic protein-induced protein 2 (MCPIP2) and insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) function as a pair of antagonists that modulate breast tumor angiogenesis by competitively regulating mRNA stability of proangiogenic gene transcripts, including vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2), interleukin-8 (IL8), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), and ephrin A1 (EFNA1). Mechanistically, MCPIP2 physically interacted with the stem-loop structures in the 3'-untranslated region of proangiogenic transcripts through its RNase domain to destabilize their mRNAs. Ribosomal proteins might be required for MCPIP2-mediated destabilization of proangiogenic mRNAs. On the other hand, IGF2BP1 can stabilize the proangiogenic mRNAs by binding to the common RNA stem-loop structures. Furthermore, we found that MCPIP2 expression in human breast tumors was repressed, whereas IGF2BP1 expression increased. Lower MCPIP2 expression and higher IGF2BP1 expression in human breast tumors were significantly associated with poor survival of breast cancer patients, respectively. Notably, there was a reversed correlation relationship between MCPIP2, IGF2BP1 expression, and proangiogenic gene expression in human breast tumor samples. Collectively, our results elucidate a novel mechanism by which MCPIP2 and IGF2BP1 competitively modulate the expression of proangiogenic transcripts, which provides new insights into antiangiogenic therapy of breast cancer.

ZC3H12D gene expression exhibits dual effects on the development and progression of lung adenocarcinoma

While precision oncology requires robust biomarkers, current predictors for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) often show limited clinical utility. This study investigates the multifaceted roles of ZC3H12D, a novel immunomodulatory molecule, in LUAD progression and tumor microenvironment regulation. Multi-omics analyses integrated ZC3H12D transcriptomic (511 tumors vs 59 normals), proteomic (74 tumors vs 69 normals), and single-cell RNA-seq data (15 tumors vs 11 normals). Immunohistochemistry validated ZC3H12D expression in 51 matched pairs. Computational biology approaches assessed immune infiltration, genomic instability (TMB/MSI/HRD), and pathway enrichment. Functional validation employed ZC3H12D knockdown in PC9 cells with colony formation and transwell assays. Multi-omics verification confirmed ZC3H12D upregulation in LUAD at both mRNA and protein levels (p < 0.001), with single-cell resolution revealing predominant localization in tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Moreover, ZC3H12D expression positively correlated with immune regulatory genes while inversely associating with genes involved in cellular respiration. Its expression was also linked to clinical markers such as TMB, MSI, HRD, tumor purity, and ploidy. Notably, high ZC3H12D expression revealed Immune-infiltrated microenvironment and favorable prognosis, despite silencing ZC3H12D resulted in significant inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and invasion in vitro (p < 0.001). Our findings demonstrate that high ZC3H12D expression in immune cells appears to enhance antitumor immune activity, whereas lower expression in malignant cells contributes to reduced cellular proliferation and migration. This spatial duality challenges conventional biomarker paradigms and provides mechanistic insights for developing cell type-targeted therapies.

A dual-fluorescence assay for gene delivery vehicle screening in macrophages with an inflammation-inducible reporter construct

Background

Macrophages are a promising target for therapeutics in various applications such as regenerative medicine and immunotherapy for cancer. Due to their plastic nature, macrophages can switch from a non-activated state to activated with the smallest environmental change. For macrophages to be effective in their respective applications, screening for phenotypic changes is necessary to elucidate the cell response to different delivery vehicles, vaccines, small molecules, and other stimuli.

Methods

We created a sensitive and dynamic high-throughput screening method for macrophages based on the activation of NF-κB. For this reporter, we placed an mRFP1 fluorescence gene under the control of an inflammatory promoter, which recruits NF-κB response elements to promote expression during the inflammatory response in macrophages. We characterized the inflammatory reporter based on key markers of an inflammatory response in macrophages including TNF-α cytokine release and immunostaining for inflammatory and non-inflammatory cell surface markers. We compared gene delivery and inflammation of several clinically relevant viral vehicles and commercially available non-viral vehicles. Statistical analysis between groups was performed with a one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey's test.

Results

The reporter macrophages demonstrated a dynamic range after LPS stimulation with an EC50 of 0.61 ng/mL that was highly predictive of TNF-α release. Flow cytometry revealed heterogeneity between groups but confirmed population level shifts in pro-inflammatory markers. Finally, we demonstrated utility of the reporter by showing divergent effects with various leading gene delivery vehicles.

Discussion

This screening technique developed here provides a dynamic, high-throughput screening technique for determining inflammatory response by mouse macrophages to specific stimuli. The method presented here provides insight into the inflammatory response in mouse macrophages to different viral and non-viral gene delivery methods and provides a tool for high-throughput screening of novel vehicles.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s44330-025-00030-x.

Molecular dynamics of inflammation resolution: therapeutic implications

Inflammation is a critical part of innate immune response that is essential for exclusion of harmful stimuli and restoration of tissue homeostasis. Nonetheless, failure to resolve inflammation results in chronic inflammatory conditions, including autoimmune diseases. Conventionally, resolution of inflammation was deemed a passive process; however, evidence indicates that it entails active, highly regulated molecular and cellular events involving efferocytosis-driven macrophage reprogramming, post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms and the production of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). These processes collectively restore tissue homeostasis and prevent chronic inflammation. Emerging therapeutic approaches targeting these pathways demonstrate promising results in preclinical studies and clinical trials, enhancing resolution and improving overall disease outcome. This resulted in a paradigm shift from conventional anti-inflammatory strategies to resolution-focused treatment. Yet, challenges remain due to the complexity of resolution mechanisms and tissue-specific differences. This review summarizes current advances in inflammation resolution, emphasizing emerging concepts of resolution pharmacology. By employing endogenous mechanisms facilitating resolution, novel therapeutic applications can effectively manage several chronic inflammatory disorders.

The roles of maternal one-carbon metabolism and placental imprinted gene expression in placental development and somatic growth in a longitudinal birth cohort

OBJECTIVES

One-carbon nutrients and imprinted genes both play critical roles in placental development and somatic growth. We aimed to examine (1) the impact of maternal one-carbon nutrition on placental imprinted gene expression, placental development, and infant growth and (2) interactions between one-carbon nutrients and imprinted genes in placental development and infant growth.

METHODS

Women were interviewed prenatally about demographics and their alcohol, smoking, and drug use during pregnancy in a prospective longitudinal cohort study examining developmental effects of prenatal alcohol exposure in Cape Town, South Africa (N = 158). Erythrocyte folate, serum vitamin B12, and plasma choline concentrations were assayed at recruitment. Infant weight and height were assessed at age 2 weeks. Placental histopathology exams and placental expression of 109 imprinted genes (Nanostring) were assessed (n = 65).

RESULTS

In limma tests, women with plasma choline concentrations below the median had lower placental expression of EPS15, IGF2R, LINC00657, SGCE, ZC3H12C, and ZNF264 than women above the median (p < 0.05, FDR<0.10). In regression models adjusted for potential confounders, plasma choline (μM) was associated with larger placental weight (g) (B = 14.0(1.9, 26.2)) and reduced maternal vascular underperfusion (MVU) prevalence (B = -0.07(-0.12, -0.02). Trends were seen for mediation of the relation between choline and MVU by decreased LINC00657, ZC3H12C, and ZNF264 expression. In regression models examining plasma cholineXimprinted gene expression interaction effects, plasma choline modified relations of EPS15, ZC3H12C, and ZNF264 to placental weight and fetal growth.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest maternal choline status may impact placental and fetal development, with imprinted genes playing potential mechanistic roles.

MCPIP3 orchestrates the balance of epidermal proliferation and differentiation

BACKGROUND

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-induced protein 3 (MCPIP3), also called Regnase-3 and encoded by the ZC3H12C gene, is a member of the MCPIP family of RNases. Previous studies showed that MCPIP1 in keratinocytes plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of skin integrity and immunological function. Given that the expression of MCPIP3, similar to that of MCPIP1, is increased in psoriatic lesions compared with uninvolved skin, a role of MCPIP3 in the regulation of keratinocyte and epidermal biology was hypothesized.

METHODS

This study aimed to investigate the specific function of the MCPIP3 protein in the skin. The expression pattern of MCPIP3 was studied in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) subjected to in vitro differentiation and upon stimulation with proinflammatory factors. Mice with keratinocyte-specific deletion of MCPIP3 (Mcpip3loxP/loxPKrt14Cre; MCPIP3EKO) were generated and characterized. The response of the skin of MCPIP3EKO mice to imiquimod (IMQ) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) was investigated. The expression levels of key modulators of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation were measured in MCPIP3EKO model mice and in NHEKs transiently transfected with MCPIP3-specific siRNA. Reporter assays were used to identify direct targets of MCPIP3 nucleolytic activity.

