Identification of the protective effect of Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide on d-galactose-induced brain ageing in mice by the systematic characterization of a circular RNA-associated ceRNA network

SAMD4A inhibits abdominal aortic aneurysm development and VSMC phenotypic transformation through targeting KDM2B

INTRODUCTION

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a fatal vascular disease without effective drug treatments. Pathological vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic transformation is the underlying cause of AAA. However, the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine whether the RNA binding protein SAMD4A suppresses VSMC phenotype transformation and inhibits AAA formation.

METHODS

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was conducted to reveal smooth muscle cell phenotypic heterogeneity and RNA-binding protein dysregulation during AAA formation. A pancreatic elastase (PPE)-induced mouse AAA model was generated to confirm the function of SAMD4A in vivo. RNA-seq combined with RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR was used for mechanistic exploration.

RESULTS

We identified 3 smooth muscle cell subtypes, and demonstrated their transformation from contractile to inflammatory-like VSMCs during AAA formation. SAMD4A expression was increased in contractile VSMCs and significantly reduced in AAAs. The results of functional experiments revealed that VSMC-specific knockout of SAMD4A exacerbated PPE-induced AAA formation, whereas VSMC knock-in attenuated AAA formation. SAMD4A regulated VSMC contraction by binding to KDM2B. Further in vivo studies revealed that overexpression of KDM2B abolished the protective effect of SAMD4A in AAA. ChIP-qPCR demonstrated that KDM2B suppressed the transcription of VSMC contractile markers by binding to their promoters and reducing H3K4me3 and H3K36me2 levels.

CONCLUSIONS

SAMD4A inhibits AAA development and VSMC phenotypic transformation by targeting KDM2B. This work highlights the potential of SAMD4A as a new therapeutic option to prevent AAA formation.

Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide regulation of gut microbiota: A viable approach to alleviate cognitive impairment

Polygonatum sibiricum has anti-inflammatory effects and is one of the well-known functional foods. Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide (PSP), as a traditional medicinal and food homologous substance, can regulate the balance of intestinal flora and short chain fatty acid levels, reduce intestinal permeability and serum endotoxin levels, and inhibit the activation of astrocytes and microglia. It can significantly alleviate neurological diseases and improve cognitive impairment. Current evidence suggests that bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract may affect the human nervous system, cognition, and behavior through the gut-brain axis. This article provides a systematic review, detailing the biological activity of PSP, and explores the pathogenesis of gut microbiota signaling in cognitive impairment, providing a promising strategy for improving cognitive impairment.

Exploration of the pharmacological components and therapeutic mechanisms in treatment of Alzheimer's disease with Polygonati Rhizoma and its processed product using combined analysis of metabolomics, network pharmacology, and gut microbiota

Polygonati Rhizoma (PR, Huangjing in Chinese) and its processed product (PRP), which are used in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for cognitive enhancement and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), have not been fully explored in terms of the different mechanisms underlying their anti-AD effects. Therefore, we used APP/PS1 mice as an AD model to assess the effects of PR and PRP on anxiety-like behaviors, cognitive function, memory performance, and pathological changes in the murine brain. UPLC-HRMS was applied to identify the components of PR and PRP that entered into the blood and brain. Network pharmacology was used to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying the improvement of AD. Differences in the intestinal flora composition between mice treated with PR and PRP were investigated using 16S rRNA sequencing, establishing a correlation between pharmacological components and distinct flora profiles. The results revealed that both PR and PRP interventions ameliorated cognitive deficits and attenuated Amyloid β (Aβ) plaque deposition in the brains of AD mice. Seven specific blood-entering components, namely glutamic acid, Phe-Phe, and uridine, etc., were associated with PR intervention, whereas ten specific blood-entering components including (2R,3S)-3-isopropylmalate, 3-methylhexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, and 3-methoxytyrosine were related to PRP intervention. Uridine was identified as a common brain-penetrating component in both PR and PRP interventions. Network pharmacology analysis suggested that the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, Calcium signaling pathway and Alzheimer's disease were specific pathways targeted in AD treatment using PR intervention. Moreover, the apoptosis pathway was specifically linked to AD treatment during PRP intervention. Furthermore, the administration of both PR and PRP enhanced the abundance and diversity of the intestinal flora in APP/PS1 mice. Western blotting confirmed that PR excels in regulates inflammation, whereas PRP balances autophagy and apoptosis to alleviate the progression of AD. This study offers valuable insights and establishes a robust foundation for further comprehensive exploration of the intrinsic correlation between TCM and AD.

