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Geleta U, Prajapati P, Bachstetter A, Nelson PT, Wang WX. Sex-Biased Expression and Response of microRNAs in Neurological Diseases and Neurotrauma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2648. [PMID: 38473893 PMCID: PMC10931569 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological diseases and neurotrauma manifest significant sex differences in prevalence, progression, outcome, and therapeutic responses. Genetic predisposition, sex hormones, inflammation, and environmental exposures are among many physiological and pathological factors that impact the sex disparity in neurological diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a powerful class of gene expression regulator that are extensively involved in mediating biological pathways. Emerging evidence demonstrates that miRNAs play a crucial role in the sex dimorphism observed in various human diseases, including neurological diseases. Understanding the sex differences in miRNA expression and response is believed to have important implications for assessing the risk of neurological disease, defining therapeutic intervention strategies, and advancing both basic research and clinical investigations. However, there is limited research exploring the extent to which miRNAs contribute to the sex disparities observed in various neurological diseases. Here, we review the current state of knowledge related to the sexual dimorphism in miRNAs in neurological diseases and neurotrauma research. We also discuss how sex chromosomes may contribute to the miRNA sexual dimorphism phenomenon. We attempt to emphasize the significance of sexual dimorphism in miRNA biology in human diseases and to advocate a gender/sex-balanced science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urim Geleta
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
| | - Paresh Prajapati
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
| | - Adam Bachstetter
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Peter T. Nelson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Wang-Xia Wang
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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2
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Smiley KO, Munley KM, Aghi K, Lipshutz SE, Patton TM, Pradhan DS, Solomon-Lane TK, Sun SED. Sex diversity in the 21st century: Concepts, frameworks, and approaches for the future of neuroendocrinology. Horm Behav 2024; 157:105445. [PMID: 37979209 PMCID: PMC10842816 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Sex is ubiquitous and variable throughout the animal kingdom. Historically, scientists have used reductionist methodologies that rely on a priori sex categorizations, in which two discrete sexes are inextricably linked with gamete type. However, this binarized operationalization does not adequately reflect the diversity of sex observed in nature. This is due, in part, to the fact that sex exists across many levels of biological analysis, including genetic, molecular, cellular, morphological, behavioral, and population levels. Furthermore, the biological mechanisms governing sex are embedded in complex networks that dynamically interact with other systems. To produce the most accurate and scientifically rigorous work examining sex in neuroendocrinology and to capture the full range of sex variability and diversity present in animal systems, we must critically assess the frameworks, experimental designs, and analytical methods used in our research. In this perspective piece, we first propose a new conceptual framework to guide the integrative study of sex. Then, we provide practical guidance on research approaches for studying sex-associated variables, including factors to consider in study design, selection of model organisms, experimental methodologies, and statistical analyses. We invite fellow scientists to conscientiously apply these modernized approaches to advance our biological understanding of sex and to encourage academically and socially responsible outcomes of our work. By expanding our conceptual frameworks and methodological approaches to the study of sex, we will gain insight into the unique ways that sex exists across levels of biological organization to produce the vast array of variability and diversity observed in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina O Smiley
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 639 North Pleasant Street, Morrill IVN Neuroscience, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
| | - Kathleen M Munley
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, 3695 Cullen Boulevard, Houston, TX 77204, USA.
| | - Krisha Aghi
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Sara E Lipshutz
- Department of Biology, Duke University, 130 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
| | - Tessa M Patton
- Bioinformatics Program, Loyola University Chicago, 1032 West Sheridan Road, LSB 317, Chicago, IL 60660, USA.
| | - Devaleena S Pradhan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, 921 South 8th Avenue, Mail Stop 8007, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA.
| | - Tessa K Solomon-Lane
- Scripps, Pitzer, Claremont McKenna Colleges, 925 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711, USA.
| | - Simón E D Sun
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
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3
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Wingo AP, Liu Y, Gerasimov ES, Vattathil SM, Liu J, Cutler DJ, Epstein MP, Blokland GAM, Thambisetty M, Troncoso JC, Duong DM, Bennett DA, Levey AI, Seyfried NT, Wingo TS. Sex differences in brain protein expression and disease. Nat Med 2023; 29:2224-2232. [PMID: 37653343 PMCID: PMC10504083 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02509-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Most complex human traits differ by sex, but we have limited insight into the underlying mechanisms. Here, we investigated the influence of biological sex on protein expression and its genetic regulation in 1,277 human brain proteomes. We found that 13.2% (1,354) of brain proteins had sex-differentiated abundance and 1.5% (150) of proteins had sex-biased protein quantitative trait loci (sb-pQTLs). Among genes with sex-biased expression, we found 67% concordance between sex-differentiated protein and transcript levels; however, sex effects on the genetic regulation of expression were more evident at the protein level. Considering 24 psychiatric, neurologic and brain morphologic traits, we found that an average of 25% of their putatively causal genes had sex-differentiated protein abundance and 12 putatively causal proteins had sb-pQTLs. Furthermore, integrating sex-specific pQTLs with sex-stratified genome-wide association studies of six psychiatric and neurologic conditions, we uncovered another 23 proteins contributing to these traits in one sex but not the other. Together, these findings begin to provide insights into mechanisms underlying sex differences in brain protein expression and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliza P Wingo
- Veterans Affairs Atlanta Health Care System, Decatur, GA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Selina M Vattathil
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David J Cutler
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael P Epstein
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gabriëlla A M Blokland
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Madhav Thambisetty
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Section, Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Juan C Troncoso
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Duc M Duong
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Allan I Levey
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nicholas T Seyfried
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Thomas S Wingo
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Quijas MM, Queme LF, Weyler AA, Butterfield A, Joshi DP, Mitxelena-Balerdi I, Jankowski MP. Sex specific role of RNA-binding protein, AUF1, on prolonged hypersensitivity after repetitive ischemia with reperfusion injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.08.544080. [PMID: 37333316 PMCID: PMC10274888 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.08.544080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive ischemia with reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common cause of myalgia. I/R injuries occur in many conditions that differentially affect males and females including complex regional pain syndrome and fibromyalgia. Our preclinical studies have indicated that primary afferent sensitization and behavioral hypersensitivity due to I/R may be due to sex specific gene expression in the DRGs and distinct upregulation of growth factors and cytokines in the affected muscles. In order to determine how these unique gene expression programs may be established in a sex dependent manner in a model that more closely mimics clinical scenarios, we utilized a newly developed prolonged ischemic myalgia model in mice whereby animals experience repeated I/R injuries to the forelimb and compared behavioral results to unbiased and targeted screening strategies in male and female DRGs. Several distinct proteins were found to be differentially expressed in male and female DRGs, including AU-rich element RNA binding protein (AUF1), which is known to regulate gene expression. Nerve specific siRNA-mediated knockdown of AUF1 inhibited prolonged hypersensitivity in females only, while overexpression of AUF1 in male DRG neurons increased some pain-like responses. Further, AUF1 knockdown was able to specifically inhibit repeated I/R induced gene expression in females but not males. Data suggests that RNA binding proteins like AUF1 may underlie the sex specific effects on DRG gene expression that modulate behavioral hypersensitivity after repeated I/R injury. This study may aid in finding distinct receptor differences related to the evolution of acute to chronic ischemic muscle pain development between sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meranda M. Quijas
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Luis F. Queme
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alex A. Weyler
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ally Butterfield
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Diya P. Joshi
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Irati Mitxelena-Balerdi
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Michael P. Jankowski
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Pediatric Pain Research Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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5
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D'Addario SL, Municchi D, Mancini C, Ielpo D, Babicola L, Di Segni M, Iacono LL, Ferlazzo F, Cifani C, Andolina D, Ventura R. The long-lasting effects of early life adversities are sex dependent: The signature of miR-34a. J Affect Disord 2023; 322:277-288. [PMID: 36414112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to early life adversities (ELA) can influence a plethora of biological mechanisms leading to stress-related disorders later in life through epigenetic mechanisms, such as microRNAs (miRs). MiR-34 is a critical modulator of stress response and stress-induced pathologies and a link between ELA and miR-34a has been reported. METHODS Here using our well-established model of ELA (Repeated Cross Fostering) we investigate the behavioral long-term effects of ELA in male and female mice. We also assess basal and ELA-induced miR-34a expression in adult mice and investigate whether ELA affects the later miR-34a response to adult acute stress exposure across brain areas (medial preFrontal Cortex, Dorsal Raphe Nuclei) and peripheral organs (heart, plasma) in animals from both sexes. Finally, based on our previous data demonstrating the critical role of Dorsal Raphe Nuclei miR-34a expression in serotonin (5-HT) transmission, we also investigated prefrontal-accumbal 5-HT outflow induced by acute stress exposure in ELA and Control females by in vivo intracerebral microdialysis. RESULTS ELA not just induces a depressive-like state as well as enduring changes in miR-34a expression, but also alters miR-34a expression in response to adult acute stress exclusively in females. Finally, altered DRN miR-34a expression is associated with prefrontal-accumbal 5-HT release under acute stress exposure in females. LIMITATIONS Translational study on humans is necessary to verify the results obtained in our animal models of ELA-induced depression. CONCLUSIONS This is the first evidence showing long-lasting sex related effects of ELA on brain and peripheral miR-34a expression levels in an animal model of depression-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Luca D'Addario
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Diana Municchi
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Camilla Mancini
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Donald Ielpo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Lucy Babicola
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | | | - Luisa Lo Iacono
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Fabio Ferlazzo
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Diego Andolina
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Rossella Ventura
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
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6
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Potential Regulation of miRNA-29 and miRNA-9 by Estrogens in Neurodegenerative Disorders: An Insightful Perspective. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020243. [PMID: 36831786 PMCID: PMC9954655 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Finding a link between a hormone and microRNAs (miRNAs) is of great importance since it enables the adjustment of genetic composition or cellular functions without needing gene-level interventions. The dicer-mediated cleavage of precursor miRNAs is an interface link between miRNA and its regulators; any disruption in this process can affect neurogenesis. Besides, the hormonal regulation of miRNAs can occur at the molecular and cellular levels, both directly, through binding to the promoter elements of miRNAs, and indirectly, via regulation of the signaling effects of the post-transcriptional processing proteins. Estrogenic hormones have many roles in regulating miRNAs in the brain. This review discusses miRNAs, their detailed biogenesis, activities, and both the general and estrogen-dependent regulations. Additionally, we highlight the relationship between miR-29, miR-9, and estrogens in the nervous system. Such a relationship could be a possible etiological route for developing various neurodegenerative disorders.
