Long non-coding RNA LOC285194 inhibits proliferation and migration but promoted apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells via targeting miR-211/PUMA and TGF-β1/S100A4 signal

Long Non-coding RNA Prader Willi/Angelman Region RNA 6 Suppresses Glioma Development by Modulating MicroRNA-106a-5p

As one of the most frequent intracranial tumors, glioma showed invasive development and poor prognosis. lncRNAs have been illustrated to serve as biomarkers in various cancers. Whether the long non-coding RNA Prader Willi/Angelman region RNA 6 (PWAR6) was involved in glioma development and the underlying mechanism was investigated. PWAR6 in glioma was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction and its clinical significance was assessed with a series of statistical analyses. The biological function of PWAR6 was investigated with the cell counting kit 8 and Transwell assay. The potential underlying mechanism was studied with the luciferase reporter assay. The significant downregulation of PWAR6 was observed in glioma, which showed a close relationship with the major clinicopathological features and poor prognosis of patients. PWAR6 restrained cell growth, migration and invasion of glioma, which was alleviated by the overexpression of microRNA-106a-5p (miR-106a-5p). PWAR6 functioned as a prognostic biomarker and tumor suppressor of glioma through regulating miR-106a-5p.

Exosomes Derived from AT2R-Overexpressing BMSC Prevent Restenosis After Carotid Artery Injury by Attenuating the Injury-Induced Neointimal Hyperplasia

Restenosis is a severe complication after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty which limits the long-term efficacy of the intervention. In this study, we investigated the efficiency of exosomes derived from AT2R-overexpressing bone mesenchymal stem cells on the prevention of restenosis after carotid artery injury. Our data showed that AT2R-EXO promoted the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells and maintained the ratio of eNOS/iNOS. On the contrary, AT2R-EXO inhibited the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. In vivo study proved that AT2R-Exo were more effectively accumulated in the injured carotid artery than EXO and Vehicle-EXO controls. AT2R-EXO treatment could improve blood flow of the injured carotid artery site more effectively. Further analysis revealed that AT2REXO prevents restenosis after carotid artery injury by attenuating the injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia. Our study provides a novel and more efficient exosome for the treatment of restenosis diseases after intervention.

MiR-485-5p Suppress the Malignant Characteristics of the Lung Adenocarcinoma via Targeting NADPH Quinone Oxidoreductase-1 to Inhibit the PI3K/Akt

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), a prevalent form of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), has a high incidence and mortality rate. However, its molecular regulatory mechanisms have yet to be fully understood. The purpose of this study was to look into how NADPH quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) and it miR-485-5p and affected LUAD cells. The levels of miR-485-5p and NQO1 expression in LUAD cells and tissues were determined by means of quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The viability, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of LUAD cells were assessed using cell counting Kit-8, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine, transwell, and caspase-3 assays, respectively. Western blot experiments were used to examine the relative protein expression of matrix metallopeptidase 2 and matrix metallopeptidase 9, as well as the phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (Akt) in LUAD cells. Luciferase and RNA pull-down experiments were also conducted for the verification of miR-485-5p's underlying relationship with NQO1. In our study, we found that LUAD cells and tissues had miR-485-5p downregulation and NQO1 upregulation. The experimental outcomes indicated that miR-485-5p overexpression in LUAD cells reduced their malignant behaviors, suppressed PI3K and Akt phosphorylation, and facilitated apoptosis. The results also revealed that NQO1 was a direct miR-485-5p target, and that NQO1 could reverse miR-485-5p's inhibitory effect on the malignant phenotype of LUAD cells. Furthermore, it was also observed that through targeting NQO1, miR-485-5p could suppress LUAD cell migration and proliferation, further blocking the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt and inducing apoptosis among LUAD cells. In conclusion, the miR-485-5/NQO1 axis regulates LUAD progression through the PI3K/Akt pathway.