Review of studies on polysaccharides, lignins and small molecular compounds from three Polygonatum Mill. (Asparagaceae) spp. in crude and processed states

Since ancient times, Polygonatum Mill. (Asparagaceae) has been utilized as a medicinal and culinary resource in China. Its efficacy in treating various illnesses has been well documented. Traditional processing involves the Nine-Steam-Nine-Bask method, which results in a reduction of toxicity and enhanced effectiveness of Polygonatum. Many substances, such as polysaccharides, lignins, saponins, homoisoflavones, alkaloids, and others, have been successfully isolated from Polygonatum. This review presents the research progress on the chemical composition of three crude and processed Polygonatum, including Polygonatum sibiricum Redouté (P. sibiricum), Polygonatum kingianum Collett & Hemsl (P. kingianum), and Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (P. cyrtonema). The review also includes the pharmacology of Polygonatum, specifically on the pharmacology of polysaccharides both before and after processing. Its objective is to provide a foundation for uncovering the significance of the processing procedure, and to facilitate the development and utilization of Polygonatum in clinical practice.

RNA binding proteins in senescence: A potential common linker for age-related diseases?

Aging represents the major risk factor for the onset and/or progression of various disorders including neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and bone-related defects. As the average age of the population is predicted to exponentially increase in the coming years, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of aging-related diseases and the discovery of new therapeutic approaches remain pivotal. Well-reported hallmarks of aging are cellular senescence, genome instability, autophagy impairment, mitochondria dysfunction, dysbiosis, telomere attrition, metabolic dysregulation, epigenetic alterations, low-grade chronic inflammation, stem cell exhaustion, altered cell-to-cell communication and impaired proteostasis. With few exceptions, however, many of the molecular players implicated within these processes as well as their role in disease development remain largely unknown. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are known to regulate gene expression by dictating at post-transcriptional level the fate of nascent transcripts. Their activity ranges from directing primary mRNA maturation and trafficking to modulation of transcript stability and/or translation. Accumulating evidence has shown that RBPs are emerging as key regulators of aging and aging-related diseases, with the potential to become new diagnostic and therapeutic tools to prevent or delay aging processes. In this review, we summarize the role of RBPs in promoting cellular senescence and we highlight their dysregulation in the pathogenesis and progression of the main aging-related diseases, with the aim of encouraging further investigations that will help to better disclose this novel and captivating molecular scenario.

Polygonati Rhizoma with the homology of medicine and food: A review of ethnopharmacology, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and applications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Polygonati Rhizoma (PR), which contains rich national cultural connotations, is a traditional Chinese medicine with homology of medicine and food. It has been used for a long time as a tonic in China's multi-ethnic medical system, and is also used to treat diseases such as premature graying hair, deficiency of blood and essence, diabetes, hypertension, etc. Meanwhile, PR is often used as food in China, India, South Korea and other Asian countries, which can satisfy hunger and provide many health benefits.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This paper systematically reviewed the ethnopharmacology, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and related applications research of PR, and provided a reference for the comprehensive applications of PR, including basic research, product development and clinical applications. This paper also refined the national application characteristics of PR, such as rich plant resources, special chemical components and anti-hidden hungry, which laid a foundation for its high value and high connotation development in the future.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature information was collected systematically from the electronic scientific databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Geen Medical, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, as well as other literature sources, such as classic books of herbal medicine.

RESULTS

A comprehensive analysis of the above literature confirmed that PR has been used in the ethnic medicine system of Asian countries such as China for thousands of years. In this paper, 12 species including official species that can be used as PR are summarized, which provide rich plant resources for PR. The chemical components in PR are divided into nutritional components and active components. The former not only contains non-starch polysaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides, which account for about 50% in PR and are recognized as high-quality diet in the world, but also contains inorganic elements and mineral elements. And a total of 199 kinds active ingredients, including saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, etc., were sorted out by us. The above ingredients make PR have a special property of anti-hidden hunger. Studies have shown that PR has a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as immune regulation, blood glucose regulation, lipid-lowering, antioxidant, anti-tumor, antibacterial, etc. It has been widely used in medicine, food, cosmetics, gardens and other fields.