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7
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Tomeva E, Krammer UDB, Switzeny OJ, Haslberger AG, Hippe B. Sex-Specific miRNA Differences in Liquid Biopsies from Subjects with Solid Tumors and Healthy Controls. EPIGENOMES 2023; 7:epigenomes7010002. [PMID: 36648863 PMCID: PMC9844450 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes7010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms has been recognized to play a crucial role in cancer development, but these mechanisms vary between sexes. Therefore, we focused on sex-specific differences in the context of cancer-based data from a recent study. A total of 12 cell-free DNA methylation targets in CpG-rich promoter regions and 48 miRNAs were analyzed by qPCR in plasma samples from 8 female and 7 male healthy controls as well as 48 female and 80 male subjects with solid tumors of the bladder, brain, colorectal region (CRC), lung, stomach, pancreas, and liver. Due to the small sample size in some groups and/or the non-balanced distribution of men and women, sex-specific differences were evaluated statistically only in healthy subjects, CRC, stomach or pancreas cancer patients, and all cancer subjects combined (n female/male-8/7, 14/14, 8/15, 6/6, 48/80, respectively). Several miRNAs with opposing expressions between the sexes were observed for healthy subjects (miR-17-5p, miR-26b-5p); CRC patients (miR-186-5p, miR-22-3p, miR-22-5p, miR-25-3p, miR-92a-3p, miR-16-5p); stomach cancer patients (miR-133a-3p, miR-22-5p); and all cancer patients combined (miR-126-3p, miR-21-5p, miR-92a-3p, miR-183-5p). Moreover, sex-specific correlations that were dependent on cancer stage were observed in women (miR-27a-3p) and men (miR-17-5p, miR-20a-5p). Our results indicate the complex and distinct role of epigenetic regulation, particularly miRNAs, depending not only on the health status but also on the sex of the patient. The same miRNAs could have diverse effects in different tissues and opposing effects between the biological sexes, which should be considered in biomarker research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ulrike D. B. Krammer
- HealthBioCare GmbH, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Nutritional Science, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Berit Hippe
- HealthBioCare GmbH, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Nutritional Science, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
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8
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El-Daly SM, Gouhar SA, Abd Elmageed ZY. Circulating microRNAs as Reliable Tumor Biomarkers: Opportunities and Challenges Facing Clinical Application. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 384:35-51. [PMID: 35809898 PMCID: PMC9827506 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the development of human malignancies, and cells have the ability to secrete these molecules into extracellular compartments. Thus, cell-free miRNAs (circulating miRNAs) can potentially be used as biomarkers to evaluate pathophysiological changes. Although circulating miRNAs have been proposed as potential noninvasive tumor biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and response to therapy, their routine application in the clinic is far from being achieved. This review focuses on the recent progress regarding the value of circulating miRNAs as noninvasive biomarkers, with specific consideration of their relevant clinical applications. In addition, we provide an in-depth analysis of the technical challenges that impact the assessment of circulating miRNAs. We also highlight the significance of integrating circulating miRNAs with the standard laboratory biomarkers to boost sensitivity and specificity. The current status of circulating miRNAs in clinical trials as tumor biomarkers is also covered. These insights and general guidelines will assist researchers in experimental practice to ensure quality standards and repeatability, thus improving future studies on circulating miRNAs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Our review will boost the knowledge behind the inconsistencies and contradictory results observed among studies investigating circulating miRNAs. It will also provide a solid platform for better-planned strategies and standardized techniques to optimize the assessment of circulating cell-free miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherien M El-Daly
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Medicine and Clinical Studies Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt (S.M.E-D., S.A.G.); Cancer Biology and Genetics Laboratory, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt (S.M.E-D.); and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Discipline of Pharmacology, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Louisiana-Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana (Z.Y.A.)
| | - Shaimaa A Gouhar
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Medicine and Clinical Studies Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt (S.M.E-D., S.A.G.); Cancer Biology and Genetics Laboratory, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt (S.M.E-D.); and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Discipline of Pharmacology, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Louisiana-Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana (Z.Y.A.)
| | - Zakaria Y Abd Elmageed
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Medicine and Clinical Studies Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt (S.M.E-D., S.A.G.); Cancer Biology and Genetics Laboratory, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt (S.M.E-D.); and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Discipline of Pharmacology, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Louisiana-Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana (Z.Y.A.)
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9
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Dodd KC, Menon M. Sex bias in lymphocytes: Implications for autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:945762. [PMID: 36505451 PMCID: PMC9730535 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.945762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by a significant sex dimorphism, with women showing increased susceptibility to disease. This is, at least in part, due to sex-dependent differences in the immune system that are influenced by the complex interplay between sex hormones and sex chromosomes, with contribution from sociological factors, diet and gut microbiota. Sex differences are evident in the number and function of lymphocyte populations. Women mount a stronger pro-inflammatory response than males, with increased lymphocyte proliferation, activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, whereas men display expanded regulatory cell subsets. Ageing alters the immune landscape of men and women in differing ways, resulting in changes in autoimmune disease susceptibility. Here we review the current literature on sex differences in lymphocyte function, the factors that influence this, and the implications for autoimmune disease. We propose that improved understanding of sex bias in lymphocyte function can provide sex-specific tailoring of treatment strategies for better management of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine C. Dodd
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom,Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - Madhvi Menon
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Madhvi Menon,
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10
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Hiskens MI, Mengistu TS, Li KM, Fenning AS. Systematic Review of the Diagnostic and Clinical Utility of Salivary microRNAs in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13160. [PMID: 36361944 PMCID: PMC9654991 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Research in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an urgent priority, as there are currently no TBI biomarkers to assess the severity of injury, to predict outcomes, and to monitor recovery. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) including microRNAs can be measured in saliva following TBI and have been investigated as potential diagnostic markers. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the diagnostic or prognostic ability of microRNAs extracted from saliva in human subjects. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched for studies that examined the association of saliva microRNAs in TBI. Original studies of any design involving diagnostic capacity of salivary microRNAs for TBI were selected for data extraction. Nine studies met inclusion criteria, with a heterogeneous population involving athletes and hospital patients, children and adults. The studies identified a total of 188 differentially expressed microRNAs, with 30 detected in multiple studies. MicroRNAs in multiple studies involved expression change bidirectionality. The study design and methods involved significant heterogeneity that precluded meta-analysis. Early data indicates salivary microRNAs may assist with TBI diagnosis. Further research with consistent methods and larger patient populations is required to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic potential of saliva microRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew I. Hiskens
- Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation, Mackay Hospital and Health Service, 475 Bridge Road, Mackay, QLD 4740, Australia
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bruce Highway, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia
| | - Tesfaye S. Mengistu
- Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation, Mackay Hospital and Health Service, 475 Bridge Road, Mackay, QLD 4740, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Queensland, 266 Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Katy M. Li
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bruce Highway, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia
| | - Andrew S. Fenning
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bruce Highway, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia
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11
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Friedrich SR, Nevue AA, Andrade ALP, Velho TAF, Mello CV. Emergence of sex-specific transcriptomes in a sexually dimorphic brain nucleus. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111152. [PMID: 35926465 PMCID: PMC9385264 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We present the transcriptomic changes underlying the development of an extreme neuroanatomical sex difference. The robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA) is a key component of the songbird vocal motor system. In zebra finch, the RA is initially monomorphic and then atrophies in females but grows up to 7-fold larger in males. Mirroring this divergence, we show here that sex-differential gene expression in the RA expands from hundreds of predominantly sex chromosome Z genes in early development to thousands of predominantly autosomal genes by the time sexual dimorphism asymptotes. Male-specific developmental processes include cell and axonal growth, synapse assembly and activity, and energy metabolism; female-specific processes include cell polarity and differentiation, transcriptional repression, and steroid hormone and immune signaling. Transcription factor binding site analyses support female-biased activation of pro-apoptotic regulatory networks. The extensive and sex-specific transcriptomic reorganization of RA provides insights into potential drivers of sexually dimorphic neurodevelopment. Friedrich et al. demonstrate extensive transcriptomic sex differences underlying the sexually dimorphic development of vocal nucleus RA in the songbird brain. They find sex-specific gene regulation linked to distinct biological processes, developmental shifts in the relative signal from sex chromosome to autosomal genes, and evidence of female-biased pro-apoptotic regulatory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha R Friedrich
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Alexander A Nevue
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Abraão L P Andrade
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Tarciso A F Velho
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Claudio V Mello
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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12
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Hu MY, Yu J, Lin JQ, Fang SG. Sex-Biased miRNAs in the Gonads of Adult Chinese Alligator ( Alligator sinensis) and Their Potential Roles in Sex Maintenance. Front Genet 2022; 13:843884. [PMID: 35432471 PMCID: PMC9008718 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.843884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) is a category of single-stranded non-coding small RNA (sRNA) that regulates gene expression by targeting mRNA. It plays a key role in the temperature-dependent sex determination of Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis), a reptile whose sex is determined solely by the temperature during the incubation period and remains stable thereafter. However, the potential function of miRNAs in the gonads of adult Chinese alligators is still unclear. Here, we prepared and sequenced sRNA libraries of adult female and male alligator gonads, from breeding (in summer) and hibernating (in winter) animals. We obtained 130 conserved miRNAs and 683 novel miRNAs, which were assessed for sex bias in summer and winter; a total of 65 miRNAs that maintained sex bias in both seasons were identified. A regulatory network of sex-biased miRNAs and genes was constructed. Sex-biased miRNAs targeted multiple genes in the meiosis pathway of adult Chinese alligator oocytes and the antagonistic gonadal function maintenance pathway, such as MOS, MYT1, DMRT1, and GDF9. Our study emphasizes the function of miRNA in the epigenetic mechanisms of sex maintenance in crocodilians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Qing Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Sheng-Guo Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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13
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Physical Activity Modulates miRNAs Levels and Enhances MYOD Expression in Myoblasts. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:1865-1874. [PMID: 35316486 PMCID: PMC9209351 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10361-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells functions are regulated by different factors and non-conding RNAs, such as microRNA. MiRNAsplay an important role in modulating the expression of genes involved in the commitment and differentiation of progenitor cells. MiRNAs are post transcriptional regulators which may be modulated by physical exercise. MiRNAs, by regulating different signaling pathways, play an important role in myogenesis as well as in muscle activity. MiRNAs quantification may be considered for evaluating physical performance or muscle recovery. With the aim to identify specific miRNAs potentially involved in myogenesis and modulated by physical activity, we investigated miRNAs expression following physical performance in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) and in sera of half marathon (HM) runnners. The effect of runners sera on Myogenesis in in vitro cellular models was also explored. Therefore, we performed Microarray Analysis and Real Time PCR assays, as well as in vitro cell cultures analysis to investigate myogenic differentiation. Our data demonstrated gender-specific expression patterns of PBMC miRNAs before physical performance. In particular, miR223-3p, miR26b-5p, miR150-5p and miR15-5p expression was higher, while miR7a-5p and miR7i-5p expression was lower in females compared to males. After HM, miR152-3p, miR143-3p, miR27a-3p levels increased while miR30b-3p decreased in both females and males: circulating miRNAs mirrored these modulations. Furthermore, we also observed that the addition of post-HM participants sera to cell cultures exerted a positive effect in stimulating myogenesis. In conclusion, our data suggest that physical activity induces the modulation of myogenesis-associated miRNAs in bothfemales and males, despite the gender-associated different expression of certain miRNAs, Noteworthy, these findings might be useful for evaluating potential targets for microRNA based-therapies in diseases affecting the myogenic stem cells population.