β‑aminoisobutyric acid ameliorates hypertensive vascular remodeling via activating the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway in VSMCs

Excessive proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of hypertension-related vascular remodeling. β-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA) is a nonprotein β-amino acid with multiple pharmacological actions. Recently, BAIBA has been shown to attenuate salt‑sensitive hypertension, but the role of BAIBA in hypertension-related vascular remodeling has yet to be fully clarified. This study examined the potential roles and underlying mechanisms of BAIBA in VSMC proliferation and migration induced by hypertension. Primary VSMCs were cultured from the aortas of Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Our results showed that BAIBA pretreatment obviously alleviated the phenotypic transformation, proliferation, and migration of SHR-derived VSMCs. Exogenous BAIBA significantly inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines by diminishing phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65 NFκB, retarding IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, as well as erasing STAT3 phosphorylation in VSMCs. Supplementation of BAIBA triggered Nrf2 dissociation from Keap1 and inhibited oxidative stress in VSMCs from SHR. Mechanistically, activation of the AMPK/sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) axis was required for BAIBA to cube hypertension-induced VSMC proliferation, migration, oxidative damage and inflammatory response. Most importantly, exogenous BAIBA alleviated hypertension, ameliorated vascular remodeling and fibrosis, abated vascular oxidative burst and inflammation in SHR, an effect that was abolished by deficiency of AMPKα1 and SIRT1. BAIBA might serve as a novel therapeutic agent to prevent vascular remodeling in the context of hypertension.

Tumor-associated fibroblasts derived exosomes induce the proliferation and cisplatin resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells through RIG-I/IFN-β signaling

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common type of malignant cancer. There is growing evidence suggesting that exosomes may participate in the cellular communication of tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs). However, the cisplatin resistance of TAF-derived exosomes to ESCC cells remains to be further studied. Exosomes were isolated from TAFs and characterized with Western blot and TEM assays. ESCC cell lines (TE-1 and KYSE-150) were incubated with TAFs-derived exosomes. To explore the biological function of TAF-derived exosomes in ESCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and chemosensitivity, we conducted MTT assays and Flow Cytometry. The effects in vivo were also verified via Xenograft mice models. We found that TAFs-derived exosomes led to enhanced cell proliferation and reduced apoptosis of cells, accompanied by increased expression of RIG-I/IFN-β, and TAFs derived exosomes may affect the chemosensitivity to cisplatin via RIG-I/IFN-β signaling in ESCC. Taken together, ESCC cells could communicate with TAFs cells via TAFs-derived exosomes. Our findings might represent a novel mechanism involved in ESCC and may provide a potential biomarker for ESCC.

Metformin suppresses lung adenocarcinoma by downregulating long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) AFAP1-AS1 and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) while upregulating miR-3163

AFAP1-AS1 plays a pro-tumor role in lung cancer. However, no investigation has focused on whether it is involved in the anticancer activity of metformin (Met) in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect the expression of long non-coding (lnc)RNA AFAP1-AS1, the microRNA (miR)-3163, and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) in LUAD tissues, or of A549 and H3122 cells. Cell Counting Kit-8, wound scratch, and cell invasion assays were performed to evaluate the effect of the overexpression of lncRNA AFAP1-AS1, miR-3163, and SPP1 on the malignant behaviors of A549 and H3122 cells. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway-related proteins were detected by Western blot analysis. Dual luciferase reporter or RIP assays were used to determine the interplay between AFAP1-AS1 and miR-3163, or of miR-3163 and SPP1. Met inhibits the malignant characteristics of A549 and H3122 cells in vitro. GEPIA database analysis showed that AFAP1-AS1 is a highly expressed lncRNA in LUAD tissues, which was validated by RT-qPCR. Overexpression of AFAP1-AS1 suppressed the met-mediated anti-tumor activity in A549 and H3122 cells, while AFAP1-AS1 silencing promoted it. Met inhibited AFAP1-AS1 expression, which resulted in reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion in A549 and H3122 cells. This led to AFAP1-AS1-mediated suppression of miR-3163 and, subsequently, the upregulation of SPP1. Met exerts its antitumor activities by regulating the AFAP1-AS1/miR-3163/SPP1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis. Our findings deepen our understanding of mechanisms underlying anti-tumor effect of Met in LUAD.