CONCLUSIONS

PR, as a classic medicinal material of the same origin, is widely used in the traditional ethnic medicine system. It contains abundant potential plant resources, chemical components and pharmacological activities. This paper also suggests that PR with high application value in food industry, has the potential to become a high-quality coarse grain. Exploring the way of grain and industrialization of PR is beneficial to fully develop the economic value of PR.

Ferroptosis: a new strategy for Chinese herbal medicine treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes. It has become a leading cause of death in patients with diabetes and end-stage renal disease. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered pattern of programmed cell death. Its main manifestation is the excessive accumulation of intracellular iron ion-dependent lipid peroxides. Recent studies have shown that ferroptosis is an important driving factor in the onset and development of DN. Ferroptosis is closely associated with renal intrinsic cell (including renal tubular epithelial cells, podocytes, and mesangial cells) damage in diabetes. Chinese herbal medicine is widely used in the treatment of DN, with a long history and definite curative effect. Accumulating evidence suggests that Chinese herbal medicine can modulate ferroptosis in renal intrinsic cells and show great potential for improving DN. In this review, we outline the key regulators and pathways of ferroptosis in DN and summarize the herbs, mainly monomers and extracts, that target the inhibition of ferroptosis.

Bioactive compounds from Polygonatum genus as anti-diabetic agents with future perspectives

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most serious health problems worldwide. Species in the genus Polygonatum are traditional food and medicinal plants, which play an important role in controlling blood glucose. In this reveiw, we systematically summarized the traditional and modern applications of the genus Polygonatum in DM, focused on the material bases of polysaccharides, flavonoids and saponins. We highlighted their mechanisms of action in preventing obese diabetes, improving insulin resistance, promoting insulin secretion, regulating intestinal microecology, inhibiting advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation, suppressing carbohydrate digestion and obsorption and modulating gluconeogenesis. Based on the safety and efficacy of this 'medicinal food' and its utility in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, we proposed a research and development program that includs diet design (supplementary food), medical nutrition therapy and new drugs, which could provide new pathways for the use of natural plants in prevention and treatment of DM.

Review on the genus Polygonatum polysaccharides: Extraction, purification, structural characteristics and bioactivities

The genus Polygonatum is gaining increasing attention from nutrition experts as well as health-conscious consumers because of its excellent performance in providing nutrients. Among these plants, Polygonatum sibiricum and Polygonatum odoratum have been selected for inclusion in China's Medicinal Food Directory due to their high safety profile. Polysaccharides are considered the main functional component and one of the main active ingredients of the plant. In addition, polysaccharides from genus Polygonatum have a variety of nutritional, biological and health-promoting properties, such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protective, neuroprotective, antitumor, antidiabetic, antiosteoporosis, and hepatoprotective properties. This paper reviews the origin, extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activity, safety, toxicological evaluation, and structure-activity relationship of polysaccharides from the genus Polygonatum. Ultimately, we hope that this work can provide a more useful reference for understanding the polysaccharide structure and developing of new functional foods from polysaccharides of the genus Polygonatum.

RNA binding protein SAMD4: current knowledge and future perspectives

SAMD4 protein family is a class of novel RNA-binding proteins that can mediate post-transcriptional regulation and translation repression in eukaryotes, which are highly conserved from yeast to humans during evolution. In mammalian cells, SAMD4 protein family consists of two members including SAMD4A/Smaug1 and SAMD4B/Smaug2, both of which contain common SAM domain that can specifically bind to different target mRNAs through stem-loop structures, also known as Smaug recognition elements (SREs), and regulate the mRNA stability, degradation and translation. In addition, SAMD4 can form the cytoplasmic mRNA silencing foci and regulate the translation of SRE-containing mRNAs in neurons. SAMD4 also can form the cytosolic membrane-less organelles (MLOs), termed as Smaug1 bodies, and regulate mitochondrial function. Importantly, many studies have identified that SAMD4 family members are involved in various pathological processes including myopathy, bone development, neural development, and cancer occurrence and progression. In this review, we mainly summarize the structural characteristics, biological functions and molecular regulatory mechanisms of SAMD4 protein family members, which will provide a basis for further research and clinical application of SAMD4 protein family.