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14
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Velichkova AN, Coleman SE, Torsney C. Postoperative pain facilitates rat C-fibre activity-dependent slowing and induces thermal hypersensitivity in a sex-dependent manner. Br J Anaesth 2022; 128:718-733. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2021.10.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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15
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Navarro-Pardo E, Suay F, Murphy M. Ageing: Not only an age-related issue. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 199:111568. [PMID: 34536447 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Developments in the last century have led to an unprecedented increase in life expectancy. These changes open opportunities for humans to grow and develop in healthy and adaptive ways, adding life to years as well as years to life. There are also challenges, however - as we live longer, a greater number of people will experience chronic illness and disability, often linked to lifestyle factors. The current paper advances an argument that there are fundamental biological sex differences which, sometimes directly and sometime mediated by lifestyle factors, underpin the marked differences in morbidity and mortality that we find between the sexes. Furthermore, we argue that it is necessary to consider sex as a key factor in research on healthy ageing, allowing for the possibility that different patterns exist between males and females, and that therefore different approaches and interventions are required to optimise healthy ageing in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Navarro-Pardo
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibañez, 21, 46008, València, Spain
| | - Ferran Suay
- Department of Biopsychology, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibañez, 21, 46008, València, Spain
| | - Mike Murphy
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, North Mall Campus, Cork, Ireland.
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16
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Bernabeu E, Canela-Xandri O, Rawlik K, Talenti A, Prendergast J, Tenesa A. Sex differences in genetic architecture in the UK Biobank. Nat Genet 2021; 53:1283-1289. [PMID: 34493869 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-021-00912-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Males and females present differences in complex traits and in the risk of a wide array of diseases. Genotype by sex (GxS) interactions are thought to account for some of these differences. However, the extent and basis of GxS are poorly understood. In the present study, we provide insights into both the scope and the mechanism of GxS across the genome of about 450,000 individuals of European ancestry and 530 complex traits in the UK Biobank. We found small yet widespread differences in genetic architecture across traits. We also found that, in some cases, sex-agnostic analyses may be missing trait-associated loci and looked into possible improvements in the prediction of high-level phenotypes. Finally, we studied the potential functional role of the differences observed through sex-biased gene expression and gene-level analyses. Our results suggest the need to consider sex-aware analyses for future studies to shed light onto possible sex-specific molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bernabeu
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, UK
| | - Oriol Canela-Xandri
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Konrad Rawlik
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, UK
| | - Andrea Talenti
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, UK
| | - James Prendergast
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, UK
| | - Albert Tenesa
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, UK.
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK.
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17
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Corrales WA, Silva JP, Parra CS, Olave FA, Aguayo FI, Román-Albasini L, Aliaga E, Venegas-Zamora L, Avalos AM, Rojas PS, Maracaja-Coutinho V, Oakley RH, Cidlowski JA, Fiedler JL. Sex-Dependent Changes of miRNA Levels in the Hippocampus of Adrenalectomized Rats Following Acute Corticosterone Administration. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:2981-3001. [PMID: 34339164 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We explored sex-biased effects of the primary stress glucocorticoid hormone corticosterone on the miRNA expression profile in the rat hippocampus. Adult adrenalectomized (ADX) female and male rats received a single corticosterone (10 mg/kg) or vehicle injection, and after 6 h, hippocampi were collected for miRNA, mRNA, and Western blot analyses. miRNA profiling microarrays showed a basal sex-biased miRNA profile in ADX rat hippocampi. Additionally, acute corticosterone administration triggered a sex-biased differential expression of miRNAs derived from genes located in several chromosomes and clusters on the X and 6 chromosomes. Putative promoter analysis unveiled that most corticosterone-responsive miRNA genes contained motifs for either direct or indirect glucocorticoid actions in both sexes. The evaluation of transcription factors indicated that almost 50% of miRNA genes sensitive to corticosterone in both sexes was under glucocorticoid receptor regulation. Transcription factor-miRNA regulatory network analyses identified several transcription factors that regulate, activate, or repress miRNA expression. Validated target mRNA analysis of corticosterone-responsive miRNAs showed a more complex miRNA-mRNA interaction network in males compared to females. Enrichment analysis revealed that several hippocampal-relevant pathways were affected in both sexes, such as neurogenesis and neurotrophin signaling. The evaluation of selected miRNA targets from these pathways displayed a strong sex difference in the hippocampus of ADX-vehicle rats. Corticosterone treatment did not change the levels of the miRNA targets and their corresponding tested proteins. Our data indicate that corticosterone exerts a sex-biased effect on hippocampal miRNA expression, which may engage in sculpting the basal sex differences observed at higher levels of hippocampal functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wladimir A. Corrales
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, Santiago 8380492, Chile
| | - Juan P. Silva
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, Santiago 8380492, Chile
| | - Claudio S. Parra
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, Santiago 8380492, Chile
| | - Felipe A. Olave
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, Santiago 8380492, Chile
| | - Felipe I. Aguayo
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, Santiago 8380492, Chile
| | - Luciano Román-Albasini
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, Santiago 8380492, Chile
| | - Esteban Aliaga
- Department of Kinesiology and The Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neurosciences Research Center (CINPSI-Neurocog), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Leslye Venegas-Zamora
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, Santiago 8380492, Chile
| | - Ana M. Avalos
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile
| | - Paulina S. Rojas
- Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370149, Chile
| | - Vinicius Maracaja-Coutinho
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, Santiago 8380492, Chile
| | - Robert H. Oakley
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - John A. Cidlowski
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Jenny L. Fiedler
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, Santiago 8380492, Chile
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18
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Karere GM, Cox LA, Bishop AC, South AM, Shaltout HA, Mercado-Deane MG, Cuda S. Sex Differences in MicroRNA Expression and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Hispanic Adolescents with Obesity. J Pediatr 2021; 235:138-143.e5. [PMID: 33831442 PMCID: PMC8926296 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.03.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate sex differences in microRNA (miRNA) expression, anthropometric measures, and cardiometabolic risk factors in Hispanic adolescents with obesity. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study of 68 (60% male) Hispanic adolescents with obesity, aged 13-17 years, recruited from a pediatric weight management clinic. We used small RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed circulating miRNAs. We used ingenuity pathway analysis and David bioinformatic resource tools to identify target genes for these miRNAs and enriched pathways. We used standard procedures to measure anthropometric and cardiometabolic factors. RESULTS We identified 5 miRNAs (miR-24-3p, miR-361-3p, miR-3605-5p, miR-486-5p, and miR-199b-3p) that differed between females and males. miRNA targets-enriched pathways included phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein, 5' AMP-activated protein kinase, insulin resistance, sphingolipid, transforming growth factor-β, adipocyte lipolysis regulation, and oxytocin signaling pathways. In addition, there were sex differences in blood pressure, skeletal muscle mass, lean body mass, and percent body fat. CONCLUSIONS We have identified sex differences in miRNA expression in Hispanic adolescents relevant to cardiometabolic health. Future studies should focus on sex-specific mechanistic roles of miRNAs on gene pathways associated with obesity pathophysiology to support development of precision cardiometabolic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genesio M. Karere
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina,Corresponding author Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist, Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC 27157., Telephone: (336) 713-7561, Fax: (336) 713-7566,
| | - Laura A. Cox
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Andrew C. Bishop
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Andrew M. South
- Department of Pediatrics, Brenner Children’s Hospital, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina,Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Hossam A. Shaltout
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Maria-Gisela Mercado-Deane
- Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Suzanne Cuda
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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19
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Epigenetic dysregulation in various types of cells exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 386:1-15. [PMID: 34287715 PMCID: PMC8526474 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03489-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression, without changing the DNA sequence, and establish cell-type-specific temporal and spatial expression patterns. Alterations of epigenetic marks have been observed in several pathological conditions, including cancer and neurological disorders. Emerging evidence indicates that a variety of environmental factors may cause epigenetic alterations and eventually influence disease risks. Humans are increasingly exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs), which in 2002 were classified as possible carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the link between the exposure to ELF-MFs and epigenetic alterations in various cell types. In spite of the limited number of publications, available evidence indicates that ELF-MF exposure can be associated with epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, modifications of histones and microRNA expression. Further research is needed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed phenomena.
