Changqin NO. 1 inhibits neuronal apoptosis via suppressing GAS5 expression in a traumatic brain injury mice model

β-Asarone regulates microglia polarization to alleviate TBI-induced nerve damage via Fas/FasL signaling axis

Acute injury and secondary injury caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI) seriously threaten the health of patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of β-Asarone in TBI-induced neuroinflammation and injury. In this work, the effects of β-Asarone on nerve injury and neuronal apoptosis were investigated in mice with TBI by controlled cortical impingement. The results of this research implied that β-Asarone dose-dependently decreased the mNSS score, brain water content and neuronal apoptosis, but increased the levels of the axonal markers Nrp-1 and Tau in TBI mice. In addition, β-Asarone caused a decrease in the levels of Fas, FasL, and inflammatory factors in cerebrospinal fluid and serum of TBI mice. Therefore, β-Asarone inhibited neuroinflammation and promoted axon regeneration in TBI mice. Besides, β-Asarone treatment inhibited M1 phenotype polarization but promoted M2 phenotype polarization in microglia of TBI mice. Overexpression of Fas and FasL reversed the above effects of β-Asarone. Thus, β-Asarone regulated microglial M1/M2 polarization balance in TBI mice by suppressing Fas/FasL signaling axis. In conclusion, β-Asarone inhibited Fas/FasL signaling pathway to promote the M1/M2 polarization balance of microglia toward M2 polarization, thus alleviating TBI-induced nerve injury.

Unveiling the predictive power of biomarkers in traumatic brain injury: A narrative review focused on clinical outcomes

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has long-term consequences, including neurodegenerative disease risk. Current diagnostic tools are limited in detecting subtle brain damage. This review explores emerging biomarkers for TBI, including those related to neuronal injury, inflammation, EVs, and ncRNAs, evaluating their potential to predict clinical outcomes like mortality, recovery, and cognitive impairment. It addresses challenges and opportunities for implementing biomarkers in clinical practice, aiming to improve TBI diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Role of regulatory non-coding RNAs in traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a potentially fatal health event that cannot be predicted in advance. After TBI occurs, it can have enduring consequences within both familial and social spheres. Yet, despite extensive efforts to improve medical interventions and tailor healthcare services, TBI still remains a major contributor to global disability and mortality rates. The prompt and accurate diagnosis of TBI in clinical contexts, coupled with the implementation of effective therapeutic strategies, remains an arduous challenge. However, a deeper understanding of changes in gene expression and the underlying molecular regulatory processes may alleviate this pressing issue. In recent years, the study of regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), a diverse class of RNA molecules with regulatory functions, has been a potential game changer in TBI research. Notably, the identification of microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and other ncRNAs has revealed their potential as novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for TBI, owing to their ability to regulate the expression of numerous genes. In this review, we seek to provide a comprehensive overview of the functions of regulatory ncRNAs in TBI. We also summarize regulatory ncRNAs used for treatment in animal models, as well as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs that served as biomarkers for TBI diagnosis and prognosis. Finally, we discuss future challenges and prospects in diagnosing and treating TBI patients in the clinical settings.

Non-coding RNAs and Exosomal Non-coding RNAs in Traumatic Brain Injury: the Small Player with Big Actions

Nowadays, there is an increasing concern regarding traumatic brain injury (TBI) worldwide since substantial morbidity is observed after it, and the long-term consequences that are not yet fully recognized. A number of cellular pathways related to the secondary injury in brain have been identified, including free radical production (owing to mitochondrial dysfunction), excitotoxicity (regulated by excitatory neurotransmitters), apoptosis, and neuroinflammatory responses (as a result of activation of the immune system and central nervous system). In this context, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) maintain a fundamental contribution to post-transcriptional regulation. It has been shown that mammalian brains express high levels of ncRNAs that are involved in several brain physiological processes. Furthermore, altered levels of ncRNA expression have been found in those with traumatic as well non-traumatic brain injuries. The current review highlights the primary molecular mechanisms participated in TBI that describes the latest and novel results about changes and role of ncRNAs in TBI in both clinical and experimental research.

Identification of miRNA-mRNA regulatory network associated with the glutamatergic system in post-traumatic epilepsy rats

Background

Glutamate is one of the most important excitatory neurotransmitters in the mammalian brain and is involved in a variety of neurological disorders. Increasing evidence also shows that microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA pairs are engaged in a variety of pathophysiological processes. However, the miRNA and mRNA pairs that affect the glutamatergic system in post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) remain unknown.

