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Madè A, Piella SN, Ranucci M, Gaetano C, Renna LV, Cardani R, Spinetti G, Milani V, Martelli F. LEF1-AS1 Deregulation in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Persistent Post-COVID Symptoms. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:4806. [PMID: 40429947 PMCID: PMC12112689 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26104806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2025] [Revised: 05/09/2025] [Accepted: 05/13/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Long COVID denotes the persistence of symptoms after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection lasting for at least two months without another identifiable cause. Affecting an estimated 15% of COVID-19 patients, long COVID manifests in a wide range of symptoms. Despite extensive research on its one-year effects, limited data exist beyond 12 months. Due to the different manifestations of long COVID, its diagnosis can be challenging. Identifying potential mechanistic contributors and biomarkers would be highly valuable. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) as biomarkers for disease stratification in COVID-19. Specifically, we have recently identified miR-144-3p and a subset of lncRNAs as candidates for assessing disease severity and outcomes in COVID-19. This nested case-control study extends such investigations to 98 long COVID patients recruited 18 months after hospitalization, exploring the relationship between circulating ncRNA expression and persistent symptoms. While miR-144-3p, HCG18, and lncCEACAM21 expression did not differ between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, LEF1-AS1 was downregulated in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of symptomatic patients. Of note, multiple LEF1-AS1 isoforms and LEF1 sense transcript levels were reduced and negatively correlated with relevant clinical markers. While further studies are needed, our discoveries offer new perspectives on the diagnosis and management of persistent long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisia Madè
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy; (A.M.); (S.N.P.)
| | - Santiago Nicolas Piella
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy; (A.M.); (S.N.P.)
| | - Marco Ranucci
- Department of Cardiovascular Anesthesia and ICU, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy
| | - Carlo Gaetano
- Laboratorio di Epigenetica, Istituti Clinici Scientifici (ICS) Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Laura Valentina Renna
- BioCor Biobank, IRCCS-Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy; (L.V.R.); (R.C.)
| | - Rosanna Cardani
- BioCor Biobank, IRCCS-Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy; (L.V.R.); (R.C.)
| | - Gaia Spinetti
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, IRCCS MultiMedica, 20138 Milan, Italy;
| | - Valentina Milani
- Laboratory of Biostatistics and Data Management, Scientific Directorate, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy;
| | - Fabio Martelli
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy; (A.M.); (S.N.P.)
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2
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Gaetano C, Atlante S, Gottardi Zamperla M, Barbi V, Gentilini D, Illi B, Malavolta M, Martelli F, Farsetti A. The COVID-19 legacy: consequences for the human DNA methylome and therapeutic perspectives. GeroScience 2025; 47:483-501. [PMID: 39497009 PMCID: PMC11872859 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01406-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 10/18/2024] [Indexed: 11/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting legacy on human health, extending beyond the acute phase of infection. This article explores the evidence suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce persistent epigenetic modifications, particularly in DNA methylation patterns, with potential long-term consequences for individuals' health and aging trajectories. The review discusses the potential of DNA methylation-based biomarkers, such as epigenetic clocks, to identify individuals at risk for accelerated aging and tailor personalized interventions. Integrating epigenetic clock analysis into clinical management could mark a new era of personalized treatment for COVID-19, possibly helping clinicians to understand patient susceptibility to severe outcomes and establish preventive strategies. Several valuable reviews address the role of epigenetics in infectious diseases, including the Sars-CoV-2 infection. However, this article provides an original overview of the current understanding of the epigenetic dimensions of COVID-19, offering insights into the long-term health implications of the pandemic. While acknowledging the limitations of current data, we emphasize the need for future research to unravel the precise mechanisms underlying COVID-19-induced epigenetic changes and to explore potential approaches to target these modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Gaetano
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Sandra Atlante
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science, National Research Council (CNR)-IASI, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Veronica Barbi
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Davide Gentilini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Bioinformatics and Statistical Genomics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20095, Cusano Milanino, Italy
| | - Barbara Illi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), c/o Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Malavolta
- Advanced Technology Center for Aging Research and Geriatric Mouse Clinic, IRCCS INRCA, 60121, Ancona, Italy
| | - Fabio Martelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Farsetti
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science, National Research Council (CNR)-IASI, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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3
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Grillone K, Caridà G, Luciano F, Cordua A, Di Martino MT, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P. A systematic review of non-coding RNA therapeutics in early clinical trials: a new perspective against cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:731. [PMID: 39103911 PMCID: PMC11301835 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05554-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), has recently emerged as a promising strategy for treating malignancies and other diseases. In recent years, the development of ncRNA-based therapeutics for targeting protein-coding and non-coding genes has also gained momentum. This review systematically examines ongoing and completed clinical trials to provide a comprehensive overview of the emerging landscape of ncRNA-based therapeutics. Significant efforts have been made to advance ncRNA therapeutics to early clinical studies. The most advanced trials have been conducted with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), miRNA replacement using nanovector-entrapped miRNA mimics, or miRNA silencing by antisense oligonucleotides. While siRNA-based therapeutics have already received FDA approval, miRNA mimics, inhibitors, and lncRNA-based therapeutics are still under evaluation in preclinical and early clinical studies. We critically discuss the rationale and methodologies of ncRNA targeting strategies to illustrate this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Grillone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giulio Caridà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Luciano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessia Cordua