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20
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Moriggi M, Belloli S, Barbacini P, Murtaj V, Torretta E, Chaabane L, Canu T, Penati S, Malosio ML, Esposito A, Gelfi C, Moresco RM, Capitanio D. Skeletal Muscle Proteomic Profile Revealed Gender-Related Metabolic Responses in a Diet-Induced Obesity Animal Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094680. [PMID: 33925229 PMCID: PMC8125379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic, complex pathology associated with a risk of developing secondary pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and musculoskeletal disorders. Since skeletal muscle accounts for more than 70% of total glucose disposal, metabolic alterations are strictly associated with the onset of insulin resistance and T2DM. The present study relies on the proteomic analysis of gastrocnemius muscle from 15 male and 15 female C56BL/J mice fed for 14 weeks with standard, 45% or 60% high-fat diets (HFD) adopting a label-free LC–MS/MS approach followed by bioinformatic pathway analysis. Results indicate changes in males due to HFD, with increased muscular stiffness (Col1a1, Col1a2, Actb), fiber-type switch from slow/oxidative to fast/glycolytic (decreased Myh7, Myl2, Myl3 and increased Myh2, Mylpf, Mybpc2, Myl1), increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction (decreased respiratory chain complex I and V and increased complex III subunits). At variance, females show few alterations and activation of compensatory mechanisms to counteract the increase of fatty acids. Bioinformatics analysis allows identifying upstream molecules involved in regulating pathways identified at variance in our analysis (Ppargc1a, Pparg, Cpt1b, Clpp, Tp53, Kdm5a, Hif1a). These findings underline the presence of a gender-specific response to be considered when approaching obesity and related comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Moriggi
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy;
| | - Sara Belloli
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, CNR, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (S.B.); (R.M.M.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Pietro Barbacini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (P.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Valentina Murtaj
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | | | - Linda Chaabane
- Experimental Imaging Center, Preclinical Imaging Facility, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.C.); (T.C.); (A.E.)
| | - Tamara Canu
- Experimental Imaging Center, Preclinical Imaging Facility, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.C.); (T.C.); (A.E.)
| | - Silvia Penati
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Pathology, Neuro Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (S.P.); (M.L.M.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Humanitas Mirasole S.p.A, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Malosio
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Pathology, Neuro Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (S.P.); (M.L.M.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Humanitas Mirasole S.p.A, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Antonio Esposito
- Experimental Imaging Center, Preclinical Imaging Facility, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.C.); (T.C.); (A.E.)
- Experimental Imaging Center, Radiology Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gelfi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (P.B.); (C.G.)
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy;
| | - Rosa Maria Moresco
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, CNR, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (S.B.); (R.M.M.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Daniele Capitanio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (P.B.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0250330411
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21
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Luo PX, Manning CE, Fass JN, Williams AV, Hao R, Campi KL, Trainor BC. Sex-specific effects of social defeat stress on miRNA expression in the anterior BNST. Behav Brain Res 2021; 401:113084. [PMID: 33358922 PMCID: PMC7864284 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Women are more likely to suffer from stress-related affective disorders than men, but the underlying mechanisms of sex differences remain unclear. Previous works show that microRNA (miRNA) profiles are altered in stressed animals and patients with depression and anxiety disorders. In this study, we investigated how miRNA expression in the anterior bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) was affected by social defeat stress in female and male California mice (Peromyscus californicus). We performed sequencing to identify miRNA transcripts in the whole brain and anterior BNST followed by qPCR analysis to compare miRNA expression between control and stressed animals. The results showed that social defeat stress induced sex-specific miRNA expression changes in the anterior BNST. Let-7a, let-7f and miR-181a-5p were upregulated in stressed female but not male mice. Our study provided evidence that social stress produces distinct molecular responses in the BNST of males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei X Luo
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Claire E Manning
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Joe N Fass
- Bioinformatics Core and Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Alexia V Williams
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Rebecca Hao
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Katharine L Campi
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Brian C Trainor
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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22
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Tejos-Bravo M, Oakley RH, Whirledge SD, Corrales WA, Silva JP, García-Rojo G, Toledo J, Sanchez W, Román-Albasini L, Aliaga E, Aguayo F, Olave F, Maracaja-Coutinho V, Cidlowski JA, Fiedler JL. Deletion of hippocampal Glucocorticoid receptors unveils sex-biased microRNA expression and neuronal morphology alterations in mice. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100306. [PMID: 33665240 PMCID: PMC7906897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in the brain have prompted many researchers to investigate the underlying molecular actors, such as the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). This nuclear receptor controls gene expression, including microRNAs (miRNAs), in non-neuronal cells. Here, we investigated sex-biased effects of GR on hippocampal miRNA expression and neuronal morphology by generating a neuron-specific GR knockout mouse (Emx1-Nr3c1−/−). The levels of 578 mature miRNAs were assessed using NanoString technology and, in contrast to males, female Emx1-Nr3c1−/− mice showed a substantially higher number of differentially expressed miRNAs, confirming a sex-biased effect of GR ablation. Based on bioinformatic analyses we identified several transcription factors potentially involved in miRNA regulation. Functional enrichment analyses of the miRNA-mRNA interactions revealed pathways related to neuronal arborization and both spine morphology and density in both sexes. Two recognized regulators of dendritic morphology, CAMKII-α and GSK-3β, increased their protein levels by GR ablation in female mice hippocampus, without changes in males. Additionally, sex-specific effects of GR deletion were observed on CA1 neuronal arborization and dendritic spine features. For instance, a reduced density of mushroom spines in apical dendrites was evidenced only in females, while a decreased length in basal dendrites was noted only in males. However, length and arborization of apical dendrites were reduced by GR ablation irrespective of the sex. Overall, our study provides new insights into the sex-biased GR actions, especially in terms of miRNAs expression and neuronal morphology in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Tejos-Bravo
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, 8380492, Santiago, Chile
| | - Robert H Oakley
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Shannon D Whirledge
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Wladimir A Corrales
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, 8380492, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan P Silva
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, 8380492, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo García-Rojo
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, 8380492, Santiago, Chile.,Carrera de Odontología. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Serena, La Serena, Chile
| | - Jorge Toledo
- Laboratory of Scientific Image Analysis (SCIAN-Lab), Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, 8380453, Chile
| | - Wendy Sanchez
- Laboratory of Scientific Image Analysis (SCIAN-Lab), Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, 8380453, Chile
| | - Luciano Román-Albasini
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, 8380492, Santiago, Chile
| | - Esteban Aliaga
- Department of Kinesiology and the Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neurosciences Research Center (CINPSI-Neurocog), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Felipe Aguayo
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, 8380492, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Olave
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, 8380492, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vinicius Maracaja-Coutinho
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases -ACCDiS. Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Universidad de Chile, Independencia, 8380492, Santiago, Chile
| | - John A Cidlowski
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Jenny L Fiedler
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, 8380492, Santiago, Chile
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MicroRNA-19b predicts widespread pain and posttraumatic stress symptom risk in a sex-dependent manner following trauma exposure. Pain 2021; 161:47-60. [PMID: 31569141 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic widespread pain (PTWP) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are frequent comorbid sequelae of trauma that occur at different rates in women and men. We sought to identify microRNA (miRNA) that may contribute to sex-dependent differences in vulnerability to these outcomes. Monte Carlo simulations (x10,000) identified miRNA in which predicted targeting of PTWP or PTSS genes was most enriched. Expression of the leading candidate miRNA to target PTWP/PTSS-related genes, miR-19b, has been shown to be influenced by estrogen and stress exposure. We evaluated whether peritraumatic miR-19b blood expression levels predicted PTWP and PTSS development in women and men experiencing trauma of motor vehicle collision (n = 179) and in women experiencing sexual assault trauma (n = 74). A sex-dependent relationship was observed between miR-19b expression levels and both PTWP (β = -2.41, P = 0.034) and PTSS (β = -3.01, P = 0.008) development 6 months after motor vehicle collision. The relationship between miR-19b and PTSS (but not PTWP) was validated in sexual assault survivors (β = -0.91, P = 0.013). Sex-dependent expression of miR-19b was also observed in blood and nervous tissue from 2 relevant animal models. Furthermore, in support of increasing evidence indicating a role for the circadian rhythm (CR) in PTWP and PTSS pathogenesis, miR-19b targets were enriched in CR gene transcripts. Human cohort and in vitro analyses assessing miR-19b regulation of key CR transcripts, CLOCK and RORA, supported the potential importance of miR-19b to regulating the CR pathway. Together, these results highlight the potential role that sex-dependent expression of miR-19b might play in PTWP and PTSS development after trauma/stress exposure.