RESULTS

In human keratinocytes, the expression of ZC3H12C/MCPIP3 was rapidly induced by stimulation with TPA, IL-17a, IL-36α, and TNF-α. Although mice with keratinocyte-specific deletion of MCPIP3 (MCPIP3EKO) did not develop skin inflammation, they displayed abnormalities in skin morphology. Stimulation with IMQ and TPA exacerbated epidermal hyperplasia caused by keratinocyte-specific deficiency of MCPIP3 and led to abnormal epidermal differentiation. The expression levels of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation markers, such as keratin-14, cyclin B1, involucrin, and the S100 calcium-binding proteins S100A7/A9, were increased in NHEKs in which MCPIP3 expression was silenced. MCPIP3 negatively regulates the level of cyclin B1 mRNA via direct nucleolytic cleavage within its 3' untranslated region.

CONCLUSIONS

The MCPIP3 protein modulates the balance of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and functions as a regulator of epidermal morphology in vivo.

TUT7-Mediated Uridine Degradation of MCPIP1 in the Pterygium to Regulate TRAF6-Mediated Autophagy

Purpose

Pterygium is a prevalent ocular disorder characterized by the proliferation of fibrovascular tissue beneath the conjunctiva. The precise role of monocyte chemotactic protein-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1) in the pterygium remains elusive.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and quantitative RT-PCR were used to analyze the expression of MCPIP1 and other regulators. The role of MCPIP1 in pterygium fibrosis was assessed both in vitro and in vivo. Further, Co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination assays were performed to investigate the impact of MCPIP1 on the TRAF6-BECN1 signaling pathway. The role of MCPIP1 in autophagy regulation was studied through immunofluorescence experiments, while transwell migration and wound-healing assays were employed to assess the migratory and proliferative capabilities of human pterygium fibroblast (HPF) cells. Additionally, in vitro transcription and uridylylation experiments provided mechanistic insights into the regulatory role of terminal uridyltransferase 7 (TUT7) on MCPIP1 mRNA.

Results

The results showed that MCPIP1 negatively regulates the fibrosis and autophagy of HPF cells, thereby inhibiting the development of pterygium. In terms of its mechanism, MCPIP1 facilitated the assembly of the TRAF6-BECN1 complex, augmented BECN1 ubiquitination, induced autophagy, and attenuated cell migration and proliferation abilities while suppressing HPFs' cell fibrosis. The function of MCPIP1 was weakened by TUT7, which reduced the stability of MCPIP1 mRNA and thus alleviated the negative regulatory effect of MCPIP1 on pterygium.

Conclusions

In summary, the current study revealed that MCPIP1 promotes autophagy by positively regulating the TRAF6-BECN1 signaling pathway, thereby suppressing pterygium development. Conversely, TUT7 uridylylation modulated MCPIP1's regulation of pterygium.

ZC3H12D upregulation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a potential prognostic biomarker associated with immune infiltration

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common malignant tumor that poses a major hazard to people's health. ZC3H12D, which belongs to the family of CCCH-type zinc finger-containing proteins, is a negative regulator with a key function in immune modulation. However, it is still unclear how ZC3H12D affects the immune infiltration and prognosis of HNSCC. In this study, the data obtained from various databases were used to assess ZC3H12D expression in HNSCC and in various tumors under the HNSCC classification. The association between clinical features and ZC3H12D expression in HNSCC was evaluated using the UALCAN database. Additionally, a ROC curve was employed to analyze the diagnostic value of ZC3H12D. The effect of ZC3H12D on prognosis was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox analysis, and the nomogram model. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were employed to investigate the underlying role of ZC3H12D in HNSCC. The association between ZC3H12D expression and the tumor microenvironment and immune checkpoints were investigated by TIMER2 and Tumor Immune Single Cell Hub 2 databases and various packages in R. The findings demonstrated a significant up-regulation of ZC3H12D expression in HNSCC, while ZC3H12D expression was found to be associated with clinical parameters. Our study also demonstrated that ZC3H12D could act as a potential prognostic biomarker for HNSCC, especially oral squamous cell carcinoma. Additional analyses have shown that ZC3H12D was associated with common immune checkpoint genes and may be related to immune infiltration in HNSCC.

Non-vesicular extracellular RNA: A potential drug target to intervene cell-cell communication

The importance of non-vesicular extracellular RNA in the mammalian system is becoming increasingly apparent. Non-vesicular extracellular RNA is defined as RNA molecules not included in a lipid bilayer such as exosomes. Because non-vesicular extracellular RNA is not protected from RNases and is therefore rapidly degraded, they were not easily captured by conventional biofluid analyses. Recent publications showed that some non-vesicular extracellular RNAs are relatively stable in biofluids or tissue culture media, and they have unique biological functions. Major RNAs (rRNA, mRNA, and tRNA) and other non-cording RNAs play important roles in transcription or translation in the cell. In contrast, non-vesicular extracellular RNA has functions related to intercellular communication rather than protein synthesis. This review discusses the basics of non-vesicular extracellular RNA, including its definition, purification, receptors, and future prospects as a drug target.

Regnase-1 D141N mutation induces CD4+ T cell-mediated lung granuloma formation via upregulation of Pim2

Regnase-1 is an RNase that plays a critical role in negatively regulating immune responses by destabilizing inflammatory messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Dysfunction of Regnase-1 can be a major cause of various inflammatory diseases with tissue injury and immune cell infiltration into organs. This study focuses on the role of the RNase activity of Regnase-1 in developing inflammatory diseases. We have constructed mice with a single point mutation at the catalytic center of the Regnase-1 RNase domain, which lacks endonuclease activity. D141N mutant mice demonstrated systemic inflammation, immune cell infiltration into various organs, and progressive development of lung granuloma. CD4+ T cells, mainly affected by this mutation, upregulated the mTORC1 pathway and facilitated the autoimmune trait in the D141N mutation. Moreover, serine/threonine kinase Pim2 contributed to lung inflammation in this mutation. Inhibition of Pim2 kinase activity ameliorated granulomatous inflammation, immune cell infiltration, and proliferation in the lungs. Additionally, Pim2 inhibition reduced the expression of adhesion molecules on CD4+ T cells, suggesting a role for Pim2 in facilitating leukocyte adhesion and migration to inflamed tissues. Our findings provide new insights into the role of Regnase-1 RNase activity in controlling immune functions and underscore the therapeutic relevance of targeting Pim2 to modulate abnormal immune responses.

DNA methylation clocks for estimating biological age in Chinese cohorts

Epigenetic clocks are accurate predictors of human chronological age based on the analysis of DNA methylation (DNAm) at specific CpG sites. However, a systematic comparison between DNA methylation data and other omics datasets has not yet been performed. Moreover, available DNAm age predictors are based on datasets with limited ethnic representation. To address these knowledge gaps, we generated and analyzed DNA methylation datasets from two independent Chinese cohorts, revealing age-related DNAm changes. Additionally, a DNA methylation aging clock (iCAS-DNAmAge) and a group of DNAm-based multi-modal clocks for Chinese individuals were developed, with most of them demonstrating strong predictive capabilities for chronological age. The clocks were further employed to predict factors influencing aging rates. The DNAm aging clock, derived from multi-modal aging features (compositeAge-DNAmAge), exhibited a close association with multi-omics changes, lifestyles, and disease status, underscoring its robust potential for precise biological age assessment. Our findings offer novel insights into the regulatory mechanism of age-related DNAm changes and extend the application of the DNAm clock for measuring biological age and aging pace, providing the basis for evaluating aging intervention strategies.

Unlocking the power of Zc3h12c: Orchestrating Macrophage activation and elevating the innate immune response

The activation of macrophages, essential for the innate defense against invading pathogens, revolves around Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Nevertheless, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing TLR signaling in the course of macrophage activation remains to be fully clarified. Although Zc3h12c was originally identified as being enriched in organs associated with macrophages, its precise function remains elusive. In this study, we observed a significant induction of Zc3h12c in macrophages following stimulation with TLR agonists and pathogens. Overexpression of Zc3h12c significantly mitigated the release of TNF-α and IL-6 triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), whereas depletion of Zc3h12c increased the production of the cytokines mentioned above. Notably, the expression of IFN-β was not influenced by Zc3h12c. Luciferase reporter assays revealed that Zc3h12c could suppress the TNF-α promoter activity. Moreover, Zc3h12c exerted a notable inhibitory effect on JNK, ERK, p38, and NF-κB signaling induced by LPS. In summary, the findings of our study suggest that Zc3h12c functions as a robust suppressor of innate immunity, potentially playing a role in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases.