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
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4
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Meng Q, Tan H, Wang C, Sun Z. Progress and trends in myocardial infarction-related long non-coding RNAs: a bibliometric analysis. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1382772. [PMID: 39135912 PMCID: PMC11317247 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1382772] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Myocardial infarction (MI), a critical condition, substantially affects patient outcomes and mortality rates. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in the onset and progression of MI. This study aimed to explore the related research on MI-related lncRNAs from a bibliometric perspective, providing new clues and directions for researchers in the field. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted on 7 August 2023, using the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database to compile a dataset of all English-language scientific journals. The search gathered all relevant publications from January 2000 to August 2023 that pertain to MI-related lncRNAs. Data on countries, institutions, journals, authors, and keywords were collected, sorted, statistically analyzed, and visualized using CiteSpace 6.2.R4, VOSviewer 1.6.19, an online bibliometric analysis platform (http://bibliometric.com), and the bibliometric package in R-Studio 4.3.1. Articles were screened by two independent reviewers. Results Between January 2000 and August 2023, a total of 1,452 papers were published in the research field of MI-related lncRNAs. The year with the most publications was 2020, accounting for 256 papers. The publication volume displayed an exponential growth trend, fitting the equation y = 2.0215e0.2786x, R^2 = 0.97. In this domain, China leads in both the number of published papers (N = 1,034) and total citations, followed by the United States, Germany, Iran, and Italy. The most productive institution is Harbin Medical University (N = 144). The European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences had the highest number of publications (N = 46), while Circulation Research had the most citations (TC = 4,537), indicating its irreplaceable standing in this field. Research mainly focuses on the cardiovascular system, cellular biology, physiology, etc. The most productive author is Zhang Y. Apart from "Myocardial Infarction" and "LncRNA," the most frequent keywords include "expression," "atherosclerosis," and "apoptosis." Cluster analysis suggests current research themes concentrate on cardiovascular diseases and gene expression, cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury and protection, expression and proliferation, atherosclerosis and inflammatory response, among others. Keyword bursts indicate recent hot topics as targeting, autophagy, etc. Conclusion This bibliometric analysis reveals that research on MI-related lncRNAs has rapidly expanded between January 2000 and August 2023, primarily led by China and the United States. Our study highlights the significant biological roles of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis and progression of MI, including their involvement in gene expression regulation, atherosclerosis development, and apoptosis. These findings underscore the potential of lncRNAs as therapeutic targets and biomarkers for MI. Additionally, our study provides insights into the features and quality of related publications, as well as the future directions in this research field. There is a long road ahead, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced global academic exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingkun Meng
- Department of Cardiology, The People’s Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hao Tan
- Department of Thoracic and Esophageal Radiotherapy, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Chengfu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The People’s Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhijun Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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5
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Rocca R, Grillone K, Citriniti EL, Gualtieri G, Artese A, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P, Alcaro S. Targeting non-coding RNAs: Perspectives and challenges of in-silico approaches. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115850. [PMID: 37839343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The growing information currently available on the central role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNAs (miRNAS) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) for chronic and degenerative human diseases makes them attractive therapeutic targets. RNAs carry out different functional roles in human biology and are deeply deregulated in several diseases. So far, different attempts to therapeutically target the 3D RNA structures with small molecules have been reported. In this scenario, the development of computational tools suitable for describing RNA structures and their potential interactions with small molecules is gaining more and more interest. Here, we describe the most suitable strategies to study ncRNAs through computational tools. We focus on methods capable of predicting 2D and 3D ncRNA structures. Furthermore, we describe computational tools to identify, design and optimize small molecule ncRNA binders. This review aims to outline the state of the art and perspectives of computational methods for ncRNAs over the past decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Rocca
- Department of Health Science, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy; Net4Science srl, Academic Spinoff, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Katia Grillone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | | | - Anna Artese
- Department of Health Science, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy; Net4Science srl, Academic Spinoff, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | | | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Department of Health Science, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy; Net4Science srl, Academic Spinoff, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
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6
