LncRNA LINC01088 inhibits the function of trophoblast cells, activates the MAPK-signaling pathway and associates with recurrent pregnancy loss

Environmental BaP/BPDE suppressed trophoblast cell invasion/migration and induced miscarriage by down-regulating lnc-HZ01/MEST/VIM axis

Environmental benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and itsmetabolite benzo(a)pyrene-7, 8-dihydrodiol-9, 10-epoxide (BPDE), classic endocrine disrupting chemical and persistent organic pollutant, could cause miscarriage. However, the detailed mechanisms are still largely unclear and should be further explored. In this study, we discovered that exposure of trophoblast cells with BPDE could suppressed cell invasion/migration by inhibiting MEST/VIM (Vimentin) pathway. Moreover, BPDE exposure also increased lnc-HZ01 expression level, which further inhibited MEST/VIM pathway and then suppressed invasion/migration. Knockdown of lnc-HZ01 or overexpression of MEST could efficiently rescue invasion/migration of BPDE-exposed Swan 71 cells. Furthermore, lnc-HZ01 was highly expressed and MEST/VIM were lowly expressed in recurrent miscarriage (RM) villous tissues compared with healthy control (HC) group. Finally, we also found that BaP exposure inhibited murine Mest/Vim pathway in placental tissues and induced miscarriage in BaP-exposed mice. Therefore, the regulatory mechanisms were similar in BPDE-exposed human trophoblast cells, RM villous tissues, and placental tissues of BaP-exposed mice with miscarriage, building a bridge to connect BaP/BPDE exposure, invasion/migration, and miscarriage. This study provided novel insights in the toxicological effects and molecular mechanisms of BaP/BPDE-induced miscarriage, which is helpful for better elucidating the toxicological risks of BaP/BPDE on female reproduction.

Antisense oligonuleotides influences trophoblasts behaviors by changing LncNR_040117 expression in antiphospholipid antibody syndrome-induced recurrent pregnancy loss

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to explore whether antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that reduce LncNR_040117 expression in patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS)-induced recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), and further decrease apoptosis and improve trophoblasts invasion through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. This paper aimed to provide a new strategy to treat APS-induced RPL.

METHODS

In this study, we used quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to analyze the expression level of LncNR 040117 in HTR-8/SVneo cells following transfection with ASOs. Then we utilized Western blotting to test the expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and key molecules of MAPK pathways, including the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and p38. In addition, we examined the HTR-8/SVneo cells apoptosis by cell apoptosis assay, and migration and invasion by transwell antibody assay. Each experiment was repeated three times. The data are presented as the means ± SDs, and statistical comparisons were performed using Student's t-test. p < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULT

Transfected with ASOs, LncNR_040117 was downregulated in trophoblasts compared with APS-induced RPL patients. And LncNR_040117 low expression induced IL-1β and downstream adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1expression level decreased, as well as MAPK pathways downregulation, including the ERK pathway, JNK pathway and p38/MAPK pathway. Furthermore, all these changes resulted in decreased apoptosis and increased migration and invasion of trophoblasts.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that ASOs that decrease LncNR_040117 expression can reduce apoptosis and enhance the invasion and migration of trophoblasts by regulating the MAPK pathway.

Interaction of lncRNA Gm2044 and EEF2 promotes estradiol synthesis in ovarian follicular granulosa cells

The functions and molecular mechanisms of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in reproduction have been widely studied at present. However, lncRNA regulating hormone synthesis in ovarian follicular granulosa cells has not been sufficiently studied. Our previous research demonstrated that lncRNA Gm2044 could promote estradiol synthesis in follicular granulosa cells. In this study, we identified 21 binding proteins of lncRNA Gm2044 in ovarian follicles using comprehensive identification of RNA-binding proteins by mass spectrometry (ChIRP-MS). RNA immunoprecipitation (RNA IP) and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) confirmed that lncRNA Gm2044 can interact with eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2 (EEF2) protein. Furthermore, we constructed lncRNA Gm2044 knockout mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 method. Although the follicular development and fertility of female lncRNA Gm2044 knockout mice were not affected, the serum estradiol concentration in female lncRNA Gm2044 knockout mice significantly decreased. Western blotting and ELISA revealed that lncRNA Gm2044 may promote the binding of EEF2 to Nr5a1 mRNA and then enhance the Nr5a1 mRNA translation, and the upregulated NR5A1 protein can strengthen estradiol synthesis. To determine the potential signaling pathway of lncRNA Gm2044 regulating estradiol synthesis, transcriptome sequencing was performed for ovaries of adult lncRNA Gm2044 knockout mice, which identified 565 significant up-regulated genes and 303 significant down-regulated genes, which were then analyzed with Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and validated by molecular experiments. Understanding how lncRNA Gm2044/EEF2 protein regulates estradiol synthesis will help treat estrogen-related reproductive diseases.