The role of ZC3H12D-regulated TLR4-NF-κB pathway in LPS-induced pro-inflammatory microglial activation

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an important neurotoxin that can cause inflammatory activation of microglia. ZC3H12D is a novel immunomodulator, which plays a remarkable role in neurological pathologies. It has not been characterized whether ZC3H12D is involved in the regulation of microglial activation. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ZC3H12D in LPS-induced pro-inflammatory microglial activation and its potential mechanism. To elucidate this, we established animal models of inflammatory injury by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg/kg). The results of the open-field test showed that LPS caused impaired motor function in mice. Meanwhile, LPS caused pro-inflammatory activation of microglia in the mice cerebral cortex and inhibited the expression of ZC3H12D. We also constructed in vitro inflammatory injury models by treating BV-2 microglia with LPS (0.5 μg/mL). The results showed that down-regulated ZC3H12D expression was associated with LPS-induced pro-inflammatory microglial activation, and further intervention of ZC3H12D expression could inhibited LPS-induced pro-inflammatory activation of microglia. In addition, LPS activated the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway, and this process can also be reversed by promoting ZC3H12D expression. At the same time, the addition of resveratrol, a nutrient previously proven to inhibit pro-inflammatory microglial activation, can also reverse this process by increasing the expression of ZC3H12D. Summarized, our data elucidated that ZC3H12D in LPS-induced pro-inflammatory activation of brain microglia via restraining the TLR4-NF-κB pathway. This study may provide a valuable clue for potential therapeutic targets for neuroinflammation-related injuries.

Characterizing structural variants based on graph-genotyping provides insights into pig domestication and local adaption

Structural variants (SVs), such as deletions (DELs) and insertions (INSs), contribute substantially to pig genetic diversity and phenotypic variation. Using a library of SVs discovered from long-read primary assemblies and short-read sequenced genomes, we map pig genomic SVs with a graph-based method for re-genotyping SVs in 402 genomes. Our results demonstrate that those SVs harboring specific trait-associated genes may greatly shape pig domestication and local adaptation. Further characterization of SVs reveals that some population-stratified SVs may alter the transcription of genes by affecting regulatory elements. We identify that the genotypes of two DELs (296-bp DEL, chr7: 52,172,101-52,172,397; 278-bp DEL, chr18: 23,840,143-23,840,421) located in muscle-specific enhancers are associated with the expression of target genes related to meat quality (FSD2) and muscle fiber hypertrophy (LMOD2 and WASL) in pigs. Our results highlight the role of SVs in domestic porcine evolution, and the identified candidate functional genes and SVs are valuable resources for future genomic research and breeding programs in pigs.

Regnase-1 overexpression as a therapeutic approach of Marfan syndrome

Rupture or dissection of thoracic aortic aneurysms is still the leading cause of death for patients diagnosed with Marfan syndrome. Inflammation and matrix digestion regulated by matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) play a major role in the pathological remodeling of the aortic media. Regnase-1 is an endoribonuclease shown to cleave the mRNA of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6. Considering the major anti-inflammatory effects of regnase-1, here, we aimed to determine whether adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated vascular overexpression of the protein could provide protection from the development and progression of aortic aneurysms in Marfan syndrome. The overexpression of regnase-1 resulted in a marked decrease in inflammatory parameters and elastin degradation in aortic smooth muscle cells in vitro. Intravenous injection of a vascular-targeted AAV vector resulted in the efficient transduction of the aortic wall and overexpression of regnase-1 in a murine model of Marfan syndrome, associated with lower circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines and decreased MMP expression and activity. Regnase-1 overexpression strongly improved elastin architecture in the media and reduced aortic diameter at distinct locations. Therefore, AAV-mediated regnase-1 overexpression may represent a novel gene therapy approach for inhibiting aortic aneurysms in Marfan syndrome.

Suppression of TCF4 promotes a ZC3H12A-mediated self-sustaining inflammatory feedback cycle involving IL-17RA/IL-17RE epidermal signaling

IL-17C is an epithelial cell-derived proinflammatory cytokine whose transcriptional regulation remains unclear. Analysis of the IL17C promoter region identified TCF4 as putative regulator, and siRNA knockdown of TCF4 in human keratinocytes (KCs) increased IL17C. IL-17C stimulation of KCs (along with IL-17A and TNF-α stimulation) decreased TCF4 and increased NFKBIZ and ZC3H12A expression in an IL-17RA/RE-dependent manner, thus creating a feedback loop. ZC3H12A (MCPIP1/Regnase-1), a transcriptional immune-response regulator, also increased following TCF4 siRNA knockdown, and siRNA knockdown of ZC3H12A decreased NFKBIZ, IL1B, IL36G, CCL20, and CXCL1, revealing a proinflammatory role for ZC3H12A. Examination of lesional skin from the KC-Tie2 inflammatory dermatitis mouse model identified decreases in TCF4 protein concomitant with increases in IL-17C and Zc3h12a that reversed following the genetic elimination of Il17c, Il17ra, and Il17re and improvement in the skin phenotype. Conversely, interference with Tcf4 in KC-Tie2 mouse skin increased Il17c and exacerbated the inflammatory skin phenotype. Together, these findings identify a role for TCF4 in the negative regulation of IL-17C, which, alone and with TNF-α and IL-17A, feed back to decrease TCF4 in an IL-17RA/RE-dependent manner. This loop is further amplified by IL-17C-TCF4 autocrine regulation of ZC3H12A and IL-17C regulation of NFKBIZ to promote self-sustaining skin inflammation.

MCPIP-1 knockdown enhances endothelial colony-forming cell angiogenesis via the TFRC/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the ischemic penumbra of MCAO mice

Cerebral ischemia is a serious disease characterized by brain tissue ischemia and hypoxic necrosis caused by the blockage of blood vessels within the central nervous system. Although stem cell therapy is a promising approach for treating ischemic stroke, the inflammatory, oxidative, and hypoxic environment generated by cerebral ischemia greatly reduces the survival and therapeutic effects of transplanted stem cells. Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) are a class of precursor cells with strong proliferative potential that can migrate and differentiate directly into mature vascular endothelial cells. Consequently, ECFCs can exert significant therapeutic and reparative effects in diseases associated with vascular injury. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-induced protein 1 (MCPIP-1) exerts multiple biological effects; however, no studies have yet reported its role in the angiogenic function of ECFCs. In this study, we performed Proteome Profiler™ Human Angiogenesis Antibody arrays and tandem mass tag protein profiling to investigate the effect of MCPIP-1 on ECFCs. We demonstrated that MCPIP-1 knockdown enhanced the proliferation, migration, and in vivo and in vitro angiogenic capacity of ECFCs by upregulating the transferrin receptor-activated AKT/m-TOR signaling pathway to promote cellular trophic factor secretion. Furthermore, we found that the lateral ventricular transplantation of ECFCs with lentiviral MCPIP-1 knockdown into mice with middle cerebral artery occlusion increased serum vacular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), angiopoietin-1, and HIF-1a levels, enhanced neovascularization and neurogenesis in the ischemic penumbra, reduced the size of cerebral infarcts, and promoted neurological recovery. Together, these findings suggest new avenues for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of ECFCs.

The central inflammatory regulator IκBζ: induction, regulation and physiological functions

IκBζ (encoded by NFKBIZ) is the most recently identified IkappaB family protein. As an atypical member of the IkappaB protein family, NFKBIZ has been the focus of recent studies because of its role in inflammation. Specifically, it is a key gene in the regulation of a variety of inflammatory factors in the NF-KB pathway, thereby affecting the progression of related diseases. In recent years, investigations into NFKBIZ have led to greater understanding of this gene. In this review, we summarize the induction of NFKBIZ and then elucidate its transcription, translation, molecular mechanism and physiological function. Finally, the roles played by NFKBIZ in psoriasis, cancer, kidney injury, autoimmune diseases and other diseases are described. NFKBIZ functions are universal and bidirectional, and therefore, this gene may exert a great influence on the regulation of inflammation and inflammation-related diseases.