Methods

PTE rats were induced by injecting 0.1 mol/L, 1 μL/min FeCl₂ solution. Behavioral scores and EEG monitoring were used to evaluate whether PTE was successfully induced. RNA-seq was used to obtain mRNA and miRNA expression profiles. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to screen differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs associated with the glutamatergic system and then predict miRNA-mRNA interaction pairs. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR was used to further validate the expression of the differential miRNAs and mRNAs. The microRNA-mRNA was subject to the Pearson correlation analysis.

Results

Eight of the 91 differentially expressed mRNAs were associated with the glutamatergic system, of which six were upregulated and two were downregulated. Forty miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed, with 14 upregulated and 26 downregulated genes. The predicted miRNA-mRNA interaction network shows that five of the eight differentially expressed mRNAs associated with the glutamatergic system were targeted by multiple miRNAs, including Slc17a6, Mef2c, Fyn, Slc25a22, and Shank2, while the remaining three mRNAs were not targeted by any miRNAs. Of the 40 differentially expressed miRNAs, seven miRNAs were found to have multiple target mRNAs associated with the glutamatergic system. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR validation and Pearson correlation analysis were performed on these seven targeted miRNAs-Slc17a6, Mef2c, Fyn, Slc25a22, and Shank2-and six additional miRNAs selected from the literature. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR showed that the expression levels of the mRNAs and miRNAs agreed with the predictions in the study. Among them, the miR-98-5p-Slc17a6, miR-335-5p-Slc17a6, miR-30e-5p-Slc17a6, miR-1224-Slc25a22, and miR-211-5p-Slc25a22 pairs were verified to have negative correlations.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that miRNA-mRNA interaction pairs associated with the glutamatergic system are involved in the development of PTE and have potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PTE.

Bioinformatics Analysis of miRNAs and mRNAs Network-Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction Exerts Neuroprotection of Traumatic Brain Injury Mice in the Subacute Phase

Xuefu Zhuyu decoction (XFZYD) is used to treat traumatic brain injury (TBI). XFZYD-based therapies have achieved good clinical outcomes in TBI. However, the underlying mechanisms of XFZYD in TBI remedy remains unclear. The study aimed to identify critical miRNAs and putative mechanisms associated with XFYZD through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. We established a controlled cortical impact (CCI) mice model and treated the mice with XFZYD. The high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) confirmed the quality of XFZYD. The modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests indicated that XFZYD improved the neurological deficit (p < 0.05) and cognitive function (p < 0.01). Histological analysis validated the establishment of the CCI model and the treatment effect of XFZYD. HE staining displayed that the pathological degree in the XFZYD-treated group was prominently reduced. The transcriptomic data was generated using microRNA sequencing (miRNA-seq) of the hippocampus. According to cluster analysis, the TBI group clustered together was distinct from the XFZYD group. Sixteen differentially expressed (5 upregulated; 11 downregulated) miRNAs were detected between TBI and XFZYD. The reliability of the sequencing data was confirmed by qRT-PCR. Three miRNAs (mmu-miR-142a-5p, mmu-miR-183-5p, mmu-miR-96-5p) were distinctively expressed in the XFZYD compared with the TBI and consisted of the sequencing results. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that the MAPK signaling pathway contributes to TBI pathophysiology and XFZYD treatment. Subsequently, the functions of miR-96-5p, miR-183-5p, and miR-142a-5p were validated in vitro. TBI significantly induces the down-expression of miR-96-5p, and up-expression of inflammatory cytokines, which were all inhibited by miR-96-5p mimics. The present research provides an adequate fundament for further knowing the pathologic and prognostic process of TBI and supplies deep insights into the therapeutic effects of XFZYD.

Levels of lncRNA GAS5 in Plasma of Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Correlation with Systemic Inflammation and Early Outcome