Long noncoding RNA LINC01088 inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by targeting the NPM1-HDM2-p53 axis

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is characterized by extensive metastasis and poor prognosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in ESCC. However, the specific roles of lncRNAs in ESCC tumorigenesis and metastasis remain largely unknown. Here, we investigate LINC01088 in ESCC. Differentially expressed LINC01088 levels are screened from the GEO database. We find that LINC01088 is expressed at low level in collected clinical samples and is correlated with vascular tumor emboli and poor overall survival time of patients after surgery. LINC01088 inhibits not only ESCC cell migration and invasion in vitro, but also tumorigenesis and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC01088 directly interacts with nucleophosmin (NPM1) and increases the expression of NPM1 in the nucleoplasm compared to that in the nucleolar region. LINC01088 decreases mutant p53 (mut-p53) expression and rescues the transcriptional activity of p53 by targeting the NPM1-HDM2-p53 axis. LINC01088 may also interfere with the DNA repair function of NPM1 by affecting its translocation. Our results highlight the potential of LINC01088 as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target of ESCC.

BBOX1-AS1 mediates trophoblast cells dysfunction via regulating hnRNPK/GADD45A axis†

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a common pathological problem during pregnancy, and its clinical etiology is complex and unclear. Dysfunction of trophoblasts may cause a series of pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and RPL. Recently, lncRNAs have been found to be closely related to the occurrence and regulation of pregnancy-related diseases, but few studies have focused on their role in RPL. In this study, we identified a novel lncRNA BBOX1-AS1 that was significantly upregulated in villous tissues and serum of RPL patients. Functionally, BBOX1-AS1 inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, tube formation and promoted apoptosis of trophoblast cells. Mechanistically, overexpression of BBOX1-AS1 activated the p38 and JNK MAPK signaling pathways by upregulating GADD45A expression. Further studies indicated that BBOX1-AS1 could increase the stability of GADD45A mRNA by binding hnRNPK and ultimately cause abnormal trophoblast function. Collectively, our study highlights that the BBOX1-AS1/hnRNPK/GADD45A axis plays an important role in trophoblast-induced RPL and that BBOX1-AS1 may serve as a potential target for the diagnosis of RPL.

Regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs and m6A modification in trophoblast functions and the occurrence of its related adverse pregnancy outcomes

Adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, fetal growth restriction, and recurrent miscarriage, occur frequently in pregnant women and might further induce morbidity and mortality for both mother and fetus. Increasing studies have shown that dysfunctions of human trophoblast are related to these adverse pregnancy outcomes. Recent studies also showed that environmental toxicants could induce trophoblast dysfunctions. Moreover, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been reported to play important regulatory roles in various cellular processes. However, the roles of ncRNAs in the regulation of trophoblast dysfunctions and the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes still need to be further investigated, especially with exposure to environmental toxicants. In this review, we analyzed the regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs and m6A methylation modification in the dysfunctions of trophoblast cells and the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and also summarized the harmful effects of environmental toxicants. In addition to DNA replication, mRNA transcription, and protein translation, ncRNAs and m6A modification might be considered as the fourth and fifth elements that regulate the genetic central dogma, respectively. Environmental toxicants might also affect these processes. In this review, we expect to provide a deeper scientific understanding of the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and to discover potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of these outcomes.