Huoluo Xiaoling Pellet promotes microglia M2 polarization through increasing MCPIP1 expression for ischemia stroke alleviation

Huoluo Xiaoling Pellet (HXP), a Chinese patent medicine, is commonly administered for the treatment of treat ischemic strokes. MCPIP1, an inducible suppressor of the inflammatory response, is a regulator of microglial M2 polarization. This study aimed to explore whether HXP can promote microglial M2 polarization by upregulating MCPIP1 expression, consequently mitigating cerebral ischemic injury. Our study involved 85 Sprague-Dawley rats (weighing 250-280 g). We established middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and oxygen-glucose deprivation-reoxygenation (OGD/R) models with MCPIP1 knockdown to assess the effects of HXP on ischemic strokes. Our findings show that HXP reduced brain water content, improved neurological function, and inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors in the brain tissues of MCAO rats. The neuroprotective effects of HXP on cerebral ischemic injuries were compromised by MCPIP1 knockdown. Immunofluorescence results indicated that the expression of microglia marker Iba1 and M2 phenotypic marker CD206 was upregulated in MCAO rats and OGD/R-treated microglia. Administration of HXP significantly reduced Iba1 expression and facilitated CD206 expression, an effect that was counteracted by sh-MCPIP1 transfection. Western blotting revealed that HXP treatment augmented the expression of MCPIP1, microglial M2 marker proteins (CD206 and Arg1), and PPARγ, while reducing the expression of microglial M1 marker proteins (CD16 and iNOS) in MCAO rats and OGD/R-induced microglia. MCPIP1 knockdown suppressed HXP-mediated upregulation of MCPIP1, CD206, Arg1, and PPARγ, as well as the downregulation of CD16 and iNOS. Our findings suggest that HXP primarily ameliorates ischemic stroke through the upregulation of MCPIP1, which in turn induces microglial M2 polarization.

Localization and expression profiles of gingival monocyte chemoattractant protein-1-induced protein-1 (MCPIP-1) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT-1)

OBJECTIVES

The purposes of this study were to localize monocyte chemoattractant protein-1-induced protein-1 (MCPIP-1) and its suppressor mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT-1) in gingival tissues and to profile their protein expression levels in relation to the clinical inflammation, Porphyromonas gingivalis colonization, and interleukin (IL)-8 levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study samples were collected from two independent study populations: (1) Gingival tissues were collected from eight periodontally healthy individuals and eight periodontitis patients to localize MCPIP-1 and MALT-1 immunohistochemically, and (2) forty-one gingival tissue samples with marginal, mild, or moderate to severe inflammation were collected from 20 periodontitis patients to determine MCPIP-1 and MALT-1 levels using immunoblots, P. gingivalis levels with qPCR, P. gingivalis gingipain activities with fluorogenic substrates, and IL-8 levels with multiplex technique.

RESULTS

MCPIP-1 was detectable in the epithelium and in connective tissue, being especially prominent around the blood vessel walls in healthy periodontal tissues. MALT-1 was observed at all layers of gingival epithelium and especially around the accumulated inflammatory cells in connective tissue. No difference in gingival tissue MCPIP-1 and MALT-1 levels was observed in relation to the severity of gingival inflammation. MALT-1 levels were elevated (p = 0.023) with the increase in tissue P. gingivalis levels, and there was an association between MALT-1 and IL-8 levels (β = 0.054, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Interactions of MALT-1 levels with gingival tissue P. gingivalis counts and IL-8 levels suggest that activation of MALT-1 can take part in P. gingivalis-regulated host immune responses.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Pharmacological targeting the crosstalk between immune response and MCPIP-1/MALT-1 may have benefits in periodontal treatment.

The evolution and immunomodulatory role of Zc3h12 proteins in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Zc3h12 family is an important RNA-binding protein family regulating mRNA of inflammatory cytokines in mammals. However, there are few studies on their post-transcriptional level regulation of inflammatory cytokines in fish. Here, we investigated the evolution of zebrafish Zc3h12 family and explored their immunomodulatory role. Phylogenetic and syntenic analysis indicated the number of zc3h12 family members had increased ranging from a single member in invertebrates to a single copy of four members in mammals. As the most evolutionarily diverse group of vertebrates, the number of zc3h12 family members was more complex and diverse in the teleost, each member experienced different fates and followed different rules in multiple rounds of whole-genome duplication events. Thereinto, zebrafish contained three zc3h12 genes, among which zc3h12aa and zc3h12ab were duplicated from the same gene. Zebrafish Zc3h12 family could recognize the 3'-UTR regions of inflammatory cytokines through binding to the specific RNA secondary structure and negatively regulate their expression. Deletion of either Zc3h12 domains or mutation of the key amino acid in RNAase domain attenuated their modulatory effect, suggesting both domain and RNAase activity are important to the immunomodulatory role. These results elucidated the evolution of Zc3h12 family and uncovered Zc3h12-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of cytokines in zebrafish.

Keratinocyte Regnase-1, a Downregulator of Skin Inflammation, Contributes to Protection against Tumor Promotion by Limiting Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression

We previously showed that the ribonuclease Regnase-1 (Reg1) in keratinocytes plays a role in mitigating skin inflammation by downregulating proinflammatory cytokines. In this study, we explored whether Reg1 also has a protective role against skin carcinogenesis. The chemically induced two-stage carcinogenesis protocol revealed that epidermis-specific Reg1-deficient (Reg1-knockout [Reg1-cKO]) mice developed skin tumors with shorter latency and more multiplicity than control mice. In addition, repeated UVB irradiation readily provoked solar keratosis-like lesions in Reg1-cKO mice. Increased levels of cyclooxygenase 2, whose mRNA (Ptgs2) is reportedly a target of Reg1, have been known to be associated with the development of squamous cell carcinomas. Indeed, Ptgs2 mRNA levels were upregulated in the skin of Reg1-cKO mice after treatment with the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. The level of prostaglandin E2 was higher in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate‒treated Reg1-cKO mouse skin than in control mice skin. Moreover, in vivo inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 attenuated the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate‒induced epidermal thickening in Reg1-cKO mice. Finally, REG1 knockdown in human squamous cell carcinomas lines enhanced PTGS2 mRNA levels after 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate treatment. In conclusion, epidermal Reg1 plays a regulatory role not only in skin inflammation but also in tumor promotion through the downregulation of cyclooxygenase 2. Therefore, forced expression of Reg1 under inflammatory conditions may be relevant to preventing skin cancer.

Hormone Regulation of CCCH Zinc Finger Proteins in Plants

CCCH zinc finger proteins contain one to six tandem CCCH motifs composed of three cysteine and one histidine residues and have been widely found in eukaryotes. Plant CCCH proteins control a wide range of developmental and adaptive processes through DNA-protein, RNA-protein and/or protein-protein interactions. The complex networks underlying these processes regulated by plant CCCH proteins are often involved in phytohormones as signal molecules. In this review, we described the evolution of CCCH proteins from green algae to vascular plants and summarized the functions of plant CCCH proteins that are influenced by six major hormones, including abscisic acid, gibberellic acid, brassinosteroid, jasmonate, ethylene and auxin. We further compared the regulatory mechanisms of plant and animal CCCH proteins via hormone signaling. Among them, Arabidopsis AtC3H14, 15 and human hTTP, three typical CCCH proteins, are able to integrate multiple hormones to participate in various biological processes.

A new CCCH-type zinc finger-related lncRNA signature predicts the prognosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the main component of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and advanced ccRCC frequently indicates a poor prognosis. The significance of the CCCH-type zinc finger (CTZF) gene in cancer has been increasingly demonstrated during the past few years. According to studies, targeted radical therapy for cancer treatment may be a revolutionary therapeutic approach. Both lncRNAs and CCCH-type zinc finger genes are essential in ccRCC. However, the predictive role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) associated with the CCCH-type zinc finger gene in ccRCC needs further elucidation. This study aims to predict patient prognosis and investigate the immunological profile of ccRCC patients using CCCH-type zinc finger-associated lncRNAs (CTZFLs).

Methods: From the Cancer Genome Atlas database, RNA-seq and corresponding clinical and prognostic data of ccRCC patients were downloaded. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to acquire CTZFLs for constructing prediction models. The risk model was verified using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the overall survival (OS) of high-risk and low-risk groups. Multivariate Cox and stratified analyses were used to assess the prognostic value of the predictive feature in the entire cohort and different subgroups. In addition, the relationship between risk scores, immunological status, and treatment response was studied.