Scientific efforts continue to concentrate on elucidating the complex molecular mechanisms underlying traumatic brain injury (TBI), and recent reports suggest that epigenetic regulation including long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is involved. The present study aimed to investigate the plasma concentration of a long non-coding RNA, named growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5), in a group of 45 patients with severe TBI (sTBI), and to analyze the correlations of GAS5 with TBI onset, injury severity, systemic inflammation, and early outcome of the patients. It was found that plasma GAS5 levels were substantially increased in sTBI patients compared with the relative controls (p < 0.001). Further, significantly higher expression of plasma GAS5 was observed in patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of less than five (p = 0.002) or unfavorable outcome at discharge (p < 0.001). Circulating GAS5 expression had a negative correlation with GCS score (r = −0.406, p = 0.006), and positive correlations with white blood cell count (r = 0.473, p = 0.001), neutrophil count (r = 0.502, p < 0.001), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (r = 0.398, p = 0.007). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that GCS score (OR = 0.318, 95% CI 0.132−0.767, p = 0.011) and GAS5 (OR = 2.771, 95% CI 1.025−7.494, p = 0.045) were the two independent predictors for early outcome of patients. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed good prognostic values of GCS score (AUC = 0.856, 95% CI: 0.719−0.943) and GAS5 expression (AUC = 0.798, 95% CI: 0.651−0.903). Importantly, the combined use of them can improve the prognostic ability of TBI with an AUC of 0.895 (95% CI: 0.767−0.966). Collectively, our study indicated that the levels of lncRNA GAS5 in circulation were elevated following severe TBI and correlated well with injury severity and inflammatory parameters. In addition, GAS5 as well as GCS scores may have the potential to predict the early outcome of TBI patients.

Role of autophagy and transcriptome regulation in acute brain injury

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved intracellular system that routes distinct cytoplasmic cargo to lysosomes for degradation and recycling. Accumulating evidence highlight the mechanisms of autophagy, such as clearance of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and damaged organelles. The critical role of autophagy in selective degradation of the transcriptome is still emerging and could shape the total proteome of the cell, and thus can regulate the homeostasis under stressful conditions. Unregulated autophagy that potentiates secondary brain damage is a key pathological features of acute CNS injuries such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. This review discussed the mutual modulation of autophagy and RNA and its significance in mediating the functional consequences of acute CNS injuries.

Coding and long non-coding gene expression changes in the CNS traumatic injuries

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) are two main central nervous system (CNS) traumas, caused by external physical insults. Both injuries have devastating effects on the quality of life, and there is no effective therapy at present. Notably, gene expression profiling using bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) have revealed significant changes in many coding and non-coding genes, as well as important pathways in SCI and TBI. Particularly, recent studies have revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with lengths greater than 200 nucleotides and without protein-coding potential have tissue- and cell type-specific expression pattern and play critical roles in CNS injury by gain- and loss-of-function approaches. LncRNAs have been shown to regulate protein-coding genes or microRNAs (miRNAs) directly or indirectly, participating in processes including inflammation, glial activation, cell apoptosis, and vasculature events. Therefore, lncRNAs could serve as potential targets for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of SCI and TBI. In this review, we highlight the recent progress in transcriptome studies of SCI and TBI and insights into molecular mechanisms.

N6-methyladenosine RNA modification: A promising regulator in central nervous system injury

In addition to DNA methylation, reversible epigenetic modification occurring in RNA has been discovered recently. The most abundant type of RNA methylation is N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, which is dynamically regulated by methylases ("writers"), demethylases ("erasers") and m6A-binding proteins ("readers"). As an essential posttranscriptional regulator, m6A can control mRNA splicing, processing, stability, export and translation. Recent studies have revealed that m6A modification has the strongest tissue specificity for brain tissue and plays crucial roles in central nervous system (CNS) injures by affecting its downstream target genes or non-coding RNAs. This review focuses on the expression and function of m6A regulatory proteins in CNS trauma in vitro and in vivo. We also highlight the latest insights into the molecular mechanisms of pathological damage in the CNS. Understanding m6A dynamics, functions, and machinery will yield an opportunity for designing and developing novel therapeutic agents for CNS injuries.

Silencing of Long Noncoding RNA Growth Arrest-Specific 5 Alleviates Neuronal Cell Apoptosis and Inflammatory Responses Through Sponging microRNA-93 to Repress PTEN Expression in Spinal Cord Injury

A secondary injury induced by a spinal cord injury (SCI) remains the main cause of devastating neural dysfunction; therefore, it has been the subject of focused research for many years. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been found to participate in the SCI process, and this finding presents a high potential for diagnosis and treatment; however, the role of lncRNA in a secondary injury induced by SCI remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulatory effect of lncRNA growth arrest–specific transcript 5 (GAS5) in secondary injury during SCI. The SCI mice model and hypoxic cellular model were established to research the roles of lncRNA GAS5 during SCI. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to determine the expression levels of microR-93 (miR-93) and lncRNA GAS5. Western blot analysis of the apoptosis regulator protein and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay was conducted to evaluate neuron cell apoptosis. Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores were calculated to assess neurological function. Flow cytometry was used to determine neuron cell apoptosis. The associations among GAS5, miR-93, and the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) were disclosed using RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, RNA pulldown assay, and dual-luciferase reporter assay. QRT-PCR demonstrated that GAS5 was significantly upregulated in both the SCI mice and hypoxic cellular models. GAS5 knockdown suppressed neuron cell apoptosis and inflammatory response in the SCI mice model. Further studies have indicated that GAS5 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miR-93 in neuronal cells. In addition, PTEN was a target of miR-93, and GAS5 knockdown exhibited its anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects through the miR-93/PTEN axis. These findings suggest that the GAS5/miR-93/PTEN axis may be a promising therapeutic target for SCI.