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Greco S, Made' A, Mutoli M, Zhang L, Piella SN, Vausort M, Lumley AI, Beltrami AP, Srivastava PK, Milani V, Boveri S, Ranucci M, Renna LV, Firat H, Bruno A, Spinetti G, Emanueli C, Devaux Y, Martelli F. HCG18, LEF1AS1 and lncCEACAM21 as biomarkers of disease severity in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of COVID-19 patients. J Transl Med 2023; 21:758. [PMID: 37884975 PMCID: PMC10605335 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04497-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Even after 3 years from SARS-CoV-2 identification, COVID-19 is still a persistent and dangerous global infectious disease. Significant improvements in our understanding of the disease pathophysiology have now been achieved. Nonetheless, reliable and accurate biomarkers for the early stratification of COVID-19 severity are still lacking. Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) are ncRNAs longer than 200 nucleotides, regulating the transcription and translation of protein-coding genes and they can be found in the peripheral blood, thus holding a promising biomarker potential. Specifically, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) have emerged as a source of indirect biomarkers mirroring the conditions of tissues: they include monocytes, B and T lymphocytes, and natural killer T cells (NKT), being highly informative for immune-related events. METHODS We profiled by RNA-Sequencing a panel of 2906 lncRNAs to investigate their modulation in PBMCs of a pilot group of COVID-19 patients, followed by qPCR validation in 111 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. RESULTS The levels of four lncRNAs were found to be decreased in association with COVID-19 mortality and disease severity: HLA Complex Group 18-242 and -244 (HCG18-242 and HCG18-244), Lymphoid Enhancer Binding Factor 1-antisense 1 (LEF1-AS1) and lncCEACAM21 (i.e. ENST00000601116.5, a lncRNA in the CEACAM21 locus). Interestingly, these deregulations were confirmed in an independent patient group of hospitalized patients and by the re-analysis of publicly available single-cell transcriptome datasets. The identified lncRNAs were expressed in all of the PBMC cell types and inversely correlated with the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an inflammatory marker. In vitro, the expression of LEF1-AS1 and lncCEACAM21 was decreased upon THP-1 monocytes exposure to a relevant stimulus, hypoxia. CONCLUSION The identified COVID-19-lncRNAs are proposed as potential innovative biomarkers of COVID-19 severity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Greco
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alisia Made'
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Mutoli
- IRCCS MultiMedica, Via Fantoli 16/15, 20138, Milan, Italy
| | - Lu Zhang
- Bioinformatics Platform, Data Integration and Analysis Unit, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1445, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Santiago Nicolas Piella
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
| | - Mélanie Vausort
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1445, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Andrew I Lumley
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1445, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | | | - Prashant Kumar Srivastava
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, W12 0NN, England, UK
| | - Valentina Milani
- Laboratory of Biostatistics and Data Management, Scientific Directorate, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Boveri
- Laboratory of Biostatistics and Data Management, Scientific Directorate, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Ranucci
- Department of Cardiovascular Anesthesia and ICU, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Valentina Renna
- Biobank BioCor, IRCCS-Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Antonino Bruno
- IRCCS MultiMedica, Via Fantoli 16/15, 20138, Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Monte Generoso 71, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Gaia Spinetti
- IRCCS MultiMedica, Via Fantoli 16/15, 20138, Milan, Italy
| | - Costanza Emanueli
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, W12 0NN, England, UK.
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Guy Scadding Building, Cale Street, London, SW3 6LY, UK.
| | - Yvan Devaux
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1445, Strassen, Luxembourg.
| | - Fabio Martelli
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy.
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7
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Pieri M, Vayianos P, Nicolaidou V, Felekkis K, Papaneophytou C. Alterations in Circulating miRNA Levels after Infection with SARS-CoV-2 Could Contribute to the Development of Cardiovascular Diseases: What We Know So Far. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032380. [PMID: 36768701 PMCID: PMC9917196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and poses significant complications for cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and influence several physiological and pathological processes, including CVD. This critical review aims to expand upon the current literature concerning miRNA deregulation during the SARS-CoV-2 infection, focusing on cardio-specific miRNAs and their association with various CVDs, including cardiac remodeling, arrhythmias, and atherosclerosis after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite the scarcity of research in this area, our findings suggest that changes in the expression levels of particular COVID-19-related miRNAs, including miR-146a, miR-27/miR-27a-5p, miR-451, miR-486-5p, miR-21, miR-155, and miR-133a, may be linked to CVDs. While our analysis did not conclusively determine the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the profile and/or expression levels of cardiac-specific miRNAs, we proposed a potential mechanism by which the miRNAs mentioned above may contribute to the development of these two pathologies. Further research on the relationship between SARS-CoV-2, CVDs, and microRNAs will significantly enhance our understanding of this connection and may lead to the use of these miRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for both pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrtani Pieri
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Non-Coding RNA Research Laboratory, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Panayiotis Vayianos
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vicky Nicolaidou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Non-Coding RNA Research Laboratory, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kyriacos Felekkis
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Non-Coding RNA Research Laboratory, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Correspondence: (K.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Non-Coding RNA Research Laboratory, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Correspondence: (K.F.); (C.P.)