Results: We constructed a signature consisting of eight CTZFLs (LINC02100, AC002451.1, DBH-AS1, AC105105.3, AL357140.2, LINC00460, DLGAP1-AS2, AL162377.1). The results demonstrated that the prognosis of ccRCC patients was independently predicted by CTZFLs signature and that the prognosis of high-risk groups was poorer than that of the lower group. CTZFLs markers had the highest diagnostic adequacy compared to single clinicopathologic factors, and their AUC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) was 0.806. The overall survival of high-risk groups was shorter than that of low-risk groups when patients were divided into groups based on several clinicopathologic factors. There were substantial differences in immunological function, immune cell score, and immune checkpoint expression between high- and low-risk groups. Additionally, Four agents, including ABT737, WIKI4, afuresertib, and GNE 317, were more sensitive in the high-risk group.

Conclusion: The Eight-CTZFLs prognostic signature may be a helpful prognostic indicator and may help with medication selection for clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Etiopathogenesis of Psoriasis from Genetic Perspective: An updated Review

Psoriasis is an organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by the aberrant proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes, leading to skin lesions. Abnormal immune responses mediated by T cells and dendritic cells and increased production of inflammatory cytokines have been suggested as underlying mechanisms in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Emerging evidence suggests that there is a heritable basis for psoriatic disorders. Moreover, numerous gene variations have been associated with the disease risk, particularly those in innate and adaptive immune responses and antigen presentation pathways. Herein, this article discusses the genetic implications of psoriatic diseases' etiopathogenesis to develop novel investigative and management options.

ZC3H12C expression in dendritic cells is necessary to prevent lymphadenopathy of skin‐draining lymph nodes

The role of RNA‐binding proteins of the CCCH‐containing family in regulating proinflammatory cytokine production and inflammation is increasingly recognized. We have identified ZC3H12C (Regnase‐3) as a potential post‐transcriptional regulator of tumor necrosis factor expression and have investigated its role in vivo by generating Zc3h12c‐deficient mice that express green fluorescent protein instead of ZC3H12C. Zc3h12c‐deficient mice develop hypertrophic lymph nodes. In the immune system, ZC3H12C expression is mostly restricted to the dendritic cell (DC) populations, and we show that DC‐restricted ZC3H12C depletion is sufficient to cause lymphadenopathy. ZC3H12C can regulate Tnf messenger RNA stability via its RNase activity in vitro, and we confirmed the role of Tnf in the development of lymphadenopathy. Finally, we found that loss of ZC3H12C did not impact the outcome of skin inflammation in the imiquimod‐induced murine model of psoriasis, despite Zc3h12c being identified as a risk factor for psoriasis susceptibility in several genome‐wide association studies. Our data suggest a role for ZC3H12C in DC‐driven skin homeostasis.

First genome-wide association study investigating blood pressure and renal traits in domestic cats

Hypertension (HTN) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are common in ageing cats. In humans, blood pressure (BP) and renal function are complex heritable traits. We performed the first feline genome-wide association study (GWAS) of quantitative traits systolic BP and creatinine and binary outcomes HTN and CKD, testing 1022 domestic cats with a discovery, replication and meta-analysis design. No variants reached experimental significance level in the discovery stage for any phenotype. Follow up of the top 9 variants for creatinine and 5 for systolic BP, one SNP reached experimental-wide significance for association with creatinine in the combined meta-analysis (chrD1.10258177; P = 1.34 × 10^–6). Exploratory genetic risk score (GRS) analyses were performed. Within the discovery sample, GRS of top SNPs from the BP and creatinine GWAS show strong association with HTN and CKD but did not validate in independent replication samples. A GRS including SNPs corresponding to human CKD genes was not significant in an independent subset of cats. Gene-set enrichment and pathway-based analysis (GSEA) was performed for both quantitative phenotypes, with 30 enriched pathways with creatinine. Our results support the utility of GWASs and GSEA for genetic discovery of complex traits in cats, with the caveat of our findings requiring validation.

Identification of a ZC3H12D-regulated competing endogenous RNA network for prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma at single-cell level

Background

To identify hub genes from the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and to explore their potential functions on prognosis of patients from a single-cell perspective.

Methods

We performed RNA-sequencing of LUAD to construct ceRNA regulatory network, integrating with public databases to identify the vital pathways related to patients’ prognosis and to reveal the expression level of hub genes under different conditions, the functional enrichment of co-expressed genes and their potential immune-related mechanisms.

Results

ZC3H12D-hsa-miR-4443-ENST00000630242 axis was found to be related with LUAD. Lower ZC3H12D expression was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS) of patients (HR = 2.007, P < 0.05), and its expression was higher in early-stage patients, including T1 (P < 0.05) and N0 (P < 0.05). Additionally, ZC3H12D expression was higher in immune cells displayed by single-cell RNA-sequencing data, especially in Treg cells of lung cancer and CD8 T cells, B cells and CD4 T cells of LUAD. The functional enrichment analysis showed that the co-expressed genes mainly played a role in lymphocyte activation and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. In addition, ZC3H12D was associated with multiple immune cells and immune molecules, including immune checkpoints CTLA4, CD96 and TIGIT.

Conclusion

ZC3H12D-hsa-miR-4443-ENST00000630242 ceRNA network was identified in LUAD. ZC3H12D could affect prognosis of patients by regulating mRNA, miRNA, lncRNA, immune cells and immune molecules. Therefore, it may serve as a vital predictive marker and could be regarded as a potential therapeutic target for LUAD in the future.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08992-1.

Macrophage-Specific MCPIP1/Regnase-1 Attenuates Kidney Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Shaping the Local Inflammatory Response and Tissue Regeneration

Sterile inflammation either resolves the initial insult or leads to tissue damage. Kidney ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is associated with neutrophilic infiltration, enhanced production of inflammatory mediators, accumulation of necrotic cells and tissue remodeling. Macrophage-dependent microenvironmental changes orchestrate many features of the immune response and tissue regeneration. The activation status of macrophages is influenced by extracellular signals, the duration and intensity of the stimulation, as well as various regulatory molecules. The role of macrophage-derived monocyte chemoattractant protein-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1), also known as Regnase-1, in kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and recovery from sterile inflammation remains unresolved. In this study, we showed that macrophage-specific Mcpip1 deletion significantly affects the kidney phenotype. Macrophage-specific Mcpip1 transgenic mice displayed enhanced inflammation and loss of the tubular compartment upon IRI. We showed that MCPIP1 modulates sterile inflammation by negative regulation of Irf4 expression and accumulation of IRF4+ cells in the tissue and, consequently, suppresses the post-ischemic kidney immune response. Thus, we identified MCPIP1 as an important molecular sentinel of immune homeostasis in experimental acute kidney injury (AKI) and renal fibrosis.

Structures and biological functions of zinc finger proteins and their roles in hepatocellular carcinoma

Zinc finger proteins are transcription factors with the finger domain, which plays a significant role in gene regulation. As the largest family of transcription factors in the human genome, zinc finger (ZNF) proteins are characterized by their different DNA binding motifs, such as C2H2 and Gag knuckle. Different kinds of zinc finger motifs exhibit a wide variety of biological functions. Zinc finger proteins have been reported in various diseases, especially in several cancers. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-associated death worldwide, especially in China. Most of HCC patients have suffered from hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) injection for a long time. Although the surgical operation of HCC has been extremely developed, the prognosis of HCC is still very poor, and the underlying mechanisms in HCC tumorigenesis are still not completely understood. Here, we summarize multiple functions and recent research of zinc finger proteins in HCC tumorigenesis and progression. We also discuss the significance of zinc finger proteins in HCC diagnosis and prognostic evaluation.

Loss of epidermal MCPIP1 is associated with aggressive squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is a common form of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Monocyte chemotactic protein 1-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1), also called Regnase-1, is an RNase with anti-inflammatory properties. In normal human skin, its expression is predominantly restricted to the suprabasal epidermis. The main aim of this study was to investigate whether MCPIP1 is involved in the pathogenesis of SCC.

METHODS

We analyzed the distribution of MCPIP1 in skin biopsies of patients with actinic keratoses (AKs) and SCCs. To explore the mechanisms by which MCPIP1 may modulate tumorigenesis in vivo, we established a mouse model of chemically induced carcinogenesis.

RESULTS

Skin expression of MCPIP1 changed during the transformation of precancerous lesions into cutaneous SCC. MCPIP1 immunoreactivity was high in the thickened area of the AK epidermis but was predominantly restricted to keratin pearls in fully developed SCC lesions. Accelerated development of chemically induced skin tumors was observed in mice with loss of epidermal MCPIP1 (Mcpip1^eKO). Papillomas that developed in Mcpip1^eKO mouse skin were larger and characterized by elevated expression of markers typical of keratinocyte proliferation and tumor angiogenesis. This phenotype was correlated with enhanced expression of IL-6, IL-33 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Moreover, our results demonstrated that in keratinocytes, the RNase MCPIP1 is essential for the negative regulation of genes encoding SCC antigens and matrix metallopeptidase 9.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our results provide a mechanistic understanding of how MCPIP1 contributes to the development of epidermoid carcinoma.