Upregulated long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1094 (LINC01094) is linked to poor prognosis and alteration of cell function in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) showed high cancer-related mortality in recent years partly due to the absence of an effective prognostic predictor. This research intended to evaluate the prognostic value and potential role of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1094 (LINC01094) in CRC. In this work, we evaluated the LINC01094 level in 122 CRC patients’ tissues and in human CRC cell lines. We explored the ability of LINC01094 in overall survival and progression-free survival estimate. The effect of LINC01094 dysregulation on the CRC cells was investigated. LINC01094 is highly expressed in CRC tissues and cells than normal ones. This high expression was correlated with absent vascular invasion, positive lymph node metastasis, and advanced TNM stage. With the result of Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox’s proportional hazard analysis, LINC01094 was an effective biomarker for CRC overall survival. Downregulation of LINC01094 impeded the malignant biological behavior (proliferation, invasion, and migration) of CRC cells, while overexpression of LINC01094 boosted that maybe by sponging miR-1266-5p. LINC01094 might function as an oncogene in CRC and allowed the discovery of a new biomarker for prognosis and therapy of CRC.

The novel circular RNA HIPK3 accelerates the proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by sponging the micro RNA-124 or micro RNA-506/pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 2 axis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been confirmed to be associated with the progression of various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role and mechanism of circHIPK3 in HCC are still unclear. To investigate its function, circHIPK3 expression was first determined by RT–qPCR in HCC tissues or cells. Functionally, cell proliferation and invasion were investigated by CCK-8, EdU, or Transwell assays. In terms of understanding the mechanism, the interaction of the circRNA HIPK3/micro RNA 124 (miRNA 124) or micro RNA 506 (miRNA506) /PDK2 regulatory loop was verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. In addition, a xenograft tumor model was established to confirm the impact of circHIPK3 on the growth of HCC cells in vivo. We found that circHIPK3 was upregulated in HCC patients and associated with clinical characteristics, while miR-124 and miR-506 were downregulated in HCC patients. Additionally, we proved that knock down of circHIPK3 remarkably suppressed the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. Mechanistically, circHIPK3 directly bound to miR-124 or miR-506 and inhibited their expression, and PDK2 was a target gene of miR-124 or miR-506. Moreover, circHIPK3 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-124 or miR-506 on HCC progression. miR-124 or miR-506 could also suppress tumorigenesis of HCC cells by PDK2. Furthermore, in vivo evidence confirmed that knock down of circHIPK3 inhibited tumor formation. We suggest that circHIPK3 can accelerate the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells by sponging miR-124 or miR-506 to upregulate PDK2, which is the underlying mechanism of circHIPK3-induced HCC progression.