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8
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Izzo C, Visco V, Gambardella J, Ferruzzi GJ, Rispoli A, Rusciano MR, Toni AL, Virtuoso N, Carrizzo A, Di Pietro P, Iaccarino G, Vecchione C, Ciccarelli M. Cardiovascular Implications of microRNAs in Coronavirus Disease 2019. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 384:102-108. [PMID: 35779946 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic continues to be a global challenge due to resulting morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular (CV) involvement is a crucial complication in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and no strategies are available to prevent or specifically address CV events in COVID-19 patients. The identification of molecular partners contributing to CV manifestations in COVID-19 patients is crucial for providing early biomarkers, prognostic predictors, and new therapeutic targets. The current report will focus on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in CV complications associated with COVID-19. Indeed, miRNAs have been proposed as valuable biomarkers and predictors of both cardiac and vascular damage occurring in SARS-CoV-2 infection. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: It is essential to identify the molecular mediators of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cardiovascular (CV) complications. This report focused on the role of microRNAs in CV complications associated with COVID-19, discussing their potential use as biomarkers, prognostic predictors, and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Izzo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy (C.I., V.V., G.J.F., A.R., M.R.R., A.L.T., A.C., P.D.P., C.V., M.C.); Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., G.I.); Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (J.G.); Cardiology Unit, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona," Salerno, Italy (N.V.); and Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy (A.C., C.V.)
| | - Valeria Visco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy (C.I., V.V., G.J.F., A.R., M.R.R., A.L.T., A.C., P.D.P., C.V., M.C.); Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., G.I.); Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (J.G.); Cardiology Unit, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona," Salerno, Italy (N.V.); and Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy (A.C., C.V.)
| | - Jessica Gambardella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy (C.I., V.V., G.J.F., A.R., M.R.R., A.L.T., A.C., P.D.P., C.V., M.C.); Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., G.I.); Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (J.G.); Cardiology Unit, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona," Salerno, Italy (N.V.); and Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy (A.C., C.V.)
| | - Germano Junior Ferruzzi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy (C.I., V.V., G.J.F., A.R., M.R.R., A.L.T., A.C., P.D.P., C.V., M.C.); Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., G.I.); Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (J.G.); Cardiology Unit, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona," Salerno, Italy (N.V.); and Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy (A.C., C.V.)
| | - Antonella Rispoli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy (C.I., V.V., G.J.F., A.R., M.R.R., A.L.T., A.C., P.D.P., C.V., M.C.); Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., G.I.); Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (J.G.); Cardiology Unit, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona," Salerno, Italy (N.V.); and Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy (A.C., C.V.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Rusciano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy (C.I., V.V., G.J.F., A.R., M.R.R., A.L.T., A.C., P.D.P., C.V., M.C.); Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., G.I.); Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (J.G.); Cardiology Unit, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona," Salerno, Italy (N.V.); and Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy (A.C., C.V.)
| | - Anna Laura Toni
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy (C.I., V.V., G.J.F., A.R., M.R.R., A.L.T., A.C., P.D.P., C.V., M.C.); Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., G.I.); Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (J.G.); Cardiology Unit, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona," Salerno, Italy (N.V.); and Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy (A.C., C.V.)
| | - Nicola Virtuoso
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy (C.I., V.V., G.J.F., A.R., M.R.R., A.L.T., A.C., P.D.P., C.V., M.C.); Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., G.I.); Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (J.G.); Cardiology Unit, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona," Salerno, Italy (N.V.); and Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy (A.C., C.V.)
| | - Albino Carrizzo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy (C.I., V.V., G.J.F., A.R., M.R.R., A.L.T., A.C., P.D.P., C.V., M.C.); Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., G.I.); Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (J.G.); Cardiology Unit, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona," Salerno, Italy (N.V.); and Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy (A.C., C.V.)
| | - Paola Di Pietro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy (C.I., V.V., G.J.F., A.R., M.R.R., A.L.T., A.C., P.D.P., C.V., M.C.); Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., G.I.); Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (J.G.); Cardiology Unit, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona," Salerno, Italy (N.V.); and Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy (A.C., C.V.)
| | - Guido Iaccarino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy (C.I., V.V., G.J.F., A.R., M.R.R., A.L.T., A.C., P.D.P., C.V., M.C.); Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., G.I.); Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (J.G.); Cardiology Unit, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona," Salerno, Italy (N.V.); and Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy (A.C., C.V.)
| | - Carmine Vecchione
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy (C.I., V.V., G.J.F., A.R., M.R.R., A.L.T., A.C., P.D.P., C.V., M.C.); Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., G.I.); Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (J.G.); Cardiology Unit, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona," Salerno, Italy (N.V.); and Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy (A.C., C.V.)
| | - Michele Ciccarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy (C.I., V.V., G.J.F., A.R., M.R.R., A.L.T., A.C., P.D.P., C.V., M.C.); Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., G.I.); Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (J.G.); Cardiology Unit, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona," Salerno, Italy (N.V.); and Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy (A.C., C.V.)