RNA-binding proteins and RNA methylation in myeloid cells

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate all aspects of the life of mRNA transcripts. They are critically important in regulating immune responses, most notably by restraining excessive inflammation that can potentially lead to tissue damage. RBPs are also crucial for pathogen sensing, for instance for the recognition of viral nucleic acids. Concordant with these central regulatory roles, the dysregulated activity of many RBPs can give rise to disease. The expression and function of RBPs are therefore highly controlled by an elaborate network of transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms, including the ability of different RBPs to cross-regulate each other's expression. With an emphasis on macrophages and mast cells, we review current knowledge on the role of selected RBPs that have been shown to directly impact the expression of inflammatory transcripts. By focusing specifically on proteins of the Regnase and ZFP36 family, as well as on factors involved in N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) deposition and recognition, we discuss mechanism of action, regulatory feedback, and impact of these selected proteins on immune responses. Finally, we include examples of the role of m6 A and RBPs in the recognition of viral RNAs. Overall, we provide a general overview of the impact of selected RBPs on the myeloid compartment, followed by a discussion of outstanding questions and challenges for the future.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus nsp11 Antagonizes Broad Antiviral Effects of MCPIP1 by Inducing Interleukin-17 Expression

Monocyte chemotactic protein-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1) is an inflammatory regulator in immune response and has broad antiviral effects by targeting viral RNA. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), a major viral pathogen in pigs, causes immune suppression leading to coinfection of swine pathogens, but the mechanisms are not fully clarified. In this study, MCPIP1 expression was found to be significantly upregulated in lungs of PRRSV-infected piglets, as well as in Marc-145 and porcine pulmonary alveolar macrophage (PAM) cells upon PRRSV stimulation. MCPIP1 overexpression significantly inhibited PRRSV replication, while MCPIP1 knockdown increased the virus titer. Various mutations in RNase functional domains of MCPIP1 impaired the inhibitory activity against PRRSV, while those in deubiquitinase domains failed to do so. MCPIP1 expression started to decrease from 60 h after PRRSV infection in PAMs. Meanwhile, infection with higher dose of PRRSV further downregulated MCPIP1, indicating the antagonizing effects from PRRSV against MCPIP1. Moreover, it was confirmed that MCPIP1 expression was downregulated in 3D4 cells with either interleukin-17 (IL-17) or nsp11 overexpression, while IL-17 inhibitor abolished the decrease of MCPIP1 caused by nsp11, indicating nsp11 employs IL-17 induction to inhibit MCPIP1. Furthermore, the PRRSV nsp11 mutant with a deficiency in IL-17 induction showed the recovered expression of MCPIP1 in infected cells, inspiring a strategy for virus attenuation. This is the first report about the role of MCPIP1 against PRRSV and the function of PRRSV nsp11 against innate immunity to facilitate virus replication via IL-17. The study not only illuminates PRRSV infection machinery but also enlightens alternative antiviral strategies, such as vaccine candidates. IMPORTANCE Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) suppresses the innate immunity and leads to coinfection of swine pathogens. Monocyte chemotactic protein-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1) is a broad-spectrum host antiviral protein. Therefore, to further clarify the mechanism of PRRSV against innate immunity, we explored the relationship between MCPIP1 and PRRSV infection. The results showed that MCPIP1 inhibited PRRSV infection in the early stage of virus infection. Importantly, PRRSV nsp11 subsequently employed IL-17 induction to suppress MCPIP1 expression and antagonized anti-PRRSV effects. Furthermore, PRRSV with mutation of nsp11 S74A failed to induce MCPIP1 reduction. These findings confirmed the function of MCPIP1 against PRRSV and revealed that PRRSV nsp11 plays an important role in virus against innate immunity. This study enlightens a new strategy to develop safer attenuated vaccines against PRRSV by nsp11 mutation.

Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-Induced Protein 1 (MCPIP-1): A Key Player of Host Defense and Immune Regulation

Inflammatory response is a host-protective mechanism against tissue injury or infections, but also has the potential to cause extensive immunopathology and tissue damage, as seen in many diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndrome and many other infectious diseases with public health concerns, such as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), if failure to resolve in a timely manner. Recent studies have uncovered a superfamily of endogenous chemical molecules that tend to resolve inflammatory responses and re-establish homeostasis without causing excessive damage to healthy cells and tissues. Among these, the monocyte chemoattractant protein-induced protein (MCPIP) family consisting of four members (MCPIP-1, -2, -3, and -4) has emerged as a group of evolutionarily conserved molecules participating in the resolution of inflammation. The focus of this review highlights the biological functions of MCPIP-1 (also known as Regnase-1), the best-studied member of this family, in the resolution of inflammatory response. As outlined in this review, MCPIP-1 acts on specific signaling pathways, in particular NFκB, to blunt production of inflammatory mediators, while also acts as an endonuclease controlling the stability of mRNA and microRNA (miRNA), leading to the resolution of inflammation, clearance of virus and dead cells, and promotion of tissue regeneration via its pleiotropic effects. Evidence from transgenic and knock-out mouse models revealed an involvement of MCPIP-1 expression in immune functions and in the physiology of the cardiovascular system, indicating that MCPIP-1 is a key endogenous molecule that governs normal resolution of acute inflammation and infection. In this review, we also discuss the current evidence underlying the roles of other members of the MCPIP family in the regulation of inflammatory processes. Further understanding of the proteins from this family will provide new insights into the identification of novel targets for both host effectors and microbial factors and will lead to new therapeutic treatments for infections and other inflammatory diseases.

Regnase-1-related endoribonucleases in health and immunological diseases

Dynamic changes in gene expression are key factors in the development and activation of immune cells. RNA metabolism is one of the critical steps for the control of gene expression. Together with transcriptional regulation, mRNA decay by specific ribonucleases (RNases) plays a vital role in shaping gene expression. In addition to the canonical exoribonuclease-mediated mRNA degradation through the recognition of cis-elements in mRNA 3' untranslated regions by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), endoribonucleases are involved in the control of mRNAs in immune cells. In this review, we gleam insights on how Regnase-1, an endoribonuclease necessary for regulating immune cell activation and maintenance of immune homeostasis, degrades RNAs involved in immune cell activation. Additionally, we provide insights on recent studies which uncover the role of Regnase-1-related RNases, including Regnase-2, Regnase-3, and Regnase-4, as well as N4BP1 and KHNYN, in immune regulation and antiviral immunity. As the dysregulation of immune mRNA decay leads to pathologies such as autoimmune diseases or impaired activation of immune responses, RNases are deemed as essential components of regulatory feedback mechanisms that modulate inflammation. Given the critical role of RNases in autoimmunity, RNases can be perceived as emerging targets in the development of novel therapeutics.

Tetramethylpyrazine Preserves the Integrity of Blood-Brain Barrier Associated With Upregulation of MCPIP1 in a Murine Model of Focal Ischemic Stroke

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), a prominent ingredient of Chinese herb Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort, is known to suppress neuroinflammation and protect blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. We investigated whether monocyte chemotactic protein-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1, also known as Regnase-1), a newly identified zinc-finger protein, plays a role in TMP-mediated anti-inflammation and neuroprotection. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to focal cerebral ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h, followed by reperfusion for 24 h. TMP (25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered intraperitoneally 12 h before and post MCAO. The TMP significantly upregulated MCPIP1 in the ischemic brain tissues and effectively inhibited extravasation of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran, resulting in attenuation of brain edema. These effects of the TMP were associated with a significant reduction in levels of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and MMP-9 in the ischemic brain tissues. The TMP upregulated the expression of MCPIP1 in primary cultures of neurons and protected against oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced neuron death, while this neuroprotective effect of TMP was abolished by knockdown of MCPIP1 using MCPIP1-specific siRNA. These results suggest that preservation of BBB integrity by TMP is associated with its anti-inflammatory activity. The effect of TMP is mediated, at least in part, via upregulation of MCPIP1 in the ischemic brain.