β-Asarone suppresses TNF-α expression through DNA methylation and c-Jun-mediated transcription modulation in scratch-injured neuronal cells

This study aimed to investigate the role and possible mechanism of β-asarone in regulating neuronal apoptosis and axonal regeneration. A scratch injury was applied to cell cultures of mouse primary cortical neurons to mimic neuronal injury. The neuronal apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining and western blot analysis of apoptosis-related proteins. The axonal regeneration was assessed by immunofluorescent staining of β-tubulin III and western blot analysis of axonal markers. In the results, β-asarone inhibited neuronal apoptosis and promoted axonal regeneration by suppressing tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression in scratch-injured mouse neuronal cells. Research investigating the molecular mechanisms by which β-asarone inhibited TNF-α expression showed that, on the one hand, β-asarone suppressed the JNK/c-Jun pathway and thus transcriptionally inhibited TNF-α expression; on the other hand, β-asarone induced expression of UHRF1 that recruited DNMT1 to induce TNF-α promoter methylation and subsequently decreased the messenger RNA expression of TNF-α. In conclusion, β-asarone suppresses TNF-α expression through DNA methylation and c-Jun-mediated transcription modulation in scratch-injured neuronal cells.

Role of RASA1 in cancer: A review and update (Review)

Ras p21 protein activator 1 (RASA1) is a regulator of Ras GDP and GTP and is involved in numerous physiological processes such as angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. As a result, RASA1 also contributes to pathological processes in vascular diseases and tumour formation. This review focuses on the role of RASA1 in multiple tumours types in the lung, intestines, liver, and breast. Furthermore, we discuss the potential mechanisms of RASA1 and its downstream effects through Ras/RAF/MEK/ERK or Ras/PI3K/AKT signalling. Moreover, miRNAs are capable of regulating RASA1 and could be a novel targeted treatment strategy for tumours.

Long noncoding RNA MEG3 contributes to dysfunction of brain microvascular endothelial cells after intracerebral hemorrhage by regulating the miR-1930-5p/Mllt1 axis

BACKGROUND

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a subtype of stroke and causes disability and death worldwide. The roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in brain function and neurological diseases have been revealed. LncRNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) is involved in neurological impairment, but its role in ICH remains unknown.

AIMS

The aim of this research is to explore the role of MEG3 in ICH.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Here, we established an ICH mouse model via intracerebral injection of autologous blood. Primary brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were treated with oxygen-and-glucose-deprivation (OGD) plus hemin to establish the model in vitro. We observed that MEG3 expression was significantly upregulated in both ICH mouse model and OGD/hemin (OGD/H) induced BMECs. The downregulation of MEG3 suppressed cell apoptosis and the activation of NOD-like receptor family protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in OGD/H-induced BMECs. In ICH mice, MEG3 downregulation inhibited cell apoptosis and improved brain dysfunction. Mechanistically, MEG3 was confirmed to act as a molecular sponge for microRNA (miR)-1930-5p, and Mllt1 was a downstream target for miR-1930-5p. MEG3 competitively bound with miR-1930-5p to upregulate Mllt1. We further verified that Mllt1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-1930-5p in OGD/H-induced BMECs.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, lncRNA MEG3 promoted the dysfunction of BMECs by modulating the miR-1930-5p/Mllt1 axis, which provides a potential target in gene therapy for brain injury following ICH.