IL-23 Inhibits Trophoblast Proliferation, Migration, and EMT via Activating p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway to Promote Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

As a vital problem in reproductive health, recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) affects about 1% of women. We performed this study with an aim to explore the molecular mechanism of interleukin-23 (IL-23) and find optimal or effective methods to improve RSA. First, ELISA was applied to evaluate the expressions of IL-23 and its receptor in HTR-8/SVneo cells after IL-23 treatment. CCK-8, TUNEL, wound healing and transwell assays were employed to assess the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells, respectively. Additionally, the expressions of apoptosis-, migration-, epithelial-mesenchymal transition- (EMT-) and p38 MAPK signaling pathway-related proteins were measured by western blotting. To further investigate the relationship between IL-23 and p38 MAPK signaling pathway, HTR-8/SVneo cells were treated for 1 h with p38 MAPK inhibitor SB239063, followed by a series of cellular experiments on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, as aforementioned. The results showed that IL-23 and its receptors were greatly elevated in IL-23-treated HTR-8/SVneo cells. Additionally, IL-23 demonstrated suppressive effects on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and EMT of IL-23-treated HTR-8/SVneo cells. More importantly, the molecular mechanism of IL-23 was revealed in this study; that is to say, IL-23 inhibited the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and EMT of IL-23-treated HTR-8/SVneo cells via activating p38 MAPK signaling pathway. In conclusion, IL-23 inhibits trophoblast proliferation, migration, and EMT via activating p38 MAPK signaling pathway, suggesting that IL-23 might be a novel target for the improvement of RSA.

Upregulated LINC01088 facilitates malignant phenotypes and immune escape of colorectal cancer by regulating microRNAs/G3BP1/PD-L1 axis

PURPOSE

Long intergenic non-coding RNA LINC01088 is a newly discovered long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). Its biological function in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unknown.

METHODS

Here, 36 paired CRC and para-cancerous tissues were collected. In vitro, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay, qPCR, western blotting analysis and cellular functional experiments, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and dual-luciferase reporter system analysis were performed. In vivo, xenograft tumor mouse models were generated. Besides, patient-derived intestinal organoid (PDO) was generated ex vivo.

RESULTS

We found that LINC01088 was significantly upregulated in colorectal cancer tissues and CRC cell lines compared to adjacent normal tissues and colonic epithelial cells. High LINC01088 levels were correlated with adverse outcomes in patients with CRC. LINC01088 was mainly located in the cytoplasm. LINC01088 knockdown suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and immune escape of colorectal cancer cells. Mechanistically, LINC01088 bound directly to miR-548b-5p and miR-548c-5p that were significantly upregulated Ras GTPase-activating protein-binding proteins 1 (G3BP1) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, altering CRC cell phenotypes. In mouse xenograft models, LINC01088 knockdown restrained CRC tumor growth and lung metastasis. Furthermore, G3BP1 overexpression reversed LINC01088-knockdown-mediated inhibitory effects on tumor growth. Notably, LINC01088 knockdown downregulated PD-L1 expression, while G3BP1 overexpression restored PD-L1 expression in xenograft tumors. Besides, LINC01088 knockdown repressed CRC organoid growth ex vivo.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these findings suggested that LINC01088 directly targeted miR-548b-5p and miR-548c-5p, promoting G3BP1 and PD-L1 expression, which facilitated colorectal cancer progression and immune escape.

Nesfatin-1 alleviates high glucose/high lipid-induced injury of trophoblast cells during gestational diabetes mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common disease in pregnant women, imposing risks on both mother and fetus. Dysregulated nesfatin-1 has been observed in women with GDM, but the specific role of nesfatin-1 underlying the pathological process of GDM is unclear. The main objective of this study is to investigate the role and the molecular mechanism of nesfatin-1 in GDM. HTR-8/SVneo cells were treated with high glucose (HG)/high lipid (HL) to mimic the injured trophoblast of GDM in vitro. Cell viability, cytotoxicity and apoptosis were measured using CCK-8, LDH and TUNEL assays, respectively. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant factors were detected using their commercial kits. ATP level and cytochrome c were determined with corresponding detecting kits. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were performed to detect the expression of corresponding genes. The results showed that nesfatin-1 was downregulated upon HG/HL stimulation. Nesfatin-1 treatment greatly alleviated HG/HL-induced cell viability loss, cytotoxicity, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in HTR-8/SVneo cells. In addition, nesfatin-1 promoted ATP generation, reduced the leakage of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytoplasm, and upregulated mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, nesfatin-1 inhibited p38 MAPK signaling. p79350, an agonist of p38 MAPK signaling, remarkably hindered the protective role of nesfatin-1 in HG/HL-induced HTR-8/SVneo cells. In conclusion, nesfatin-1 exerted a protective effect on GDM model in vitro, by regulating p38 MAPK signaling pathway, providing novel insights of treating GDM.