High hydrostatic pressure (30 atm) enhances the apoptosis and inhibits the proteoglycan synthesis and extracellular matrix level of human nucleus pulposus cells via promoting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Hydrostatic pressure is known to regulate bovine nucleus pulposus cell metabolism, but its mechanism in human nucleus pulposus cells (HNPCs) remains obscure, which attracts our attention and becomes the focus in this study. Specifically, HNPCs were treated with SKL2001 (an agonist in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway) or XAV-939 (an inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway), and pressurized under the hydrostatic pressure of 1, 3 and 30 atm. The viability, apoptosis and proteoglycan synthesis of treated HNPC were assessed by CCK-8, flow cytometry and radioisotope incorporation assays. The levels of extracellular matrix, Collagen-II, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), Wnt-3a and β-catenin were measured by toluidine blue staining, immunocytochemistry and Western blot. Appropriate hydrostatic stimulation (3 atm) enhanced the viability and proteoglycan synthesis yet inhibited the apoptosis of HNPCs, which also up-regulated extracellular matrix and Collagen-II levels, and down-regulated MMP3, Wnt-3a and β-catenin levels in treated HNPCs. Furthermore, high hydrostatic pressure (30 atm) inhibited the viability and proteoglycan synthesis, and promoted the morphological change and apoptosis of HNPCs, which also down-regulated extracellular matrix and Collagen-II levels and up-regulated MMP3, Wnt-3a and β-catenin levels. Besides, SKL2001 reversed the effects of hydrostatic pressure (3 atm) on inhibiting Wnt-3a, β-catenin, and MMP3 levels and promoting Collagen-II level in HNPC; whereas, XAV-939 reversed the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (30 atm) on promoting MMP3, Wnt-3a, and β-catenin levels and inhibiting Collagen-II level and proteoglycan synthesis of HNPCs. Collectively, high hydrostatic pressure promoted the apoptosis and inhibited the viability of HNPCs via activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Long non-coding RNA p53 upregulated regulator of p53 levels (PURPL) promotes the development of gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC), one of the most prevalent malignancies across the world, has an increasing incidence rate. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) PURPL (also referred to as LINC01021) has been demonstrated to influence malignant GC behaviors and partake in other cancers. Notwithstanding, reports pertaining to the underlying mechanism of PURPL in GC haven’t been rarely seen. Presently, in-vivo and ex-vivo experiments were implemented to examine the PURPL-miR-137-ZBTB7A-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB regulatory axis in GC. Our statistics revealed that PURPL presented a high expression in GC tissues and cell lines. PURPL overexpression remarkably exacerbated colony formation, migration, and invasion and repressed apoptosis in GC cells (AGS and MNK-45). In-vivo experiments also corroborated that cell growth was boosted by PURPL up-regulation. Mechanistic investigations verified that PURPL interacted with miR-137 and lowered its profile in GC cell lines. miR-137 overexpression or ZBTB7A knockdown upended the oncogenic function mediated by PURPL. PURPL initiated the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway. PI3K and NF-κB inhibition impaired the promoting impact on GC cells elicited by PURPL overexpression and contributed to PURPL down-regulation. These findings disclosed that PURPL serves as an oncogene in the context of GC via miR-137-ZBTB7A-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB axis modulation.

Chromodomain Helicase DNA Binding Protein 1-like, a negative regulator of Forkhead box O3a, promotes the proliferation and migration of Angiotensin II-induced vascular smooth muscle cells

Essential hypertension (EH) represents a major risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Dysregulated proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play an important role in pathogenesis of EH. This study aims to investigate the effect of Chromodomain Helicase DNA Binding Protein 1-Like (CHD1L) on Angiotensin II (AngII)-induced VSMCs injury and reveal the underlying mechanism. The expression of CHD1L in EH patients was determined by bioinformatics analysis, and then it was silenced in AngII-induced VSMCs to detect the changes in cellular functions including proliferation, migration, invasion and phenotypic switching via CCK-8, EDU staining, wound healing, transwell and Western blot assays, respectively. Inflammation and oxidative stress were also measured by detecting related markers via commercial kits. After confirming the binding sites between forkhead box O3A (FOXO3a) and CHD1L and their negative association by bioinformatics analysis, FOXO3a was further silenced, and the cellular functions were assessed again to reveal the underlying mechanism. Results showed that CHD1L was highly expressed in EH, and interference of CHD1L suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion and phenotypic switching in VSMCs. Inflammation and oxidative stress were also restrained by CHD1L knockdown. After validating the negative role of FOXO3a in regulating CHD1L, it was found that FOXO3a abrogated the effect of CHD1L knockdown on the cellular functions of AngII-induced VSMCs. In conclusion, FOXO3a suppresses the proliferation and migration of AngII-induced VSMCs by down-regulating CHD1L.

Implementation of novel boolean logic gates for IMPLICATION and XOR functions using riboregulators

To date, several different types of synthetic genetic switches, including riboregulators, riboswitches, and toehold switches, have been developed to construct AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, and NOT IMPLICATION (NIMP) gates. The logic gate can integrate multiple input signals following a set of algorithms and generate a response only if strictly defined conditions are met. However, there are still some logic gates that have not been implemented but are necessary to build complex genetic circuits. Here, based on the toehold switches and three-way-junction (3WJ) repressors, we designed two novel biological Boolean logic gates of IMPLICATION (IMP) and XOR. Subsequently, the outputs of these two logic gates were characterized by fluorescence analysis, indicating that they can achieve the truth tables of logical gates. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity under the logical TRUE condition was significantly higher than under the logical FALSE condition, suggesting the high dynamic range of the ON/OFF ratios. Because of the programmability of synthetic RNA switches, the constructed RNA logic gates could serve as elementary units to build a versatile and powerful platform for translational regulation and RNA-based biological computation.