Inhibitory feedback control of NF-κB signalling in health and disease

Cells must adapt to changes in their environment to maintain cell, tissue and organismal integrity in the face of mechanical, chemical or microbiological stress. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is one of the most important transcription factors that controls inducible gene expression as cells attempt to restore homeostasis. It plays critical roles in the immune system, from acute inflammation to the development of secondary lymphoid organs, and also has roles in cell survival, proliferation and differentiation. Given its role in such critical processes, NF-κB signalling must be subject to strict spatiotemporal control to ensure measured and context-specific cellular responses. Indeed, deregulation of NF-κB signalling can result in debilitating and even lethal inflammation and also underpins some forms of cancer. In this review, we describe the homeostatic feedback mechanisms that limit and ‘re-set’ inducible activation of NF-κB. We first describe the key components of the signalling pathways leading to activation of NF-κB, including the prominent role of protein phosphorylation and protein ubiquitylation, before briefly introducing the key features of feedback control mechanisms. We then describe the array of negative feedback loops targeting different components of the NF-κB signalling cascade including controls at the receptor level, post-receptor signalosome complexes, direct regulation of the critical ‘inhibitor of κB kinases’ (IKKs) and inhibitory feedforward regulation of NF-κB-dependent transcriptional responses. We also review post-transcriptional feedback controls affecting RNA stability and translation. Finally, we describe the deregulation of these feedback controls in human disease and consider how feedback may be a challenge to the efficacy of inhibitors.

Transgenic Expression of a Mutant Ribonuclease Regnase-1 in T Cells Disturbs T Cell Development and Functions

Regnase-1 is an RNA-binding protein with ribonuclease activities, and once induced it controls diverse immune responses by degrading mRNAs that encode inflammatory cytokines and costimulatory molecules, thus exerting potent anti-inflammatory functions. However, Regnase-1 is extremely sensitive to degradation by proteases and therefore short-lived. Here, we constructed a mutant Regnase-1 that is resistant to degradation and expressed this mutant in vivo as a transgene specifically in T cells. We found that the mutant Regnase-1 transgenic mice exhibited profound lymphopenia in the periphery despite grossly normal spleen and lymph nodes, and spontaneously accepted skin allografts without any treatment. Mechanistic studies showed that in the transgenic mice thymic T cell development was disrupted, such that most of the developing thymocytes were arrested at the double positive stage, with few mature CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in the thymus and periphery. Our findings suggest that interfering with the dynamic Regnase-1 expression in T cells disrupts T cell development and functions and further studies are warranted to uncover the mechanisms involved.

Molecular Mechanisms of ZC3H12C/Reg-3 Biological Activity and Its Involvement in Psoriasis Pathology

The members of the ZC3H12/MCPIP/Regnase family of RNases have emerged as important regulators of inflammation. In contrast to Regnase-1, -2 and -4, a thorough characterization of Regnase-3 (Reg-3) has not yet been explored. Here we demonstrate that Reg-3 differs from other family members in terms of NYN/PIN domain features, cellular localization pattern and substrate specificity. Together with Reg-1, the most comprehensively characterized family member, Reg-3 shared IL-6, IER-3 and Reg-1 mRNAs, but not IL-1β mRNA, as substrates. In addition, Reg-3 was found to be the only family member which regulates transcript levels of TNF, a cytokine implicated in chronic inflammatory diseases including psoriasis. Previous meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies revealed Reg-3 to be among new psoriasis susceptibility loci. Here we demonstrate that Reg-3 transcript levels are increased in psoriasis patient skin tissue and in an experimental model of psoriasis, supporting the immunomodulatory role of Reg-3 in psoriasis, possibly through degradation of mRNA for TNF and other factors such as Reg-1. On the other hand, Reg-1 was found to destabilize Reg-3 transcripts, suggesting reciprocal regulation between Reg-3 and Reg-1 in the skin. We found that either Reg-1 or Reg-3 were expressed in human keratinocytes in vitro. However, in contrast to robustly upregulated Reg-1 mRNA levels, Reg-3 expression was not affected in the epidermis of psoriasis patients. Taken together, these data suggest that epidermal levels of Reg-3 are negatively regulated by Reg-1 in psoriasis, and that Reg-1 and Reg-3 are both involved in psoriasis pathophysiology through controlling, at least in part different transcripts.

PIN and CCCH Zn-finger domains coordinate RNA targeting in ZC3H12 family endoribonucleases

The CCCH-type zinc finger (ZnF) containing ZC3H12 ribonucleases are crucial in post-transcriptional immune homoeostasis with ZC3H12A being the only structurally studied member of the family. In this study, we present a structural-biochemical characterization of ZC3H12C, which is linked with chronic immune disorders like psoriasis. We established that the RNA substrate is cooperatively recognized by the PIN and ZnF domains of ZC3H12C and analyzed the crystal structure of ZC3H12C bound to a single-stranded RNA substrate. The RNA engages in hydrogen-bonded contacts and stacking interactions with the PIN and ZnF domains simultaneously. The ZC3H12 ZnF shows unprecedented structural features not previously observed in any member of the CCCH-ZnF family and utilizes stacking interactions via a unique combination of spatially conserved aromatic residues to align the target transcript in a bent conformation onto the ZnF scaffold. Further comparative structural analysis of ZC3H12 CCCH-ZnF suggests that a trinucleotide sequence is recognized by ZC3H12 ZnF in target RNA. Our work not only describes the initial structure-biochemical study on ZC3H12C, but also provides the first molecular insight into RNA recognition by a ZC3H12 family member. Finally, our work points to an evolutionary code for RNA recognition adopted by CCCH-type ZnF proteins.

The RNase MCPIP3 promotes skin inflammation by orchestrating myeloid cytokine response

CCCH zinc finger proteins resolve immune responses by degrading the mRNAs of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-6. Here we report that one such family member, monocyte chemotactic protein-induced protein 3 (MCPIP3, also named ZC3H12C or Regnase-3), promotes skin inflammation by simultaneously enhancing TNF in macrophages and repressing IL-6 in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). MCPIP3 is positively associated with psoriasis pathogenesis, and highly expressed by macrophages and pDCs. MCPIP3-deficient macrophages produce less TNF and IL-12p40. However, MCPIP3-deficient pDCs secrete significantly more IL-6. This enhanced intradermal IL-6 may alleviate imiquimod-induced skin inflammation. As a result, MCPIP3-deficient mice are protected from imiquimod-induced psoriasiform lesions. Furthermore, early exposure to pDC-derived IL-6 suppresses macrophage-derived TNF and IL-12p40. Mechanistically, MCPIP3 could directly degrade mRNAs of IL-6, Regnase-1, and IκBζ. In turn, Regnase-1 could degrade MCPIP3 mRNAs. Our study identifies a critical post-transcriptional mechanism that synchronizes myeloid cytokine secretion to initiate autoimmune skin inflammation.

Zinc finger proteins are involved in the resolution of immune responses and function by degrading mRNA of inflammatory cytokines. Here the authors show MCPIP3 promotes skin inflammation via modification of cytokine profiles in pDCs and macrophages.

Subversion of Lipopolysaccharide Signaling in Gingival Keratinocytes via MCPIP-1 Degradation as a Novel Pathogenic Strategy of Inflammophilic Pathobionts

Periodontal disease (PD) is an inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth that develops in response to formation of a dysbiotic biofilm on the subgingival tooth surface. Although exacerbated inflammation leads to alveolar bone destruction and may cause tooth loss, the molecular basis of PD initiation and progression remains elusive. Control over the inflammatory reaction and return to homeostasis can be efficiently restored by negative regulators of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-induced protein 1 (MCPIP-1), which is constitutively expressed in gingival keratinocytes and prevents hyperresponsiveness in the gingiva. Here, we found that inflammophilic periodontal species influence the stability of MCPIP-1, leading to an aggravated response of the epithelium to proinflammatory stimulation. Among enzymes secreted by periodontal species, gingipains—cysteine proteases from Porphyromonas gingivalis—are considered major contributors to the pathogenic potential of bacteria, strongly influencing the components of the innate and adaptive immune system. Gingipain proteolytic activity leads to a rapid degradation of MCPIP-1, exacerbating the inflammatory response induced by endotoxin. Collectively, these results establish a novel mechanism of corruption of inflammatory signaling by periodontal pathogens, indicating new possibilities for treatment of this chronic disease.