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Tsamou M, Vrijens K, Wang C, Winckelmans E, Neven KY, Madhloum N, de Kok TM, Nawrot TS. Genome-wide microRNA expression analysis in human placenta reveals sex-specific patterns: an ENVIR ONAGE birth cohort study. Epigenetics 2020; 16:373-388. [PMID: 32892695 PMCID: PMC7993149 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1803467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing interest in microRNAs (miRNAs) as they are of utmost importance in gene regulation at the posttranscriptional level. Sex-related susceptibility for non-communicable diseases later in life could originate in early life. Until now, no data on sex-specific miRNA expression are available for the placenta. Therefore, we investigated the difference by sex of newborn's miRNA expression in human placental tissue. Within the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort, miRNA and mRNA expression profiling was performed in 60 placentae (50% boys) using Agilent (8 × 60 K) microarrays. The distribution of chromosome locations was studied and pathway analysis of the identified sex-specific miRNAs in the placenta was carried out. Of the total 2558 miRNAs on the array, 597 miRNAs were expressed in over 70% of the samples and were included for further analyses. A total of 142 miRNAs were significantly (FDR<0.05) associated with the newborn's sex. In newborn girls, 76 miRNAs had higher expression (hsa-miR-361-5p as most significant) and 66 miRNAs had lower expression (hsa-miR-4646-5p as most significant) than in newborn boys. In the same study population, placental differentially expressed genes by sex were also identified using a whole genome approach. The placental gene expression revealed 27 differentially expressed genes by comparing girls to boys. Ultimately, we studied the miRNA-RNA interactome and identified 14 miRNA-mRNA interactions as sex-specific. Sex differences in placental m(i)RNA expression may reveal sex-specific patterns already present during pregnancy, which may influence physiological conditions in early or later life. These molecular processes might play a role in sex-specific disease susceptibility in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsamou
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Karen Vrijens
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Congrong Wang
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ellen Winckelmans
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Kristof Y Neven
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Narjes Madhloum
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Theo M de Kok
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW Institute of Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Public Health, Environment & Health Unit, Leuven University (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
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25
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Tyebji S, Hannan AJ, Tonkin CJ. Pathogenic Infection in Male Mice Changes Sperm Small RNA Profiles and Transgenerationally Alters Offspring Behavior. Cell Rep 2020; 31:107573. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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26
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Molecular programs underlying differences in the expression of mood disorders in males and females. Brain Res 2019; 1719:89-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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27
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Meerson A, Najjar A, Saad E, Sbeit W, Barhoum M, Assy N. Sex Differences in Plasma MicroRNA Biomarkers of Early and Complicated Diabetes Mellitus in Israeli Arab and Jewish Patients. Noncoding RNA 2019; 5:E32. [PMID: 30959814 PMCID: PMC6631160 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna5020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs play functional roles in the etiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and complications, and extracellular microRNAs have attracted interest as potential biomarkers of these conditions. We aimed to identify a set of plasma microRNAs, which could serve as biomarkers of T2DM and complications in a mixed Israeli Arab/Jewish patient sample. Subjects included 30 healthy volunteers, 29 early-stage T2DM patients, and 29 late-stage T2DM patients with renal and/or vascular complications. RNA was isolated from plasma, and the levels of 12 candidate microRNAs were measured by quantitative reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). MicroRNA levels were compared between the groups and correlated to clinical measurements, followed by stepwise regression analysis and discriminant analysis. Plasma miR-486-3p and miR-423 were respectively up- and down-regulated in T2DM patients compared to healthy controls. MiR-28-3p and miR-423 were up-regulated in patients with complicated T2DM compared to early T2DM, while miR-486-3p was down-regulated. Combined, four microRNAs (miR-146a-5p, miR-16-2-3p, miR-126-5p, and miR-30d) could distinguish early from complicated T2DM with 77% accuracy and 79% sensitivity. In male patients only, the same microRNAs, with the addition of miR-423, could distinguish early from complicated T2DM with 83.3% accuracy. Furthermore, plasma microRNA levels showed significant correlations with clinical measurements, and these differed between men and women. Additionally, miR-183-5p levels differed significantly between the ethnic groups. Our study identified a panel of specific plasma microRNAs which can serve as biomarkers of T2DM and its complications and emphasizes the importance of sex differences in their clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Meerson
- MIGAL Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 1101602, Israel.
- Tel Hai Academic College, Upper Galilee 1220800, Israel.
| | - Azwar Najjar
- Department of Internal Medicine A, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel.
| | - Elias Saad
- Department of Internal Medicine A, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel.
| | - Wisam Sbeit
- Department of Gastroenterology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel.
| | | | - Nimer Assy
- Department of Internal Medicine A, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel.
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel.
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28
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Mukwaya A, Jensen L, Peebo B, Lagali N. MicroRNAs in the cornea: Role and implications for treatment of corneal neovascularization. Ocul Surf 2019; 17:400-411. [PMID: 30959113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
With no safe and efficient approved therapy available for treating corneal neovascularization, the search for alternative and effective treatments is of great importance. Since the discovery of miRNAs as key regulators of gene expression, knowledge of their function in the eye has expanded continuously, facilitated by high throughput genomic tools such as microarrays and RNA sequencing. Recently, reports have emerged implicating miRNAs in pathological and developmental angiogenesis. This has led to the idea of targeting these regulatory molecules as a therapeutic approach for treating corneal neovascularization. With the growing volume of data generated from high throughput tools applied to study corneal neovascularization, we provide here a focused review of the known miRNAs related to corneal neovascularization, while presenting new experimental data and insights for future research and therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Mukwaya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lasse Jensen
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Beatrice Peebo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Neil Lagali
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway.
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29
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Yeshurun S, Hannan AJ. Transgenerational epigenetic influences of paternal environmental exposures on brain function and predisposition to psychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2019. [PMID: 29520039 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0039-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, striking new evidence has demonstrated non-genetic inheritance of acquired traits associated with parental environmental exposures. In particular, this transgenerational modulation of phenotypic traits is of direct relevance to psychiatric disorders, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other anxiety disorders. Here we review the recent progress in this field, with an emphasis on acquired traits of psychiatric illnesses transmitted epigenetically via the male lineage. We discuss the transgenerational effects of paternal exposure to stress vs. positive stimuli, such as exercise, and discuss their impact on the behavioral, affective and cognitive characteristics of their progeny. Furthermore, we review the recent evidence suggesting that these transgenerational effects are mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, including changes in DNA methylation and small non-coding RNAs in the sperm. We discuss the urgent need for more research exploring transgenerational epigenetic effects in animal models and human populations. These future studies may identify epigenetic mechanisms as potential contributors to the 'missing heritability' observed in genome-wide association studies of psychiatric illnesses and other human disorders. This exciting new field of transgenerational epigenomics will facilitate the development of novel strategies to predict, prevent and treat negative epigenetic consequences on offspring health, and psychiatric disorders in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shlomo Yeshurun
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia. .,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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30
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Becker JB, Chartoff E. Sex differences in neural mechanisms mediating reward and addiction. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:166-183. [PMID: 29946108 PMCID: PMC6235836 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0125-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence in humans and laboratory animals for biologically based sex differences in every phase of drug addiction: acute reinforcing effects, transition from occasional to compulsive use, withdrawal-associated negative affective states, craving, and relapse. There is also evidence that many qualitative aspects of the addiction phases do not differ significantly between males and females, but one sex may be more likely to exhibit a trait than the other, resulting in population differences. The conceptual framework of this review is to focus on hormonal, chromosomal, and epigenetic organizational and contingent, sex-dependent mechanisms of four neural systems that are known-primarily in males-to be key players in addiction: dopamine, mu-opioid receptors (MOR), kappa opioid receptors (KOR), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We highlight data demonstrating sex differences in development, expression, and function of these neural systems as they relate-directly or indirectly-to processes of reward and addictive behavior, with a focus on psychostimulants and opioids. We identify gaps in knowledge about how these neural systems interact with sex to influence addictive behavior, emphasizing throughout that the impact of sex can be highly nuanced and male/female data should be reported regardless of the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill B Becker
- Department of Psychology and the Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Elena Chartoff
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA.