The myocardial infarction-associated transcript 2 inhibits lipid accumulation and promotes cholesterol efflux in oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced THP-1-derived macrophages via inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and activating the nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 signaling pathway

Dysregulated lipid metabolism of macrophages contributes to thrombosis and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) myocardial infarction-associated transcript 2 (Mirt2) has been reported to inhibit inflammation and lipid accumulation; therefore, this study intended to clarify whether Mirt2 served a role in lipid metabolism. THP-1-derived macrophages with or without Mirt2-knockdown or overexpression, were exposed to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), then cell migration, lipid accumulation, cholesterol efflux and inflammation were assessed using wound healing, oil red staining, commercial kits and western blot assays. Besides, ML385 was used to treat THP-1-derived macrophages to inhibit nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (NRF2) expression. The expression of proteins involved in the above processes were measured by western blot. Results demonstrated that phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) significantly increased Mirt2 expression in THP-1 cells. Mirt2-knockdown enhanced ox-LDL-induced macrophage migration, lipid accumulation, inflammation, and inhibited cholesterol efflux. By contrast, Mirt2 overexpression displayed the opposite effects. Furthermore, Mirt2-knockdown inhibited NRF2 signaling and enhanced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, while Mirt2 overexpression displayed the opposite effects. Finally, the NRF2 inhibitor ML385 significantly reversed the above effects of Mirt2. In summary, Mirt2 served an important role in regulating lipid metabolism in macrophages via inhibiting MAPK signaling and activating the NRF2 signaling pathway.

Angiotensin (ang) 1-7 inhibits ang II-induced atrial fibrosis through regulating the interaction of proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (c-Src) and Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1))

To verify whether Ang-(1-7) produces an antagonistic effect on Ang II-mediated atrial remodeling. Ang II–induced HL-1 cell model and a rat model of Ang II–induced atrial remodeling were constructed and intervened with Ang II Ang-(1-7), AngII +Ang-(1-7), Ang II+ c-Src specific inhibitor (SU6656), and Ang II + Ang-(1-7) + SSG (SHP-1/2 specific inhibitor, stibogluconate), respectively. The systolic blood pressure of the rat caudal artery was detected. And trial fibrosis was detected by Picrosirius red staining and Masson’s trichrome staining. Expressions of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1), Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), galectin-3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen I/III were subjected to qPCR and western blot. Furthermore, SHP-1 binding to c-Src was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results showed that the expressions of TGF-β, TIMP1, MMP-2, CTGF, α-SMA, galectin-3, and collagen I were increased markedly in the Ang II intervention group, and the expressions of p-ERK1/2, p-Akt, and p-p38MAPK were also increased dramatically. Ang-(1-7) or SU6656 addition could inhibit the action of Ang II factor, thereby minimizing the expressions of the previously described genes and proteins. Simultaneously, SSG supplement reversed the antagonistic effect of Ang-(1-7) on Ang II, and the latter elevated the blood pressure and induced atrial fibrosis in rats. Ang-(1-7) could reverse the changes related to Ang II–induced atrial fibrosis in rats. In conclusion, Ang-(1-7) antagonized Ang II–induced atrial remodeling by regulating SHP-1 and c-Src, thereby affecting the MAPKs/Akt signaling pathway.