Pioglitazone ameliorates neuronal damage after traumatic brain injury via the PPARγ/NF-κB/IL-6 signaling pathway

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the major cause of high mortality and disability rates worldwide. Pioglitazone is an activator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) that can reduce inflammation following TBI. Clinically, neuroinflammation after TBI lacks effective treatment. Although there are many studies on PPARγ in TBI animals, only few could be converted into clinical, since TBI mechanisms in humans and animals are not completely consistent. The present study, provided a potential theoretical basis and therapeutic target for neuroinflammation treatment after TBI. First, we detected interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO) and Caspase-3 in TBI clinical specimens, confirming a presence of a high expression of inflammatory factors. Western blot (WB), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect PPARγ, IL-6, and p-NF-κB to identify the mechanisms of neuroinflammation. Then, in the rat TBI model, neurobehavioral and cerebral edema levels were investigated after intervention with pioglitazone (PPARγ activator) or T0070907 (PPARγ inhibitor), and PPARγ, IL-6 and p-NF-κB were detected again by qRT-PCR, WB and immunofluorescence (IF). The obtained results revealed that: 1) increased expression of IL-6, NO and Caspase-3 in serum and cerebrospinal fluid in patients after TBI, and decreased PPARγ in brain tissue; 2) pioglitazone could improve neurobehavioral and reduce brain edema in rats after TBI; 3) the protective effect of pioglitazone was achieved by activating PPARγ and reducing NF-κB and IL-6. The neuroprotective effect of pioglitazone on TBI was mediated through the PPARγ/NF-κB/IL-6 pathway.

LncRNA DANCR attenuates brain microvascular endothelial cell damage induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation through regulating of miR-33a-5p/XBP1s

Brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC) survival and angiogenesis after ischemic stroke has great significance for improving the prognosis of stroke. Abnormal variants of lncRNAs are closely associated with stroke. In this study, we examined the effects and molecular mechanisms of differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR) on apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated BMECs. We found that DANCR expression significantly increased at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 h after OGD. DANCR overexpression promoted cell viability, migration, and angiogenesis in OGD-treated BMECs. Additionally, we found that X-box binding protein l splicing (XBP1s) expression was positively correlated with DANCR expression. DANCR overexpression promoted XBP1s expression in OGD-treated BMECs. Silenced XBP1s reversed the effect of DANCR in OGD-treated BMECs. Furthermore, we found that microRNA (miR)-33a-5p bound to DANCR and the 3'-UTR of XBP1. miR-33a-5p overexpression inhibited proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and XBP1s expression in OGD-treated DANCR-overexpressing BMECs, reversing the protective effect of DANCR. Finally, we found that XBP1s expression promoted proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, reversing the damaging effect of miR-33a-5p. In conclusion, DANCR enhanced survival and angiogenesis in OGD-treated BMECs through the miR-33a-5p/XBP1s axis.

Long Noncoding RNAs in Development and Regeneration of the Neural Lineage

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are gathering increasing attention toward their roles in different biological systems. In mammals, the richest repertoires of lncRNAs are expressed in the brain and in the testis, and the diversity of lncRNAs in the nervous system is thought to be related to the diversity and the complexity of its cell types. Supporting this notion, many lncRNAs are differentially expressed between different regions of the brain or in particular cell types, and many lncRNAs are dynamically expressed during embryonic or postnatal neurogenesis. Less is known about the functions of these genes, if any, but they are increasingly implicated in diverse processes in health and disease. Here, we review the current knowledge about the roles and importance of lncRNAs in the central and peripheral nervous systems and discuss the specific niches within gene regulatory networks that might be preferentially occupied by lncRNAs.

Plasma Exosome-derived MicroRNAs as Novel Biomarkers of Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a widespread central nervous system (CNS) condition and a leading cause of death, disability, and long-term disability including seizures and emotional and behavioral issues. To date, applicable diagnostic biomarkers have not been elucidated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are enriched and stable in exosomes in plasma. Therefore, we speculated that miRNAs in plasma exosomes might serve as novel biomarkers for TBI diagnosis and are also involved in the pathogenesis of TBI. In this study, we first isolated exosomes from peripheral blood plasma in rats with TBI and then investigated the alterations in miRNA expression in exosomes by high-throughput RNA sequencing. As a result, we identified 50 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs, including 31 upregulated and 19 downregulated miRNAs. Then, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that the most highly correlated pathways that were identified were the MAPK signaling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, Rap1 signaling pathway and Ras signaling pathway. This study provides novel perspectives on miRNAs in peripheral blood plasma exosomes, which not only could be used as biomarkers of TBI diagnosis but could also be manipulated as therapeutic targets of TBI.