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9
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Madè A, Greco S, Vausort M, Miliotis M, Schordan E, Baksi S, Zhang L, Baryshnikova E, Ranucci M, Cardani R, Fagherazzi G, Ollert M, Tastsoglou S, Vatsellas G, Hatzigeorgiou A, Firat H, Devaux Y, Martelli F. Association of miR-144 levels in the peripheral blood with COVID-19 severity and mortality. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20048. [PMID: 36414650 PMCID: PMC9681736 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23922-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) can be asymptomatic or lead to a wide symptom spectrum, including multi-organ damage and death. Here, we explored the potential of microRNAs in delineating patient condition and predicting clinical outcome. Plasma microRNA profiling of hospitalized COVID-19 patients showed that miR-144-3p was dynamically regulated in response to COVID-19. Thus, we further investigated the biomarker potential of miR-144-3p measured at admission in 179 COVID-19 patients and 29 healthy controls recruited in three centers. In hospitalized patients, circulating miR-144-3p levels discriminated between non-critical and critical illness (AUCmiR-144-3p = 0.71; p = 0.0006), acting also as mortality predictor (AUCmiR-144-3p = 0.67; p = 0.004). In non-hospitalized patients, plasma miR-144-3p levels discriminated mild from moderate disease (AUCmiR-144-3p = 0.67; p = 0.03). Uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines can lead to clinical deterioration. Thus, we explored the added value of a miR-144/cytokine combined analysis in the assessment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. A miR-144-3p/Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) combined score discriminated between non-critical and critical hospitalized patients (AUCmiR-144-3p/EGF = 0.81; p < 0.0001); moreover, a miR-144-3p/Interleukin-10 (IL-10) score discriminated survivors from nonsurvivors (AUCmiR-144-3p/IL-10 = 0.83; p < 0.0001). In conclusion, circulating miR-144-3p, possibly in combination with IL-10 or EGF, emerges as a noninvasive tool for early risk-based stratification and mortality prediction in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisia Madè
- grid.419557.b0000 0004 1766 7370Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097 San Donato Milanese, MI Italy
| | - Simona Greco
- grid.419557.b0000 0004 1766 7370Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097 San Donato Milanese, MI Italy
| | - Melanie Vausort
- grid.451012.30000 0004 0621 531XCardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Marios Miliotis
- grid.418497.7Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece ,grid.410558.d0000 0001 0035 6670DIANA-Lab, Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, 35131 Lamia, Greece
| | - Eric Schordan
- grid.450762.2Firalis SA, 35 Rue du Fort, 68330 Huningue, France
| | - Shounak Baksi
- grid.451012.30000 0004 0621 531XCardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Lu Zhang
- grid.451012.30000 0004 0621 531XBioinformatics Platform, Luxembourg Institute of Health, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Ekaterina Baryshnikova
- grid.419557.b0000 0004 1766 7370Department of Cardiovascular Anesthesia and ICU, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097 San Donato Milanese, MI Italy
| | - Marco Ranucci
- grid.419557.b0000 0004 1766 7370Department of Cardiovascular Anesthesia and ICU, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097 San Donato Milanese, MI Italy
| | - Rosanna Cardani
- grid.419557.b0000 0004 1766 7370BioCor Biobank, UOC SMEL-1 of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, IRCCS-Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097 San Donato Milanese, MI Italy
| | - Guy Fagherazzi
- grid.451012.30000 0004 0621 531XDeep Digital Phenotyping Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1 A-B Rue Thomas Edison, 1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Markus Ollert
- grid.451012.30000 0004 0621 531XDepartment of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29, Rue Henri Koch, 4354 Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg ,grid.10825.3e0000 0001 0728 0170Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis (ORCA), University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Spyros Tastsoglou
- grid.418497.7Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece ,grid.410558.d0000 0001 0035 6670DIANA-Lab, Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, 35131 Lamia, Greece
| | - Giannis Vatsellas
- grid.417593.d0000 0001 2358 8802Greek Genome Center, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Artemis Hatzigeorgiou
- grid.418497.7Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece ,grid.410558.d0000 0001 0035 6670DIANA-Lab, Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, 35131 Lamia, Greece
| | - Hüseyin Firat
- grid.450762.2Firalis SA, 35 Rue du Fort, 68330 Huningue, France
| | - Yvan Devaux
- grid.451012.30000 0004 0621 531XCardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Fabio Martelli
- grid.419557.b0000 0004 1766 7370Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097 San Donato Milanese, MI Italy
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10
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Sarkar S, Sen R. Insights into Cardiovascular Defects and Cardiac Epigenome in the Context of COVID-19. EPIGENOMES 2022; 6:epigenomes6020013. [PMID: 35645252 PMCID: PMC9150012 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes6020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although few in number, studies on epigenome of the heart of COVID-19 patients show that epigenetic signatures such as DNA methylation are significantly altered, leading to changes in expression of several genes. It contributes to pathogenic cardiac phenotypes of COVID-19, e.g., low heart rate, myocardial edema, and myofibrillar disarray. DNA methylation studies reveal changes which likely contribute to cardiac disease through unknown mechanisms. The incidence of severe COVID-19 disease, including hospitalization, requiring respiratory support, morbidity, and mortality, is disproportionately higher in individuals with co-morbidities. This poses unprecedented strains on the global healthcare system. While their underlying conditions make patients more susceptible to severe COVID-19 disease, strained healthcare systems, lack of adequate support, or sedentary lifestyles from ongoing lockdowns have proved detrimental to their underlying health conditions, thus pushing them to severe risk of congenital heart disease (CHD) itself. Prophylactic vaccines against COVID-19 have ushered new hope for CHD. A common connection between COVID-19 and CHD is SARS-CoV-2’s host receptor ACE2, because ACE2 regulates and protects organs, including the heart, in various ways. ACE2 is a common therapeutic target against cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 which damages organs. Hence, this review explores the above regarding CHDs, cardiovascular damage, and cardiac epigenetics, in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Sarkar