MicroRNA MiR-130a-3p promotes gastric cancer by targeting Glucosaminyl N-acetyl transferase 4 (GCNT4) to regulate the TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway

Gastric cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Dysregulation of glucosaminyl (N-acetyl) transferase 4 (GCNT4) gene and miR-130a-3p gene has been reported in the development of gastric cancer. We elucidated the function of the miR-130a-3p-GCNT4 axis in gastric cancer. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase-chain reaction measured miR-130a-3p and GCNT4 levels in gastric cancer tissues and cells. The interaction between miR-130a-3p and GCNT4 was assessed using luciferase and RNA pull-down assays. Biological roles of miR-130a-3p and GCNT4 were determined using cell proliferation, migration, and invasion assays in gastric cancer cells. In addition, the effect of miR-130a-3p on the tumor growth in vivo was investigated using tumor xenografts assay. Levels of total TGF-β1, phosphorylated SMAD3 (p-SMAD3), and SMAD3 were measured by using western blot. The results showed that miR-130a-3p levels were increased, while GCNT4 levels were reduced in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. While miR-130a-3p mimics facilitated cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, promoted tumor growth in vivo, and activated the TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling pathway, overexpression of GCNT4 prevented the growth of gastric cancer cells and restrained the activation of the TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway. Mechanistically, miR-130a-3p suppressed gastric cancer genesis by inhibiting GCNT4 expression and activating the TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling pathway. Altogether, we proposed that targeting of GCNT4 and activation of the TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling pathway by miR-130a-3p enhanced the growth of gastric cancer cells. This study provides important strategies for the selection of therapeutic targets for gastric cancer treatment involving miR-130a-3p/GCNT4/TGF-β1/SMAD3 axis.

CRTAC1 (Cartilage acidic protein 1) inhibits cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in bladder cancer by downregulating Yin Yang 1 (YY1) to inactivate the TGF-β pathway

Cartilage acidic protein 1 (CRTAC1) is predicted to be aberrantly expressed in bladder cancer based on bioinformatics analysis. However, its functions and molecular mechanism in bladder cancer remain elusive. This study aimed to explore the role of CRTAC1 in bladder cancer. The mRNA and protein levels of CRTAC1 and Yin Yang 1 (YY1) were detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. We found that CRTAC1 was downregulated in bladder cancer tissues and cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, colony formation assays, wound healing assays and Transwell assays and western blotting revealed that CRTAC1 overexpression inhibited cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in bladder cancer, while CRTAC1 knockdown exerted opposite effects on these malignant behaviors. Mechanistically, CRTAC1 targeted YY1 in bladder cancer cells. YY1 was upregulated in bladder cancer tissues and cells. CRTAC1 negatively modulated the mRNA and protein expression of YY1 in bladder cancer cells. Co-localization of CRTAC1 and YY1 expression was assessed using immunofluorescence staining and Co-Immunoprecipitation assays. The interaction between CRTAC1 and YY1 was explored by Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. Moreover, CRTAC1 inactivated the TGF-β pathway by downregulating YY1 expression. Protein levels of factors associated with the TGF-β pathway were examined by western blotting. Rescue assays indicated that CRTAC1 inhibited malignant behaviors of bladder cancer cells by targeting YY1. Overall, CRTAC1 inhibited malignant phenotypes of bladder cancer cells by targeting YY1 to inactivate the TGF-β pathway.

Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) SNHG7/ Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 2 (EIF4G2) involves in the malignant events of ovarian cancer cells with paclitaxel resistant

LncRNA SNHG7 shows a strong relationship with malignant behavior of cancer cells and poor clinical outcome in cancer. The resistance of ovarian cancer for Paclitaxel seriously limits the clinical efficacy in chemotherapy for ovarian cancer patients. In this study, we investigated whether lncRNA SNHG7 was involved in Paclitaxel sensitivity of ovarian cancer as well as the underlying mechanism regulating the behavior of ovarian cancer cells with Paclitaxel resistance. The experiment results of wound healing and transwell showed that in paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer cells, transfection with siRNA-SNHG7 in ovarian cancer cells reduced cell migration and invasion. And cell cycle was observed by means of Flow cytometry. RNA immunoprecipitation assay was performed to analyze the interaction of lncRNA SNHG7 and EIF4G2. Overexpression of EIF4G2 by transfection with Ov- EIF4G2 plasmids efficiently blocked the changes of migration and invasion, as well as G0/1 arrest caused by lncRNA SNHG7 silencing. Taken together, these results demonstrated that lncRNA SNHG7 could affect the degradation of EIF4G2 to regulate the sensitivity of ovarian cancer to Paclitaxel, inhibit cell viability, migration, and invasion. The interaction of lncRNA SNHG7 and EIF4G2 plays an important role in the migrative and invasive activity and Paclitaxel resistance of ovarian cancer cells.