Advances in Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides: Extraction, purification, structure, biosynthesis, and bioactivity

Polygonatum sibiricum has been used as food and medicine for thousands of years, and P. sibiricum polysaccharides (PSPs) have become the hot research spot due to their various health-promoting functions. Numerous studies have shown that PSPs possess huge potential in the application of functional food and medicine fields. However, the research status and features of the preparation process, molecular structure, and bioactivities of PSPs are unclear. Therefore, this review makes a comprehensive summary and proposes new insights and guidelines for the extraction, purification, structural features, biosynthesis, and multiple bioactivities of PSPs. Notably, it is concluded that PSPs mainly contain several types of polysaccharides, including fructan, pectin, galactomannan, glucomannans, arabinogalactan, and galactan, and multiple bioactivates, including osteogenic activity, anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, anti-depression, antioxidant, antiglycation, and protective effect against neurotoxicity and gut microbiota regulating activity. This review contributes to the structure-function study and resource utilization of P. sibiricum and its polysaccharides in food fields.

Use of Steaming Process to Improve Biochemical Activity of Polygonatum sibiricum Polysaccharides against D-Galactose-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice

Polysaccharide from Polygonatum sibiricum (PSP) possesses antioxidant, antiaging, and neuroprotective activities. However, whether and how the steaming process influences the biological activities of PSP, especially against aging-related memory impairment, is not yet known. In this study, Polygonatum sibiricum rhizome was subjected to a “nine steaming and nine drying” process, then PSPs with different steaming times were abstracted. Thereafter, the physicochemical properties were qualified; the antioxidant activities of PSPs were evaluated in a D-gal-induced HT-22 cell model, and the effects of PSPs (PSP0, PSP5 and PSP9) on memory was evaluated using D-gal-injured mice. Our results showed that while the steamed PSPs had a low pH value and a large negative charge, they shared similar main chains and substituents. Cellular experiments showed that the antioxidant activity of steamed PSPs increased. PSP0, PSP5, and PSP9 could significantly ameliorate the memory impairment of D-gal-injured mice, with PSP5 showing the optimal effect. Meanwhile, PSP5 demonstrated the best effect in terms of preventing cell death and synaptic injury in D-gal-injured mice. Additionally, the steamed PSPs increased anti-oxidative stress-related protein expression and decreased inflammation-related protein expression in D-gal-injured mice. Collectively, the steaming process improves the effects of PSPs against D-gal-induced memory impairment in mice, likely by increasing the antioxidant activity of PSPs.

A Review of Polygonatum Mill. Genus: Its Taxonomy, Chemical Constituents, and Pharmacological Effect Due to Processing Changes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Polygonatum Tourn, ex Mill. contains numerous chemical components, such as steroidal saponins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and others, it possesses diverse pharmacological activities, such as anti-aging, anti-tumor, immunological regulation, as well as blood glucose management and fat reducing properties.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This study reviews the current state of research on the systematic categorization, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and processing changes of the plants belonging to the genus Polygonatum, to provide a theoretical foundation for their scientific development and rational application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information was obtained by searching the scientific literature published between 1977 and 2022 on online databases (including PubMed, CNKI, SciFinder, and Web of Science) and other sources (such as the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition, and Chinese herbal books).

RESULTS

The genus Polygonatum contains 79 species, and 233 bioactive chemical compounds were identified in them. The abundance of pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant activities, anti-fatigue activities, anti-inflammatory activities, etc., were revealed for the representatives of this genus. In addition, there are numerous processing methods, and many chemical constituents and pharmacological activities change after the unappropriated processing.

CONCLUSIONS

This review summarizes the taxonomy classification, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and processing of the plants belonging to the genus Polygonatum, providing references and research tendencies for plant-based drug development and further clinical applications.