- New Brunswick Heart Centre, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB E2L 4L2, Canada;
| | - Rwik Sen
- Active Motif, Inc., 1914 Palomar Oaks Way, Suite 150, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
- Correspondence:
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11
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Arghiani N, Nissan T, Matin MM. Role of microRNAs in COVID-19 with implications for therapeutics. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112247. [PMID: 34601190 PMCID: PMC8463393 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a pneumonia-like disease with highly transmittable and pathogenic properties caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which infects both animals and humans. Although many efforts are currently underway to test possible therapies, there is no specific FDA approved drug against SARS-CoV-2 yet. miRNA-directed gene regulation controls the majority of biological processes. In addition, the development and progression of several human diseases are associated with dysregulation of miRNAs. In this regard, it has been shown that changes in miRNAs are linked to severity of COVID-19 especially in patients with respiratory diseases, diabetes, heart failure or kidney problems. Therefore, targeting these small noncoding-RNAs could potentially alleviate complications from COVID-19. Here, we will review the roles and importance of host and RNA virus encoded miRNAs in COVID-19 pathogenicity and immune response. Then, we focus on potential miRNA therapeutics in the patients who are at increased risk for severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Arghiani
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, the Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; School of Life Science, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Tracy Nissan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, the Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; School of Life Science, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom.
| | - Maryam M Matin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Khorasan Razavi Branch, Mashhad, Iran.
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12
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Natarelli L, Virgili F, Weber C. SARS-CoV-2, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Noncoding RNAs: A Connected Triad. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12243. [PMID: 34830125 PMCID: PMC8620514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is characterized by important respiratory impairments frequently associated with severe cardiovascular damages. Moreover, patients with pre-existing comorbidity for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) often present a dramatic increase in inflammatory cytokines release, which increases the severity and adverse outcomes of the infection and, finally, mortality risk. Despite this evident association at the clinical level, the mechanisms linking CVD and COVID-19 are still blurry and unresolved. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are functional RNA molecules transcribed from DNA but usually not translated into proteins. They play an important role in the regulation of gene expression, either in relatively stable conditions or as a response to different stimuli, including viral infection, and are therefore considered a possible important target in the design of specific drugs. In this review, we introduce known associations and interactions between COVID-19 and CVD, discussing the role of ncRNAs within SARS-CoV-2 infection from the perspective of the development of efficient pharmacological tools to treat COVID-19 patients and taking into account the equally dramatic associated consequences, such as those affecting the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Natarelli
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), 800336 Munich, Germany;
| | - Fabio Virgili
- Research Center for Food and Nutrition, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 00178 Rome, Italy;
| | - Christian Weber
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), 800336 Munich, Germany;
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, 81377 Munich, Germany
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13
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Das T, Das TK, Khodarkovskaya A, Dash S. Non-coding RNAs and their bioengineering applications for neurological diseases. Bioengineered 2021; 12:11675-11698. [PMID: 34756133 PMCID: PMC8810045 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2003667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Engineering of cellular biomolecules is an emerging landscape presenting creative therapeutic opportunities. Recently, several strategies such as biomimetic materials, drug-releasing scaffolds, stem cells, and dynamic culture systems have been developed to improve specific biological functions, however, have been confounded with fundamental and technical roadblocks. Rapidly emerging investigations on the bioengineering prospects of mammalian ribonucleic acid (RNA) is expected to result in significant biomedical advances. More specifically, the current trend focuses on devising non-coding (nc) RNAs as therapeutic candidates for complex neurological diseases. Given the pleiotropic and regulatory role, ncRNAs such as microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs are deemed as attractive therapeutic candidates. Currently, the list of non-coding RNAs in mammals is evolving, which presents the plethora of hidden possibilities including their scope in biomedicine. Herein, we critically review on the emerging repertoire of ncRNAs in neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, neuroinflammation and drug abuse disorders. Importantly, we present the advances in engineering of ncRNAs to improve their biocompatibility and therapeutic feasibility as well as provide key insights into the applications of bioengineered non-coding RNAs that are investigated for neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuhin Das