LncRNA DARS-AS1 aggravates the growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via regulating the miR-3200-5p-Cytoskeleton associated protein 2 (CKAP2) axis

Accumulating signs have found that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we probed the effect and mechanism of lncRNA DARS-AS1 in HCC. The profiles of DARS-AS1 and Cytoskeleton associated protein 2 (CKAP2) in 50 HCC tissues and non-tumor tissues were examined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). DARS-AS1 and CKAP2 overexpression and/or knockdown cell models were established. The proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were determined. CKAP2, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was tested by Western blot (WB). The relationship between DARS-AS1 and CKAP2 was predicted by Bioinformatics, and the dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to verify the targeting association between miR-3200-5p and DARS-AS1 and CKAP2. DARS-AS1 was overexpressed in HCC tissues (vs. that in non-tumor tissues) and was closely correlated with the patients’ tumor stage. DARS-AS1 facilitated HCC cell proliferation and hampered apoptosis. HCC cell migration and EMT were enhanced by DARS-AS1. DARS-AS1 up-regulated CKAP2, which aggravated HCC. Further investigation illustrated that either DARS-AS1 or CKAP2 activated FAK-ERK pathway, and miR-3200-5p was competitively restrained by DARS-AS1. miR-3200-5p exerted tumor-suppressive effects in HCC and inactivated CKAP2 and FAK-ERK pathway. All in all, this study corroborates that DARS-AS1 facilitates HCC proliferation and metastasis by regulating miR-3200-5p-mediated CKAP2, which provides a potential target for HCC diagnosis and treatment.

Abbreviations: CCK-8: cell counting kit-8; CKAP2: Cytoskeleton associated protein 2; cDNA:complementary DNA; DAPI: 4ʹ,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; DARS-AS1: DARS1 antisense RNA 1; DEPC: diethyl pyrocarbonate; DMEM-F12: Dulbecco’s minimal essential medium/Ham’s-F12; EMT: epithelial-mesenchymal transition; ERK: extracellular signal-regulated kinase; FAK: focal adhesion kinase; FBS: fetal bovine serum; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; HCC: hepatocellular carcinoma; HE: hematoxylin-eosin; IHC: Immunohistochemistry; LIHC: Liver hepatocellular carcinoma; lncRNAs: long noncoding RNAs; MIAT: lncRNA myocardial infarction-related transcripts; MT: Mutant; NC: negative control; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PMSF: Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride; PVDF: polyvinylidene difluoride; RT: room temperature; RT-qPCR: real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction; SDS-PAGE: sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; SPF: specific pathogen-free; TMAP: tumor-associated microtubule-associated protein; TUNEL: TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling; V: volume; WT: wild type.

Long non-coding RNA AC012668 suppresses non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by competing for microRNA miR-380-5p with lipoprotein-related protein LRP2

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by high morbidity. Although long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to have a role in NAFLD pathogenesis, the identified lncRNA types are limited. In this study, NAFLD models were established in vitro and in vivo using free fatty acid-treated LO2 cells and high-fat diet-fed mice, respectively. Microarray data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and AC012668 was selected for further analysis. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured using Cell Counting Kit 8 and flow cytometry assays. RNA expression was detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Triglyceride (TG) content and lipid deposition were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Oil-Red O staining. Western blotting was used to visualize protein expression. Starbase and TargetScan were used to predict the target miRNA and gene, and the predictions were verified through RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assays. AC012668 expression levels were significantly suppressed in NAFLD models, whereas AC012668 overexpression inhibited lipogenesis-related gene (SCD1, SREBP1, FAS) expression and TG/lipid accumulation in vitro. Subsequently, miR-380-5p was predicted and verified to target AC012668, and its expression was notably increased in the NAFLD cell model. Moreover, transfection of miR-380-5p antagonized the effects of AC012668 on lipid formation and accumulation. LRP2 was confirmed to be the target gene of miR-380-5p and was downregulated in the NAFLD cell model. Silencing LRP2 reversed the effects of the miR-380-5p inhibitor on lipid formation and accumulation. AC012668 inhibited NAFLD progression via the miR-380-5p/LRP2 axis. These findings may provide a novel strategy against NAFLD.