Noncoding RNA-Associated Competing Endogenous RNA Networks in Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Accumulating evidence has indicated that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC). However, the ncRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA)-mediated regulatory mechanisms in DIC remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to systematically investigate the alterations in expression levels of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), circular RNA (circRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and mRNA in a DIC mouse model through deep RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The results showed that 217 lncRNAs, 41 circRNAs, 11 miRNAs and 3633 mRNAs were aberrantly expressed. Moreover, the expression of 12 randomly selected transcripts was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to test the reliability of RNA-seq data. Based on the interaction between miRNAs and mRNAs, as well as lncRNAs/circRNAs and miRNAs, we constructed comprehensive lncRNA or circRNA-associated ceRNA networks in DIC mice. Moreover, we performed Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses for differentially expressed genes. In conclusion, these identified ceRNA interactions provide new insight into the underlying mechanism and may be crucial therapeutic targets of DIC.

Comprehensive determination of the processing level of rhizome of Polygonatum sibiricum by macroscopic, micromorphological, and microscopic characterizations

The rhizome of Polygonatum sibiricum Red. (PR, Huangjing in Chinese) has served as traditional medicine and foodstuff in China for over 2000 years. However, due to its irritating effect on the throat, Huangjing must be processed before clinical use. People have been exploring to determine the processing level of traditional Chinese medicine in an accurate tool. The evaluation of PR processing levels based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics has not yet been performed. This study aimed to provide a convenient method to determine the level of PR processing by monitoring the changes in color and crystal inclusion. According to the Chinese Pharmacopeia (2020 edition), macroscopic, micromorphological, and microscopic observations were performed with a polarized light microscope. Color quantization based on the CIE L^* a^* b^* color system using a CM-2300d colorimeter. Color parameters h^° , L^* , and ΔE^* had a significant influence on the differentiation ability. The inner transverse section of PR samples gradually turned into moist black with specular luster, which was consistent with the traditional identification of "brightness like oil and color like black lacquer." The change rate of the needle crystal morphology increased with the processing level, and the change rate of the needle crystal of the fifth product was over 90%. Combined with the correlation analysis, needle-like crystals were related to color parameters and could be used as an alternative marker to discriminate PR samples from different processing levels. The results confirmed the potential applicability of macroscopic and microscopic features for the classification of PR samples with different processing levels.

Potential for non-starch polysaccharides in the prevention and remediation of cognitive impairment: A comprehensive review

Non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) are food ingredients proven to be beneficial in a large number of health issues. However, there is no literature systematic review about the effects and corresponding mechanisms of NSPs on the prevention and remediation of cognitive impairment. In this review, studies on prevention and remediation of NSPs for cognitive deficit caused by diseases, menopause, ageing, chronic stress and environmental pollutants were summarized and the corresponding mechanisms were established. The anti-cognitive deficit effects of NSPs were associated with the modulation of amyloid β (Aβ) deposition, p-Tau aggregation, oxidative stress, inflammation, neuron apoptosis, neurogenesis, neurotransmitters, synaptic plasticity, autophagy and gut microbiota. Although the structure-function relationship has not been elucidated, several structural properties of NSPs such as molecular weight, sulfate content, hydroxyl group content, monosaccharide composition and molecular chain linkage might be crucial for the anti-cognitive deficit property. Notably, this review revealed that NSPs had a positive effect on cognitive impairment and proposed the future perspectives for further research on the anti-cognitive dysfunction effects of NSPs.

MiR-18a-3p improves cartilage matrix remodeling and inhibits inflammation in osteoarthritis by suppressing PDP1

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease characterized by synovial inflammation. MiR-18a-3p was reported to be downregulated in knee anterior cruciate ligament of OA patients. In the present study, the specific functions and mechanism of miR-18a-3p in OA were explored. An in vitro model of OA was established using 10 ng/ml IL-1β to treat ATDC5 cells, and medial meniscus instability surgery was performed on Wistar rats to establish in vivo rat model of OA. RT-qPCR revealed that miR-18a-3p was downregulated in IL-1β-stimulated ATDC5 cells. MiR-18a-3p overexpression inhibited secretion of inflammatory cytokines and concentration of matrix metalloproteinases, as shown by ELISA and western blotting. The binding relation between miR-18a-3p and pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase catalytic subunit 1 (PDP1) was detected by luciferase reporter assays. MiR-18a-3p targeted PDP1 and negatively regulated PDP1 expression. Results of rescue assays revealed that PDP1 upregulation reserved the suppressive effect of miR-18a-3p overexpression on levels of inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases in IL-1β-stimulated ATDC5 cells. H&E staining was used to observe pathological changes of synovial tissues in the knee joint of Wistar rats. Safranin O-fast green/hematoxylin was used to stain cartilage samples of knee joints. MiR-18a-3p overexpression suppressed OA progression in vivo. Overall, miR-18a-3p improves cartilage matrix remodeling and suppresses inflammation in OA by targeting PDP1.