- Quanta Therapeutics, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.,RayBiotech, Inc, 3607 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners, GA, 30092, USA
| | - Tushar Kanti Das
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Anne Khodarkovskaya
- Department of Pathology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sabyasachi Dash
- Department of Pathology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA.,School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024 India
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14
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Houshmandfar S, Saeedi-Boroujeni A, Rashno M, Khodadadi A, Mahmoudian-Sani MR. miRNA-223 as a regulator of inflammation and NLRP3 inflammasome, the main fragments in the puzzle of immunopathogenesis of different inflammatory diseases and COVID-19. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2021; 394:2187-2195. [PMID: 34590186 PMCID: PMC8481106 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-021-02163-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Millions of people around the world are involved with COVID-19 due to infection with SARS-CoV-2. Virological features of SARS-CoV-2, including its genomic sequence, have been identified but the mechanisms governing COVID-19 immunopathogenesis have remained uncertain. miR-223 is a hematopoietic cell-derived miRNA that is implicated in regulating monocyte-macrophage differentiation, neutrophil recruitment, and pro-inflammatory responses. The miR-223 controls inflammation by targeting a variety of factors, including TRAF6, IKKα, HSP-70, FOXO1, TLR4, PI3K/AKT, PARP-1, HDAC2, ITGB3, CXCL2, CCL3, IL-6, IFN-I, STMN1, IL-1β, IL-18, Caspase-1, NF-κB, and NLRP3. The key role of miR-223 in regulating the inflammatory process and its antioxidant and antiviral role can suggest this miRNA as a potential regulatory factor in the process of COVID-19 immunopathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheyda Houshmandfar
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Saeedi-Boroujeni
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran.,Immunology Today, Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rashno
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Khodadadi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Mahmoudian-Sani
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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15
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Policard M, Jain S, Rego S, Dakshanamurthy S. Immune characterization and profiles of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients reveals potential host therapeutic targets and SARS-CoV-2 oncogenesis mechanism. Virus Res 2021; 301:198464. [PMID: 34058265 PMCID: PMC8163696 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the increasing mortality rates of COVID-19 create an urgent need for treatments, which are currently lacking. Although vaccines have been approved by the FDA for emergency use in the U.S., patients will continue to require pharmacologic intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality as vaccine availability remains limited. The rise of new variants makes the development of therapeutic strategies even more crucial to combat the current pandemic and future outbreaks. Evidence from several studies suggests the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection plays a critical role in disease pathogenesis. Consequently, host immune factors are becoming more recognized as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for COVID-19. To develop therapeutic strategies to combat current and future coronavirus outbreaks, understanding how the coronavirus hijacks the host immune system during and after the infection is crucial. In this study, we investigated immunological patterns or characteristics of the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection that may contribute to the disease severity of COVID-19 patients. We analyzed large bulk RNASeq and single cell RNAseq data from COVID-19 patient samples to immunoprofile differentially expressed gene sets and analyzed pathways to identify human host protein targets. We observed an immunological profile of severe COVID-19 patients characterized by upregulated cytokines, interferon-induced proteins, and pronounced T cell lymphopenia, supporting findings by previous studies. We identified a number of host immune targets including PERK, PKR, TNF, NF-kB, and other key genes that modulate the significant pathways and genes identified in COVID-19 patients. Finally, we identified genes modulated by COVID-19 infection that are implicated in oncogenesis, including E2F transcription factors and RB1, suggesting a mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute to oncogenesis. Further clinical investigation of these targets may lead to bonafide therapeutic strategies to treat the current COVID-19 pandemic and protect against future outbreaks and viral escape variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Policard
- Clinical & Experimental Therapeutics Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, New Research Building, 3970 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057-1469, United States
| | - Sidharth Jain
- Clinical & Experimental Therapeutics Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, New Research Building, 3970 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057-1469, United States
| | - Samantha Rego
- Clinical & Experimental Therapeutics Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, New Research Building, 3970 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057-1469, United States
| | - Sivanesan Dakshanamurthy
- Clinical & Experimental Therapeutics Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, New Research Building, 3970 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057-1469, United States.