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31
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Zhang Y, Coarfa C, Dong X, Jiang W, Hayward-Piatkovskyi B, Gleghorn JP, Lingappan K. MicroRNA-30a as a candidate underlying sex-specific differences in neonatal hyperoxic lung injury: implications for BPD. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2019; 316:L144-L156. [PMID: 30382766 PMCID: PMC6383497 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00372.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Premature male neonates are at a greater risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The reasons underlying sexually dimorphic outcomes in premature neonates are not known. The role of miRNAs in mediating sex biases in BPD is understudied. Analysis of the pulmonary transcriptome revealed that a large percentage of angiogenesis-related differentially expressed genes are miR-30a targets. We tested the hypothesis that there is differential expression of miR-30a in vivo and in vitro in neonatal human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) upon exposure to hyperoxia. Neonatal male and female mice (C57BL/6) were exposed to hyperoxia [95% fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), postnatal day ( PND) 1-5] and euthanized on PND 7 and 21. HPMECs (18-24-wk gestation donors) were subjected to hyperoxia (95% O2 and 5% CO2) or normoxia (air and 5% CO2) up to 72 h. miR-30a expression was increased in both males and females in the acute phase ( PND 7) after hyperoxia exposure. However, at PND 21 (recovery phase), female mice showed significantly higher miR-30a expression in the lungs compared with male mice. Female HPMECs showed greater expression of miR-30a in vitro upon exposure to hyperoxia. Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) was an miR-30a target in HPMECs and showed sex-specific differential expression. miR-30a increased angiogenic sprouting in vitro in female HPMECs. Lastly, we show decreased expression of miR-30a and increased expression of DLL4 in human BPD lung samples compared with controls. These results support the hypothesis that miR-30a could, in part, contribute to the sex-specific molecular mechanisms in play that lead to the sexual dimorphism in BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, Texas
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, Texas
| | - Xiaoyu Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, Texas
| | - Weiwu Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, Texas
| | | | - Jason P Gleghorn
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware , Newark, Delaware
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware , Newark, Delaware
| | - Krithika Lingappan
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, Texas
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32
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Circulating small non-coding RNAs associated with age, sex, smoking, body mass and physical activity. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17650. [PMID: 30518766 PMCID: PMC6281647 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35974-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNA) are regulators of cell functions and circulating sncRNAs from the majority of RNA classes are potential non-invasive biomarkers. Understanding how common traits influence ncRNA expression is essential for assessing their biomarker potential. In this study, we identify associations between sncRNA expression and common traits (sex, age, self-reported smoking, body mass, self-reported physical activity). We used RNAseq data from 526 serum samples from the Janus Serum Bank and traits from health examination surveys. Ageing showed the strongest association with sncRNA expression, both in terms of statistical significance and number of RNAs, regardless of RNA class. piRNAs were abundant in the serum samples and they were associated to sex. Interestingly, smoking cessation generally restored RNA expression to non-smoking levels, although for some sncRNAs smoking-related expression levels persisted. Pathway analysis suggests that smoking-related sncRNAs target the cholinergic synapses and may therefore potentially play a role in smoking addiction. Our results show that common traits influence circulating sncRNA expression. It is clear that sncRNA biomarker analyses should be adjusted for age and sex. In addition, for specific sncRNAs, analyses should also be adjusted for body mass, smoking, physical activity and technical factors.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW As the ongoing epidemic of adult and childhood obesity grows, it puts a greater burden on individuals and the healthcare system due to increased prevalence of obesity-associated diseases. An important area that has gained much attention recently is the sex and gender difference related to obesity and associated complications. Basic science and clinical studies have now improved our understanding of obesity and have discovered adipose tissue biology to be key in metabolism. RECENT FINDINGS There is evidence related to the sex dichotomy in obesity in a variety of areas including adipocyte function, sex hormone effects, genetics, and metabolic inflammation leading to critical differences in adipose tissue biology. The sex and gender difference in adipose tissue is a factor that should be considered when studying an individuals' risk for obesity and metabolic dysfunction. This understanding is important for strategizing treatment and prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Chang
- Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Michigan Medical School, Medical Professional Building, D1205 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5718, USA
| | - Mita Varghese
- Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Michigan Medical School, Medical Professional Building, D1205 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5718, USA
| | - Kanakadurga Singer
- Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Michigan Medical School, Medical Professional Building, D1205 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5718, USA.
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34
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Hicks SD, Jacob P, Middleton FA, Perez O, Gagnon Z. Distance running alters peripheral microRNAs implicated in metabolism, fluid balance, and myosin regulation in a sex-specific manner. Physiol Genomics 2018; 50:658-667. [PMID: 29883262 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00035.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) mediate adaptive responses to exercise and may serve as biomarkers of exercise intensity/capacity. Expression of miRNAs is altered in skeletal muscle, plasma, and saliva following exertion. Women display unique physiologic responses to endurance exercise, and miRNAs respond to pathologic states in sex-specific patterns. However sex-specific miRNA responses to exercise remain unexplored. This study utilized high-throughput RNA sequencing to measure changes in salivary RNA expression among 25 collegiate runners following a single long-distance run. RNA concentrations in pre- and post-run saliva was assessed through alignment and quantification of 4,694 miRNAs and 27,687 mRNAs. Pair-wise Wilcoxon rank-sum test identified miRNAs with significant [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05] post-run changes. Associations between miRNA levels and predicted mRNA targets were explored with Pearson correlations. Differences in miRNA patterns between men ( n = 13) and women ( n = 12) were investigated with two-way analysis of variance. Results revealed 122 salivary miRNAs with post-run changes. The eight miRNAs with the largest changes were miR-3671, miR-5095 (downregulated); and miR-7154-3p, miR-200b-5p, miR-5582-3p, miR-6859-3p, miR-6751-5p, miR-4419a (upregulated). Predicted mRNA targets for these miRNAs represented 15 physiologic processes, including glycerophospholipid metabolism (FDR = 0.042), aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption (FDR = 0.049), and arrhythmogenic ventricular cardiomyopathy (FDR = 0.018). Twenty-six miRNA/mRNA pairs had associated changes in post-run levels. Three miRNAs (miR-4675, miR-6745, miR-6746-3p) demonstrated sex-specific responses to exercise. Numerous salivary miRNAs change in response to endurance running and target the expression of genes involved in metabolism, fluid balance, and musculoskeletal adaptations. A subset of miRNAs may differentiate the metabolic response to exercise in men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D Hicks
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Paige Jacob
- Department of Biology, Marist College , Poughkeepsie, New York
| | - Frank A Middleton
- Departments of Neuroscience, Physiology, Molecular Biology, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry/Behavioral Sciences, Institute for Human Performance, State University of New York Upstate Medical University , Syracuse, New York
| | - Omar Perez
- Department of Biology, Marist College , Poughkeepsie, New York
| | - Zofia Gagnon
- Department of Biology, Marist College , Poughkeepsie, New York
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35
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The Involvement of MicroRNAs in Modulation of Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Lupus Nephritis. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:4126106. [PMID: 29854836 PMCID: PMC5964414 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4126106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), represent a family of RNA molecules that do not translate into protein. Nevertheless, they have the ability to regulate gene expression and play an essential role in immune cell differentiation and function. MicroRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in various tissues, and changes in their expression have been associated with several pathological processes. Yet, their roles in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN) remain to be elucidated. Both SLE and LN are characterized by a complex dysfunction of the innate and adaptive immunity. Recently, significant findings have been made in understanding SLE through the use of genetic variant identification and expression pattern analysis and mouse models, as well as epigenetic analyses. Abnormalities in immune cell responses, cytokine and chemokine production, cell activation, and apoptosis have been linked to a unique expression pattern of a number of miRNAs that have been implicated in the immune pathogenesis of this autoimmune disease. The recent evidence that significantly increased the understanding of the pathogenesis of SLE drives a renewed interest in efficient therapy targets. This review aims at providing an overview of the current state of research on the expression and role of miRNAs in the immune pathogenesis of SLE and LN.
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Hirsch MM, Brusco J, Vaccaro T, Margis R, Moreira JE, Gottfried C, Rasia-Filho AA. Sex Differences and Estrous Cycle Changes in Synaptic Plasticity-related microRNA in the Rat Medial Amygdala. Neuroscience 2018; 379:405-414. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Nonprotein-coding RNAs in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 157:299-342. [PMID: 29933954 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Early developmental exposure to ethanol, a known teratogen, can result in a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, collectively referred to as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). Changes in the environment, including exposure to teratogens, can result in long term alterations to the epigenetic landscape of a cell, thereby altering gene expression. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) can affect transcription and translation of networks of genes. ncRNAs are dynamically expressed during development and have been identified as a target of alcohol. ncRNAs therefore make for attractive targets for novel therapeutics to address the developmental deficits associated with FASDs.