Hsa_circ_0076931 suppresses malignant biological properties, down-regulates miR-6760-3p through direct binding, and up-regulates CCBE1 in glioma

The function of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in gliomas is as yet unknown. The present study explored role of hsa_circ_0076931 in glioma. circRNA expression profiles were identified via RNA-seq followed by qRT-PCR validation in three pairs of glioma and normal brain tissues (NBT). The function of hsa_circ_0076931 was investigated in vitro using cell lines as well as in vivo using a xenograft tumor. Hsa_circ_0076931 was up-regulated by overexpression and an mRNA profile compared with wild-type was identified by RNA-seq. The relationship between miR-6760-3p and hsa_circ_0076931 or CCBE1 was confirmed via luciferase reporter or AGO2-RIP assays. A total of 507 circRNAs were identified in glioma tissues that were differentially expressed compared with that in NBT, and the sequencing data were deposited in BioProject (ID: PRJNA746438). Hsa_circ_0007694 and hsa_circ_0008016 were memorably increased whereas hsa_circ_0076931 and hsa_circ_0076948 decreased in glioma compared with those in NBT. Additionally, hsa_circ_0076931 expression was negatively correlated with histological grade. Overexpression of hsa_circ_0076931 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis of glioma cells. A total of 4383 and 537 aberrantly expressed genes were identified between the hsa_circ_0076931-overexpressed and control groups in H4 and U118-MG cells, respectively; the sequencing data were deposited in BioProject (ID: PRJNA746438). These differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in cancer-related pathways. In addition, elevated hsa_circ_0076931 levels induced the expression of CCBE1 while suppressing miR-6760-3p expression. miR-6760-3p can bind to hsa_circ_0076931. The experimental evidence supports using hsa_circ_0076931 as a marker for glioma and to help prevent malignant progression. The mechanism might be relevant to miR-6760-3p and CCBE1.

Evolutionary research trend of Polygonatum species: a comprehensive account of their transformation from traditional medicines to functional foods

With the advances in Polygonatum research, there is a huge interest in harnessing the valuable functional ingredients of this genus with the potential for functional foods. This review emphasizes the different aspects of Ploygonatum based research starting from its bioactive compounds, their structural characterization, various extraction methods, as well as biological activities. In view of its integral use as an essential medicinal plant, our review emphasizes on its promising food applications both as an ingredient and as a whole food, and its improved health benefits with potential for agricultural and environmental relevance are also discussed. As we collated the recent research information, we present the main challenges and limitations of the current research trend in this area which can upgrade the further expansion of Polygonatum-related research that will strengthen its economic and accessible nutritional value in the food and health industries. By highlighting the need for the unattended species, this review not only fills existing research gaps, but also encourages the researchers to find new avenues for the natural production of bio-based functional materials and the development of highly functional and health-promoting foods for disease prevention and treatment.

Emerging roles of circular RNAs in neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain is a major type of chronic pain caused by the disease or injury of the somatosensory nervous system. It afflicts about 10% of the general population with a significant proportion of patients’ refractory to conventional medical treatment. This highlights the importance of a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of neuropathic pain so as to drive the development of novel mechanism‐driven therapy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of non‐coding, regulatory RNAs that exhibit tissue‐ and disease‐specific expression. An increasing number of studies reported that circRNAs may play pivotal roles in the development of neuropathic pain. In this review, we first summarize circRNA expression profiling studies on neuropathic pain. We also highlight the molecular mechanisms of specific circRNAs (circHIPK3, circAnks1a, ciRS‐7, cZRANB1, circZNF609 and circ_0005075) that play key functional roles in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain and discuss their potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic utilization in the clinical management of neuropathic pain.