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16
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Ying H, Ebrahimi M, Keivan M, Khoshnam SE, Salahi S, Farzaneh M. miRNAs; a novel strategy for the treatment of COVID-19. Cell Biol Int 2021; 45:2045-2053. [PMID: 34180562 PMCID: PMC8426984 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is the seventh member of the bat severe acute respiratory syndrome family. COVID‐19 can fuse their envelopes with the host cell membranes and deliver their genetic material. COVID‐19 attacks the respiratory system and stimulates the host inflammatory responses, enhances the recruitment of immune cells, and promotes angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 activities. Patients with confirmed COVID‐19 may have experienced fever, dry cough, headache, dyspnea, acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and acute heart injury. Several strategies such as oxygen therapy, ventilation, antibiotic or antiviral therapy, and renal replacement therapy are commonly used to decrease COVID‐19‐associated mortality. However, these approaches may not be good treatment options. Therefore, the search for an alternative‐novel therapy is urgently important to prevent the disease progression. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a promising strategy for COVID‐19. The design of oligonucleotide against the genetic material of COVID‐19 might suppress virus RNA translation. Several previous studies have shown that host miRNAs play an antiviral role and improve the treatment of patients with COVID‐19. miRNAs by binding to the 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) or 5′‐UTR of viral RNA play an important role in COVID‐19‐host interplay and viral replication. miRNAs interact with multiple pathways and reduce inflammatory biomarkers, thrombi formation, and tissue damage to accelerate the patient outcome. The information in this review provides a summary of the current clinical application of miRNAs for the treatments of patients with COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ying
- Zhuji People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhuji Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Zhuji, China
| | - Mohsen Ebrahimi
- Neonatal and Children's Health Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mona Keivan
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Seyed Esmaeil Khoshnam
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sarvenaz Salahi
- Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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17
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Policard M, Jain S, Rego S, Dakshanamurthy S. Immune characterization and profiles of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients reveals potential host therapeutic targets and SARS-CoV-2 oncogenesis mechanism. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.02.17.431721. [PMID: 33619493 PMCID: PMC7899457 DOI: 10.1101/2021.02.17.431721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
The spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the increasing mortality rates of COVID-19 create an urgent need for treatments, which are currently lacking. Although vaccines have been approved by the FDA for emergency use in the U.S., patients will continue to require pharmacologic intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality as vaccine availability remains limited. The rise of new variants makes the development of therapeutic strategies even more crucial to combat the current pandemic and future outbreaks. Evidence from several studies suggests the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection plays a critical role in disease pathogenesis. Consequently, host immune factors are becoming more recognized as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for COVID-19. To develop therapeutic strategies to combat current and future coronavirus outbreaks, understanding how the coronavirus hijacks the host immune system during and after the infection is crucial. In this study, we investigated immunological patterns or characteristics of the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection that may contribute to the disease severity of COVID-19 patients. We analyzed large bulk RNASeq and single cell RNAseq data from COVID-19 patient samples to immunoprofile differentially expressed gene sets and analyzed pathways to identify human host protein targets. We observed an immunological profile of severe COVID-19 patients characterized by upregulated cytokines, interferon-induced proteins, and pronounced T cell lymphopenia, supporting findings by previous studies. We identified a number of host immune targets including PERK, PKR, TNF, NF-kB, and other key genes that modulate the significant pathways and genes identified in COVID-19 patients. Finally, we identified genes modulated by COVID-19 infection that are implicated in oncogenesis, including E2F transcription factors and RB1, suggesting a mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute to oncogenesis. Further clinical investigation of these targets may lead to bonafide therapeutic strategies to treat the current COVID-19 pandemic and protect against future outbreaks and viral escape variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Policard
- Clinical & Experimental Therapeutics Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, New Research Building, 3970 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057-1469
| | | | | | - Sivanesan Dakshanamurthy
- Clinical & Experimental Therapeutics Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, New Research Building, 3970 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057-1469
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18
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Ahsan MA, Liu Y, Feng C, Hofestädt R, Chen M. OverCOVID: an integrative web portal for SARS-CoV-2 bioinformatics resources. J Integr Bioinform 2021; 18:9-17. [PMID: 33735949 PMCID: PMC8035963 DOI: 10.1515/jib-2020-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is still a threat to global human health. In order to understand the biology of SARS-CoV-2 and developing drug against COVID-19, a vast amount of genomic, proteomic, interatomic, and clinical data is being generated, and the bioinformatics researchers produced databases, webservers and tools to gather those publicly available data and provide an opportunity of analyzing such data. However, these bioinformatics resources are scattered and researchers need to find them from different resources discretely. To facilitate researchers in finding the resources in one frame, we have developed an integrated web portal called OverCOVID (http://bis.zju.edu.cn/overcovid/). The publicly available webservers, databases and tools associated with SARS-CoV-2 have been incorporated in the resource page. In addition, a network view of the resources is provided to display the scope of the research. Other information like SARS-CoV-2 strains is visualized and various layers of interaction resources is listed in distinct pages of the web portal. As an integrative web portal, the OverCOVID will help the scientist to search the resources and accelerate the clinical research of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Asif Ahsan
- Department of Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yongjing Liu
- Department of Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Cong Feng
- Department of Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ralf Hofestädt
- Bielefeld University, Faculty of Technology, Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics Department, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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