Down-regulation of GAS5 ameliorates myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury via the miR-335/ROCK1/AKT/GSK-3β axis

Growth arrest‐specific transcript 5 (GAS5), along non‐coding RNA (LncRNA), is highly expressed in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐cardiomyocytes and promotes H/R‐induced apoptosis. In this study, we determined whether down‐regulation of GAS5 ameliorates myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and further explored its mechanism. GAS5 expression in cardiomyocytes and rats was knockdown by transfected or injected with GAS5‐specific small interfering RNA or adeno‐associated virus delivering small hairpin RNAs, respectively. The effects of GAS5 knockdown on myocardial I/R injury were detected by CCK‐8, myocardial enzyme test, flow cytometry, TTC and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining. qRT‐PCR and luciferase reporter assay were carried out to analyse the relationship between GAS5 and miR‐335. The regulation of GAS5 on Rho‐associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) expression, the activation of PI3K/AKT/GSK‐3β pathway and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening was further evaluated. The results indicated that GAS5 knockdown enhanced the viability, decreased apoptosis and reduced the levels of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase‐MB in H/R‐treatment cardiomyocytes. Meanwhile, down‐regulation of GAS5 limited myocardial infarct size and reduced apoptosis in I/R‐heart. GAS5 was found to bind to miR‐335 and displayed a reciprocal inhibition between them. Furthermore, GAS5 knockdown repressed ROCK1 expression, activated PI3K/AKT, thereby leading to inhibition of GSK‐3β and mPTP opening. These suppressions were abrogated by miR‐335 inhibitor treatment. Taken together, our results demonstrated that down‐regulation of GAS5 ameliorates myocardial I/R injury via the miR‐335/ROCK1/AKT/GSK‐3β axis. Our findings suggested that GAS5 may be a new therapeutic target for the prevention of myocardial I/R injury.

Long Non-coding RNA in CNS Injuries: A New Target for Therapeutic Intervention

CNS injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and cerebral ischemic stroke, are important causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. As an important class of pervasive genes involved in many pathophysiological processes, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have received attention in the past decades. Multiple studies indicate that lncRNAs are abundant in the CNS and have a key role in brain function as well as many neurological disorders, especially in CNS injuries. Several investigations have deciphered that regulation of lncRNAs exert pro-angiogenesis, anti-apoptosis, and anti-inflammation effects in CNS injury via different molecules and pathways, including microRNA (miRNA), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), Notch, and p53. Thus, lncRNAs show great promise as molecular targets in CNS injuries. In this article, we provide an updated review of the current state of our knowledge about the relationship between lncRNAs and CNS injuries, highlighting the specific roles of lncRNAs in CNS injuries.

The role of long noncoding RNA in traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a mainly lethal and highly debilitating condition, is increasing worldwide. However, the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated and effective therapy is needed. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which form a major class of noncoding RNAs, have emerged as novel targets for regulating physiological functions and mediating numerous neurological diseases. Notably, gene expression profile analyses have demonstrated aberrant changes in lncRNA expression in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of rats, mice and human after TBI. lncRNAs may be associated with multiple pathophysiological processes following TBI and might play a crucial role in complications of TBI, such as traumatic optic neuropathy due to the regulation of specific signaling pathways. Some lncRNAs have also been found to be therapeutic targets for motor and cognitive recovery after TBI. lncRNAs may be promising biomarkers for TBI diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis prediction. However, further research isneeded to clarify the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic effects of lncRNAs on TBI. We review the current progress of studies on lncRNAs in TBI to draw more attention to their roles in this debilitating condition.

Ubiquitination and Long Non-coding RNAs Regulate Actin Cytoskeleton Regulators in Cancer Progression

Actin filaments are a major component of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells and play an important role in cancer metastasis. Dynamics and reorganization of actin filaments are regulated by numerous regulators, including Rho GTPases, PAKs (p21-activated kinases), ROCKs (Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases), LIMKs (LIM domain kinases), and SSH1 (slingshot family protein phosphate 1). Ubiquitination, as a ubiquitous post-transcriptional modification, deceases protein levels of actin cytoskeleton regulatory factors and thereby modulates the actin cytoskeleton. There is increasing evidence showing cytoskeleton regulation by long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer metastasis. However, which E3 ligases are activated for the ubiquitination of actin-cytoskeleton regulators involved in tumor metastasis remains to be fully elucidated. Moreover, it is not clear how lncRNAs influence the expression of actin cytoskeleton regulators. Here, we summarize physiological and pathological mechanisms of lncRNAs and ubiquitination control mediators of actin cytoskeleton regulators which that are involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Finally, we briefly discuss crosstalk between ubiquitination and lncRNA control mediators of actin-cytoskeleton regulators in cancer.