Terminal uridyltransferase 7 regulates TLR4-triggered inflammation by controlling Regnase-1 mRNA uridylation and degradation

Different levels of regulatory mechanisms, including posttranscriptional regulation, are needed to elaborately regulate inflammatory responses to prevent harmful effects. Terminal uridyltransferase 7 (TUT7) controls RNA stability by adding uridines to its 3′ ends, but its function in innate immune response remains obscure. Here we reveal that TLR4 activation induces TUT7, which in turn selectively regulates the production of a subset of cytokines, including Interleukin 6 (IL-6). TUT7 regulates IL-6 expression by controlling ribonuclease Regnase-1 mRNA (encoded by Zc3h12a gene) stability. Mechanistically, TLR4 activation causes TUT7 to bind directly to the stem-loop structure on Zc3h12a 3′-UTR, thereby promotes Zc3h12a uridylation and degradation. Zc3h12a from LPS-treated TUT7-sufficient macrophages possesses increased oligo-uridylated ends with shorter poly(A) tails, whereas oligo-uridylated Zc3h12a is significantly reduced in Tut7^-/- cells after TLR4 activation. Together, our findings reveal the functional role of TUT7 in sculpting TLR4-driven responses by modulating mRNA stability of a selected set of inflammatory mediators.

Terminal uridyltransferase 7 (TUT7) adds U-tails on diverse RNAs to promote degradation. Here the authors show that TUT7 is induced upon LPS treatment in macrophages and promotes decay of Regnase-1, thereby regulating the expression of a subset of cytokines, including IL-6.

Multifunctional RNase MCPIP1 and its Role in Cardiovascular Diseases

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 induced protein 1 (MCPIP1), one of the MCPIP family members, is characterized by the presence of both C-x8-C-x5-C-x3-H (CCCH)- type zinc finger and PilT-N-terminal domains. As a potent regulator of innate immunity, MCPIP1 exerts anti-inflammatory effects through its ribonuclease (RNase) and deubiquitinating enzyme activities to degrade cytokine mRNAs and inhibit nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-κB), respectively. MCPIP1 is expressed not only in immune cells but also in many other cell types, including cardiomyocytes, vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Increasing evidence indicates that MCPIP1 plays a role in the regulation of cardiac functions and is involved in the processes of vascular diseases, such as ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and atherosclerosis. To better understand the emerging roles of MCPIP1 in the cardiovascular system, we reviewed the current literature with respect to MCPIP1 functions and discussed its association with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and the implication as a therapeutic target.

Zc3h12d, a Novel of Hypomethylated and Immune-Related for Prognostic Marker of Lung Adenocarcinoma

Background

Zc3h12d is a negative regulator which plays a crucial role in immune modulation. However, the role of zc3h12d in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear. We aim to explore the prognostic of zc3h12d and investigate the relationship between zc3h12d expression and immune infiltration in LUAD.

Methods

TIMER site was used to analyze the expression of zc3h12d in LUAD. The zc3h12d protein levels in patient tissue samples were detected by immunohistochemistry staining assays. Meanwhile, based on UALCAN database and samples' data from our cohort, we explored the relationship of clinicopathological features and zc3h12d expression to determine the clinical effect of zc3h12d in LUAD. Several databases including GEPIA, Kaplan-Meier plotter and our samples' data were used to explore the prognostic value of zc3h12d in LUAD. Cox regression analysis was established to further evaluate the prognostic value of zc3h12d in LUAD. In addition, zc3h12d promoter methylation was analyzed by UALCAN database. Genetic alteration analysis was observed in the cBioPortal web. GO and KEGG analyses were conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Finally, the correlation between zc3h12d and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in LUAD was investigated by TIMER database. The B cells level was investigated by flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood from our LUAD cohort.

Results

Zc3h12d expression was significantly higher in LUAD, compared with adjacent normal tissues. The clinical data from the UALCAN database demonstrated that zc3h12d expression was closely related with cancer stage and nodal metastasis. However, patient sample detection revealed that zc3h12d expression was closely related to pathological N (p = 0.0431) and grade (p = 0.004). Moreover, low zc3h12d expression was associated with poorer overall survival in LUAD. We analyzed the methylation level of zc3h12d in LUAD and found that the methylation levels of zc3h12d promoter in LUAD were significantly reduced. In addition, zc3h12d genetic alterations, including deep deletion, could be found in LUAD. GO and KEGG pathway analysis results indicated that zc3h12d has a certain value in immune infiltration. We investigated the expression of zc3h12d in tumor-immune interactions. It was found that zc3h12d might be associated with the immune infiltration and markers of infiltrating immune cells of LUAD. The results of patient sample detection confirmed that B cells level was significantly lower in the patients with low zc3h12d expression than those in the patients with high zc3h12d expression.

Conclusion

zc3h12d might be considered as a potential biomarker for determining prognosis and immune-related therapeutic target in LUAD.

Upregulated endonuclease Regnase-1 suppresses osteoarthritis by forming a negative feedback loop of catabolic signaling in chondrocytes

BACKGROUND

Ribonucleases (RNases) play central roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA stability. Our preliminary results revealed that the endonuclease Regnase-1 is specifically upregulated in osteoarthritic chondrocytes. We herein explored the possible functions and regulatory mechanisms of Regnase-1 in a mouse model of osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

The expression and target genes of Regnase-1 were identified by microarray analysis in primary-culture mouse articular chondrocytes. Experimental OA in mice was induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). The function of Regnase-1 in DMM-induced post-traumatic OA mice was examined by adenovirus-mediated overexpression or knockdown in knee joint tissues, and also by using Regnase-1 heterozygous knockout mice (Zc3h12a^+/-).

RESULTS

Among the RNases, Regnase-1 was exclusively upregulated in chondrocytes stimulated with OA-associated catabolic factors. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression or knockdown of Regnase-1 alone in joint tissues did not cause OA-like changes. However, overexpression of Regnase-1 in joint tissues significantly ameliorated DMM-induced post-traumatic OA cartilage destruction, whereas knockdown or genetic ablation of Regnase-1 exacerbated DMM-induced cartilage destruction. Mechanistic studies suggested that Regnase-1 suppresses cartilage destruction by modulating the expression of matrix-degrading enzymes in chondrocytes.

CONCLUSION

Our results collectively suggest that upregulated Regnase-1 in OA chondrocytes may function as a chondro-protective effector molecule during OA pathogenesis by forming a negative feedback loop of catabolic signals, such as matrix-degrading enzyme expression, in OA chondrocytes.

Dimethyl Itaconate-Loaded Nanofibers Rewrite Macrophage Polarization, Reduce Inflammation, and Enhance Repair of Myocardic Infarction

Cellular metabolism plays a major role in the regulation of inflammation. The inflammatory macrophages undergo a wide-range of metabolic rewriting due to the production of significant amount of itaconate metabolite from cis-aconitate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. This itaconate molecule has been recently described as a promising immunoregulator. However, its function and mode of action on macrophages and tissue repair and regeneration are yet unclear. Herein, the itaconate-derivative dimethyl itaconate (DMI) suppresses the IL-23/IL-17 inflammatory axis-associated genes and promotes antioxidant nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 target genes. The poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL)/DMI nanofibers implanted in mice initially maintain inflammation by suppressing anti-inflammatory activity and particular inflammation, while at later stage promotes anti-inflammatory activity for an appropriate tissue repair. Furthermore, the PCL/DMI nanofiber patches show an excellent myocardial protection by reducing infarct area and improving ventricular function via time-dependent regulation of myocardium-associated genes. This study unveils potential DMI macrophage modulatory functions in tissue microenvironment and macrophages rewriting for proper tissue repair.

TRIM65 E3 ligase targets VCAM-1 degradation to limit LPS-induced lung inflammation

Although the adhesion molecules-mediated leukocyte adherence and infiltration into tissues is an important step of inflammation, the post-translational regulation of these proteins on the endothelial cells is poorly understood. Here, we report that TRIM65, an ubiquitin E3 ligase of tripartite protein family, selectively targets vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and promotes its ubiquitination and degradation, by which it critically controls the duration and magnitude of sepsis-induced pulmonary inflammation. TRIM65 is constitutively expressed in human vascular endothelial cells. During TNFα-induced endothelial activation, the protein levels of TRIM65 and VCAM-1 are inversely correlated. Expression of wild-type TRIM65, but not expression of a TRIM65 mutant that lacks E3 ubiquitin ligase function in endothelial cells, promotes VCAM-1 ubiquitination and degradation, whereas small interference RNA-mediated knockdown of TRIM65 attenuates VCAM-1 protein degradation. Further experiments show that TRIM65 directly interacts with VCAM-1 protein and directs its polyubiquitination, by which TRIM65 controls monocyte adherence and infiltration into tissues during inflammation. Importantly, TRIM65-deficient mice are more sensitive to lipopolysaccharide-induced death, due to sustained and severe pulmonary inflammation. Taken together, our studies suggest that TRIM65-mediated degradation of VCAM-1 represents a potential mechanism that controls the duration and magnitude of inflammation.