Etomidate ameliorated advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)-induced reduction of extracellular matrix genes expression in chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a rheumatic disease common in the elderly. AGEs are the end products of glycation reactions and play an important role in the development of OA. Etomidate is a general anesthesia-inducing agent recently reported to exert significant anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aims to explore the protective effect of Etomidate against advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)-induced reduction of extracellular matrix gene expression in chondrocytes. In the present study, we found that AGEs significantly reduced the expression of Collagen II (COL2A1) and Aggrecan (ACAN) at the gene level. Furthermore, AGEs inhibited the expression of SRY-related high mobility group-box gene 9 (SOX-9), promoting the expression of COL2A1 and ACAN. COL2A1, ACAN, and SOX-9 in chondrocytes were significantly elevated by treatment with Etomidate alone. Consistently, Etomidate ameliorated AGEs-induced downregulation of COL2A1, ACAN, and SOX-9 in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, we found that knockdown of SOX-9 eliminated the beneficial effects of Etomidate against AGEs-induced decrease in COL2A1 and ACAN genes. Based on these findings, we demonstrated that Etomidate could ameliorate AGEs-induced reduction of extracellular matrix gene expression in chondrocytes by upregulating SOX-9.

All-trans-retinoic acid suppresses rat embryo hindlimb bud mesenchymal chondrogenesis by modulating HoxD9 expression

In vertebrates, 5ʹ-Hoxd genes (Hoxd9), which are expressed in the hindlimb bud mesenchyme, participate in limb growth and patterning in early embryonic development. In the present study, We investigated the mechanisms by which ATRA regulates cultured E12.5 rat embryo hindlimb bud mesenchymal cells (rEHBMCs). Following exposure to ATRA over 24 h, mRNA and protein expression levels of HoxD9 were evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and western blotting. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis. ATRA inhibited the condensation and proliferation, and promoted the apoptosis rate of the rEHBMCs in a dose-dependent manner. Sox9 and Col2a1 in rEHBMCs were downregulated by ATRA in a dose-dependent manner at both mRNA and protein levels. Similarly, HoxD9 was downregulated by ATRA in a dose-dependent manner, in parallel with the cartilage-specific molecules Sox9 and Col2a1. Both qPCR and western blotting showed that both Shh and Gli3 were downregulated. Overexpression of HoxD9 reversed the effects of ATRA. These results demonstrate that ATRA suppresses chondrogenesis in rEHBMCs by inhibiting the expression of HoxD9 and its downstream protein targets, including Sox9 and Col2a1. This effect may also be correlated with inhibition of the Shh-Gli3 signaling pathway.

MicroRNA-488 serves as a diagnostic marker for atherosclerosis and regulates the biological behavior of vascular smooth muscle cells

Atherosclerosis (AS) is one of the main causes of cerebral infarction. Researches on AS mainly focus on the gene level, among which microRNA is the research hotspot nowadays. This study investigated the diagnostic value of aberrant serum miR-488 in AS patients, and further explored the effect of abnormally expressed miR-488 on the biological behavior of vascular smooth muscle (VSMCs) cells by cell transfection. The qRT-PCR was used to investigate the expression level of miR-488 in 125 AS patients and 60 healthy controls. The diagnostic value of miR-488 was analyzed by the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were used to detect the ability of miR-488 on the proliferation and migration ability of VSMCs cells. Serum expression of miR-488 in AS patients was higher than that in healthy controls. The expression level of miR-488 was significantly positively correlated with the Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) value. The AUC of the ROC curve was 0.892, specificity was 99.3%, and sensitivity was 77.6%. In VSMCs cells, overexpression of miR-488 significantly promoted the proliferation and migration ability. The high expression of miR-488 is a good diagnostic marker for AS. The upregulation of miR-488 promotes VSMCs cell proliferation, and migration, which may provide a new theory for the treatment of AS.