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Zeng X, Xu Y, Jiang J, Zhang F, Ma L, Wu D, Wang Y, Sun W. Identification of cold stress responsive microRNAs in two winter turnip rape (Brassica rapa L.) by high throughput sequencing. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2018; 18:52. [PMID: 29587648 PMCID: PMC5870505 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-018-1242-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low temperature is a major abiotic stress affecting the production of rapeseed in China by impeding plant growth and development. A comprehensive knowledge of small-RNA expression pattern in Brassica rapa under cold stress could improve our knowledge of microRNA-mediated stress responses. RESULTS A total of 353 cold-responsive miRNAs, 84 putative novel and 269 conserved miRNAs, were identified from the leaves and roots of two winter turnip rape varieties 'Longyou 7' (cold-tolerant) and 'Tianyou 4' (cold-sensitive), which were stressed under - 4 °C for 8 h. Eight conserved (miR166h-3p-1, miR398b-3p, miR398b-3p-1, miR408d, miR156a-5p, miR396h, miR845a-1, miR166u) and two novel miRNAs (Bra-novel-miR3153-5p and Bra-novel-miR3172-5p) were differentially expressed in leaves of 'Longyou 7' under cold stress. Bra-novel-miR3936-5p was up-regulated in roots of 'Longyou 7' under cold stress. Four and five conserved miRNAs were differentially expressed in leaves and roots of 'Tianyou 4' after cold stress. Besides, we found two conserved miRNAs (miR319e and miR166m-2) were down-regulated in non-stressed roots of 'Longyou 7' compared with 'Tianyou 4'. After cold stress, we found two and eight miRNAs were differentially expressed in leaves and roots of 'Longyou 7' compared with 'Tianyou 4'. The differentially expressed miRNAs between two cultivars under cold stress include novel miRNAs and the members of the miR166 and miR319 families. A total of 211 target genes for 15 known miRNAs and two novel miRNAs were predicted by bioinformatic analysis, mainly involved in metabolic processes and stress responses. Five differentially expressed miRNAs and predicted target genes were confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and the expressional changes of target genes were negatively correlated to differentially expressed miRNAs. Our data indicated that some candidate miRNAs (e.g., miR166e, miR319, and Bra-novel-miR3936-5p) may play important roles in plant response to cold stress. CONCLUSIONS Our work indicates that miRNA and putative target genes mediated metabolic processes and stress responses are significant to cold tolerance in B. rapa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiucun Zeng
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Hexi University, Zhangye, 734000 China
| | - Yaozhao Xu
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Hexi University, Zhangye, 734000 China
- College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070 China
| | - Jinjin Jiang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 China
| | - Fenqin Zhang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Hexi University, Zhangye, 734000 China
| | - Li Ma
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Hexi University, Zhangye, 734000 China
| | - Dewei Wu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 China
| | - Youping Wang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 China
| | - Wancang Sun
- College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070 China
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Cunningham CM, Eghbali M. An Introduction to Epigenetics in Cardiovascular Development, Disease, and Sexualization. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1065:31-47. [PMID: 30051375 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-77932-4_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is integral to cell differentiation, development, and disease. Modes of epigenetic regulation-including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and ncRNA-based regulation-alter chromatin structure, promotor accessibility, and contribute to posttranscriptional modifications. In the cardiovascular system, epigenetic regulation is necessary for proper cardiovascular development and homeostasis, while epigenetic dysfunction is associated with improper cardiac development and disease.Early sexualization of tissues, including X-inactivation in females and maternal and paternal imprinting, is also orchestrated through epigenetic mechanisms. Furthermore, sex chromosomes encode various sex-specific genes involved in epigenetic regulation, while sex hormones can act as regulatory cofactors that may predispose or protect males and females against developing diseases with a marked sex bias.The following book chapter summarizes the field of epigenetics in the context of cardiovascular development and disease while also highlighting the role of epigenetic regulation as a powerful source of sex differences within the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Cunningham
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mansoureh Eghbali
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Ratnu VS, Emami MR, Bredy TW. Genetic and epigenetic factors underlying sex differences in the regulation of gene expression in the brain. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:301-310. [PMID: 27870402 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There are inherent biological differences between males and females that contribute to sex differences in brain function and to many sex-specific illnesses and disorders. Traditionally, it has been thought that such differences are due largely to hormonal regulation; however, there are also genetic and epigenetic effects caused by the inheritance and unequal dosage of genes located on the X and Y chromosomes. Here we discuss the evidence in favor of a genetic and epigenetic basis for sexually dimorphic behavior, as a consequence of underlying differences in the regulation of genes that drive brain function. A better understanding of sex-specific molecular processes in the brain will provide further insight for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by sex differences. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram S Ratnu
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael R Emami
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Timothy W Bredy
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California
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Lee AG, Hagenauer M, Absher D, Morrison KE, Bale TL, Myers RM, Watson SJ, Akil H, Schatzberg AF, Lyons DM. Stress amplifies sex differences in primate prefrontal profiles of gene expression. Biol Sex Differ 2017; 8:36. [PMID: 29096718 PMCID: PMC5667444 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-017-0157-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress is a recognized risk factor for mood and anxiety disorders that occur more often in women than men. Prefrontal brain regions mediate stress coping, cognitive control, and emotion. Here, we investigate sex differences and stress effects on prefrontal cortical profiles of gene expression in squirrel monkey adults. METHODS Dorsolateral, ventrolateral, and ventromedial prefrontal cortical regions from 18 females and 12 males were collected after stress or no-stress treatment conditions. Gene expression profiles were acquired using HumanHT-12v4.0 Expression BeadChip arrays adapted for squirrel monkeys. RESULTS Extensive variation between prefrontal cortical regions was discerned in the expression of numerous autosomal and sex chromosome genes. Robust sex differences were also identified across prefrontal cortical regions in the expression of mostly autosomal genes. Genes with increased expression in females compared to males were overrepresented in mitogen-activated protein kinase and neurotrophin signaling pathways. Many fewer genes with increased expression in males compared to females were discerned, and no molecular pathways were identified. Effect sizes for sex differences were greater in stress compared to no-stress conditions for ventromedial and ventrolateral prefrontal cortical regions but not dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS Stress amplifies sex differences in gene expression profiles for prefrontal cortical regions involved in stress coping and emotion regulation. Results suggest molecular targets for new treatments of stress disorders in human mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex G Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 1201 Welch Rd MSLS Room P104, Stanford, CA, 94305-5485, USA
| | - Megan Hagenauer
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Devin Absher
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, USA
| | - Kathleen E Morrison
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tracy L Bale
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard M Myers
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, USA
| | - Stanley J Watson
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Huda Akil
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alan F Schatzberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 1201 Welch Rd MSLS Room P104, Stanford, CA, 94305-5485, USA
| | - David M Lyons
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 1201 Welch Rd MSLS Room P104, Stanford, CA, 94305-5485, USA.
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Sex-biased microRNA expression in mammals and birds reveals underlying regulatory mechanisms and a role in dosage compensation. Genome Res 2017; 27:1961-1973. [PMID: 29079676 PMCID: PMC5741053 DOI: 10.1101/gr.225391.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism depends on sex-biased gene expression, but the contributions of microRNAs (miRNAs) have not been globally assessed. We therefore produced an extensive small RNA sequencing data set to analyze male and female miRNA expression profiles in mouse, opossum, and chicken. Our analyses uncovered numerous cases of somatic sex-biased miRNA expression, with the largest proportion found in the mouse heart and liver. Sex-biased expression is explained by miRNA-specific regulation, including sex-biased chromatin accessibility at promoters, rather than piggybacking of intronic miRNAs on sex-biased protein-coding genes. In mouse, but not opossum and chicken, sex bias is coordinated across tissues such that autosomal testis-biased miRNAs tend to be somatically male-biased, whereas autosomal ovary-biased miRNAs are female-biased, possibly due to broad hormonal control. In chicken, which has a Z/W sex chromosome system, expression output of genes on the Z Chromosome is expected to be male-biased, since there is no global dosage compensation mechanism that restores expression in ZW females after almost all genes on the W Chromosome decayed. Nevertheless, we found that the dominant liver miRNA, miR-122-5p, is Z-linked but expressed in an unbiased manner, due to the unusual retention of a W-linked copy. Another Z-linked miRNA, the male-biased miR-2954-3p, shows conserved preference for dosage-sensitive genes on the Z Chromosome, based on computational and experimental data from chicken and zebra finch, and acts to equalize male-to-female expression ratios of its targets. Unexpectedly, our findings thus establish miRNA regulation as a novel gene-specific dosage compensation mechanism.
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Krasselt M, Baerwald C. Sex, Symptom Severity, and Quality of Life in Rheumatology. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2017; 56:346-361. [DOI: 10.1007/s12016-017-8631-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Erdal ME, Yılmaz SG, Gürgül S, Uzun C, Derici D, Erdal N. miRNA expression profile is altered differentially in the rat brain compared to blood after experimental exposure to 50 Hz and 1 mT electromagnetic field. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 132:35-42. [PMID: 28782562 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Common complex diseases are a result of host and environment interactions. One such putative environmental factor is the electromagnetic field exposure, especially the occupational extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field, 50 Hz, 1 mT, whose neurobiological relevance remains elusive. We evaluated the effects of long-term (60 days) ELF-MF exposure on miRNAs previously related to brain and human diseases (miR-26b-5p, miR-9-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-106b-5p, miR-107, miR-125a-3p). A total of 64 young (3 weeks-old) and mature (10 weeks-old) male/female Wistar-Albino rats were divided into sham and ELF-MF exposed groups. After sacrifice of the animals, blood samples from rat's tail vein and brain tissues were collected. The expression levels of miRNAs were investigated with Real-Time PCR technique and TaqMan probe Technology. All miRNA expression levels of the young female rats show a significant decrease in blood according to brain samples (p < 0.05), but fewer miRNAs displayed a similar significant decrease in the blood. In conclusion, these new observations might inform future clinical biological psychiatry studies of long-term electromagnetic field exposure, and the ways in which host-environment interactions contribute to brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Emin Erdal
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Mersin University, Mersin 33343, Turkey.
| | - Senay Görücü Yılmaz
- Faculty of Health Science, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey.
| | - Serkan Gürgül
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat TR-60100, Turkey.
| | - Coşar Uzun
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Mersin University, Mersin TR-33343, Turkey.
| | - Didem Derici
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Mersin University, Mersin TR-33343, Turkey.
| | - Nurten Erdal
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Mersin University, Mersin TR-33343, Turkey.
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Tsuji M, Kawasaki T, Matsuda T, Arai T, Gojo S, Takeuchi JK. Sexual dimorphisms of mRNA and miRNA in human/murine heart disease. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177988. [PMID: 28704447 PMCID: PMC5509429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual dimorphisms are well recognized in various cardiac diseases such as ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Thorough understanding of the underlying genetic programs is crucial to optimize treatment strategies specified for each gender. By performing meta-analysis and microarray analysis, we sought to comprehensively characterize the sexual dimorphisms in the healthy and diseased heart at the level of both mRNA and miRNA transcriptome. RESULTS Existing mRNA microarray data of both mouse and human heart were integrated, identifying dozens/ hundreds of sexually dimorphic genes in healthy heart, ICM, HCM, and DCM. These sexually dimorphic genes overrepresented gene ontologies (GOs) important for cardiac homeostasis. Further, microarray of miRNA, isolated from mouse sham left ventricle (LV) (n = 6 & n = 5 for male & female) and chronic MI LV (n = 19 & n = 19) and from human normal LV (n = 6 & n = 6) and ICM LV (n = 4 & n = 5), was conducted. This revealed that 13 mouse miRNAs are sexually dimorphic in MI and 6 in normal heart. In human, 3 miRNAs were sexually dimorphic in ICM and 15 in normal heart. These data revealed miRNA-mRNA networks that operate in a sexually-biased fashion. CONCLUSIONS mRNA and miRNA transcriptome of normal and disease heart show significant sex differences, which might impact the cardiac homeostasis. Together this study provides the first comprehensive picture of the genome-wide program underlying the heart sexual dimorphisms, laying the foundation for gender specific treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Tsuji
- Division of Bio-informational Pharmacology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail: (MT); (JKT)
| | - Takanori Kawasaki
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeru Matsuda
- Department of Mathematical Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomio Arai
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Gojo
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Jun K. Takeuchi
- Division of Bio-informational Pharmacology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail: (MT); (JKT)
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Kwekel JC, Vijay V, Han T, Moland CL, Desai VG, Fuscoe JC. Sex and age differences in the expression of liver microRNAs during the life span of F344 rats. Biol Sex Differ 2017; 8:6. [PMID: 28174625 PMCID: PMC5291947 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-017-0127-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Physiological factors such as age and sex have been shown to be risk factors for adverse effects in the liver, including liver diseases and drug-induced liver injury. Previously, we have reported age- and sex-related significant differences in hepatic basal gene expression in rats during the life span that may be related to susceptibility to such adverse effects. However, the underlying mechanisms of the gene expression changes were not fully understood. In recent years, increasing evidence for epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation has fueled interest in the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in toxicogenomics and biomarker discovery. We therefore proposed that significant age and sex differences exist in baseline liver miRNA expression, and that comprehensive profiling of miRNAs will provide insights into the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in rat liver. Methods To address this, liver tissues from male and female F344 rats were examined at 2, 5, 6, 8, 15, 21, 52, 78, and 104 weeks of age for the expression of 677 unique miRNAs. Following data processing, predictive pathway analysis was performed on selected miRNAs that exhibited prominent age and/or sex differences in expression. Results Of the 314 miRNAs found to be expressed, 214 were differentially expressed; 65 and 212 miRNAs showed significant (false discovery rate (FDR) <5% and ≥1.5-fold change) sex- and age-related differences in expression, respectively. Thirty-eight miRNAs showed 2-week-specific expression, of which 31 miRNAs were found to be encoded within the Dlk1-Dio3 cluster located on chromosome 6. This cluster has been associated with tissue proliferation and differentiation, and liver energy homeostasis in postnatal development. Predictive pathway analysis linked sex-biased miRNA expression with sexually dimorphic molecular functions and toxicological functions that may reflect sex differences in hepatic physiology and disease. The expression of miRNAs (miR-18a, miR-99a, and miR-203, miR-451) was also found to associate with specific sexually dimorphic hepatic histopathology. The expression of miRNAs involved in regulating cell death, cell proliferation, and cell cycle was found to change as the rats matured from adult to old age. Conclusions Overall, significant age- and sex-related differences in liver miRNA expression were identified and linked to histopathological findings and predicted functional pathways that may underlie susceptibilities to liver toxicity and disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13293-017-0127-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua C Kwekel
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR USA.,Present address: Department of Math & Science, Central Baptist College, Conway, AR USA
| | - Vikrant Vijay
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR USA
| | - Tao Han
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR USA
| | - Carrie L Moland
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR USA
| | - Varsha G Desai
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR USA
| | - James C Fuscoe
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR USA
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Hodes GE, Walker DM, Labonté B, Nestler EJ, Russo SJ. Understanding the epigenetic basis of sex differences in depression. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:692-702. [PMID: 27870456 PMCID: PMC5130105 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to potentially heritable processes that can mediate both lasting and transient changes in gene expression in the absence of genome sequence alterations. The field of epigenetics has introduced a novel understanding of the mechanisms through which the environment can shape an individual and potentially its offspring. This Mini-Review examines the current literature exploring the role of epigenetics in the development of mood disorders such as depression. Depression is twofold more common in females, yet the majority of preclinical research has been conducted exclusively in male subjects. Here we discuss what is known about sex differences in epigenetic regulation and function and how this may contribute to the etiology and onset of mood disorders. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia E. Hodes
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Freidman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Deena M. Walker
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Freidman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Benoit Labonté
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Freidman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Eric J. Nestler
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Freidman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Scott J. Russo
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Freidman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
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Park JK, Peng H, Yang W, Katsnelson J, Volpert O, Lavker RM. miR-184 exhibits angiostatic properties via regulation of Akt and VEGF signaling pathways. FASEB J 2017; 31:256-265. [PMID: 27825105 PMCID: PMC5161520 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201600746r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Corneal avascularity is critical for achieving transparency necessary for proper transmission of light to the lens and visual acuity. Although much is known about angiogenesis and angiostasis, the precise regulation of these processes in the cornea is unclear. MicroRNA (miR)-184, the most abundant corneal epithelial miRNA, has been suggested to function in corneal angiostasis by altering VEGF signaling; however, the mechanism(s) underlying this regulation have not been addressed. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate angiogenesis, we demonstrated that human limbal epithelial keratinocytes (HLEKs) engineered to overexpress miR-184 secreted lower amounts of angiogenic mitogens. Human dermal microvascular cells exposed to conditioned medium from miR-184-overexpressing HLEKs were less proliferative and failed to seal linear scratch wounds. The in vivo Matrigel plug assay showed that conditioned medium from miR-184-expressing HLEKs elicited a lesser degree of neovascularization compared with controls. We found that miR-184 directly targets and represses the proangiogenic factors, friend of Gata 2 (FOG2), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-β, and phosphatidic acid phosphatase 2b (PPAP2B). FOG2 regulates VEGF expression, whereas PDGF-β and PPAP2B regulate Akt activity. By attenuating both VEGF and Akt signaling, miR-184 acts as a broad-spectrum negative regulator of corneal angiogenesis.-Park, J. K., Peng, H., Yang, W., Katsnelson, J., Volpert, O., Lavker, R. M. miR-184 exhibits angiostatic properties via regulation of Akt and VEGF signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Kook Park
- Department of Dermatology Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Han Peng
- Department of Dermatology Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Wending Yang
- Department of Dermatology Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Julia Katsnelson
- Department of Dermatology, New York Metropolitan Hospital, New York, New York, USA; and
| | - Olga Volpert
- Department of Urology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Robert M Lavker
- Department of Dermatology Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA;
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de Souza Santos R, Frank AP, Nelson MD, Garcia MM, Palmer BF, Clegg DJ. Sex, Gender, and Transgender: Metabolic Impact of Cross Hormone Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1043:611-627. [PMID: 29224113 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-70178-3_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Most preclinical and clinical, animal, and human research has been biased with respect to sex and even more so with respect to gender. In fact, little is known about the impact of sex and even less about the influence of gender on overall metabolic processes. The National Institutes of Health has recognized this gap in scientific knowledge and now mandates that studies be conducted in both sexes and to include gender as variables influencing physiological processes such as metabolism. It is therefore critical to understand and appreciate how to incorporate sex and gender in preclinical and clinical research in order to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms by which metabolic processes differ by sex and gender. In this chapter, we define sex and gender and discuss when sex and gender are not aligned, such as that which occurs in transgender individuals, and how this impacts metabolic processes. We discuss the importance of understanding the influence and interactions between sex hormones and sex chromosomes rather than focusing on their relative contributions to metabolism in isolation. This knowledge will optimize therapies specific for individuals which need to encompass sex and gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta de Souza Santos
- Biomedical Research Department, Diabetes and Obesity Research Division, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Aaron P Frank
- Biomedical Research Department, Diabetes and Obesity Research Division, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael Douglas Nelson
- Applied Physiology and Advanced Imaging Lab, University of Texas, Arlington, TX, USA.,Kinesiology, University of Texas, Arlington, TX, USA.,Bioengineering, University of Texas, Arlington, TX, USA.,Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, University of Texas, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Maurice M Garcia
- Division of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Transgender Surgery and Health Program, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Biff F Palmer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Deborah J Clegg
- Biomedical Research Department, Diabetes and Obesity Research Division, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Lizarraga D, Huen K, Combs M, Escudero-Fung M, Eskenazi B, Holland N. miRNAs differentially expressed by next-generation sequencing in cord blood buffy coat samples of boys and girls. Epigenomics 2016; 8:1619-1635. [PMID: 27882772 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Differences in children's development and susceptibility to diseases and exposures have been observed by sex, yet human studies of sex differences in miRNAs are limited. MATERIALS & METHODS The genome-wide miRNA expression was characterized by sequencing-based EdgeSeq assay in cord blood buffy coats from 89 newborns, and 564 miRNAs were further analyzed. RESULTS Differential expression of most miRNAs was higher in boys. Neurodevelopment, RNA metabolism and metabolic ontology terms were enriched among miRNA targets. The majority of upregulated miRNAs (86%) validated by nCounter maintained positive-fold change values; however, only 21% reached statistical significance by false discovery rate. CONCLUSION Accounting for host factors like sex may improve the sensitivity of epigenetic analyses for epidemiological studies in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daneida Lizarraga
- School of Public Health, Center for Environmental Research on Children's Health (CERCH), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Karen Huen
- School of Public Health, Center for Environmental Research on Children's Health (CERCH), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Mary Combs
- School of Public Health, Center for Environmental Research on Children's Health (CERCH), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Maria Escudero-Fung
- School of Public Health, Center for Environmental Research on Children's Health (CERCH), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- School of Public Health, Center for Environmental Research on Children's Health (CERCH), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Nina Holland
- School of Public Health, Center for Environmental Research on Children's Health (CERCH), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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