lncRNA MEG3 is downregulated in ankylosing spondylitis and associated with disease activity, hospitalization time and disease duration

Jianpi Qingre Tongluo Decoction exerted an anti-inflammatory effect on AS by inhibiting the NONHSAT227927.1/JAK2/STAT3 axis

Purpose

This study aims to determine whether Jianpi Qingre Tongluo Decoction (JQP) alleviates ankylosing spondylitis (AS) inflammation via the NONHSAT227927.1/JAK2/STAT3 axis.

Methods

The effect of JQP on immune-inflammatory indicators in AS patients was explored through a combination of data mining, association rule analysis, and random walk model evaluation. Subsequently, network pharmacology and molecular docking were performed to screen out the potential signaling pathway. ELISA, PCR and wb were used to evaluate the effect of JQP on AS-FLS activity and inflammatory factors. The role of NONHSAT227927.1/JAK2/STAT3 combination in inflammation was studied by editing NONHSAT227927.1 and adding the JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor AG490. Involvement of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway was detected by PCR, WB, or immunofluorescence analysis.

Results

Retrospective data mining results show that JQP can effectively reduce the immune inflammatory response in AS patients. Through network pharmacology and molecular docking, it is speculated that JQP exerts its effect on AS through the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Overexpression of NONHSAT227927.1 activated the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and promoted the expression of inflammatory factors, while serum containing JQP reversed the effects of NONHSAT227927.1 overexpression. NONHSAT227927.1 silencing inhibits the proliferation of AS-FLSs, inhibits the levels of inflammatory factors, and reduces the expression of JAK2/STAT3 protein. After adding the pathway blocker AG490, it was observed that the cell viability of AS-FLSs was reduced by inflammatory factors and the levels of JAK2/STAT3 were inhibited. , and overexpression of NONHSAT227927.1 can reverse this trend.

Conclusions

JQP exerted an anti-inflammatory effect on AS by inhibiting the NONHSAT227927.1/JAK2/STAT3 axis.

A review of long non-coding RNAs in ankylosing spondylitis: pathogenesis, clinical assessment, and therapeutic targets

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic immune-mediated type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by inflammation, bone erosion, and stiffness of the spine and sacroiliac joints. Despite great efforts put into the investigation of the disease, the pathogenesis of AS remains unclear, posing challenges in identifying ideal targets for diagnosis and treatment. To enhance our understanding of AS, an increasing number of studies have been conducted. Some of these studies reveal that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in the etiology of AS. Some certain lncRNAs influence the development of AS by regulating inflammatory responses, autophagy, apoptosis, and adipogenesis, as well as the proliferation and differentiation of cells. Additionally, some lncRNAs demonstrate potential as biomarkers, aiding in monitoring disease progression and predicting prognosis. In this review, we summarize recent studies concerning lncRNAs in AS to elucidate the underlying mechanisms in which lncRNAs are involved and their potential values as biomarkers for disease assessment and druggable targets for therapy.

Triptolide alleviates the development of inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis via the NONHSAT227927.1/JAK2/STAT3 pathway

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can destroy the affected joints. Triptolide (TPL), a key active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine Tripterygium wilfordii exhibits promising efficacy in rheumatic immune disease with its anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of TPL in treatment of AS by regulating the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) NONHSAT227927.1. The role and underlying mechanisms of TPL in the development of inflammation in AS were assessed. In vivo, the expression of NONHSAT227927.1 in AS was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q)PCR. Correlation analysis and binary logistic regression were performed between immune and inflammatory indicators, perception scale scores of patients and NONHSAT227927.1. In vitro, Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to evaluate the activity of AS-fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) following TPL exposure. AS-FLS inflammation was assessed by qPCR and ELISA. The interaction between TPL and JAK2 and STAT3 was verified by molecular docking and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway components were detected by western blotting. NONHSAT227927.1 was knocked down by small interfering RNA to determine its role. NONHSAT227927.1 was highly expressed in vivo and positively correlated with disease duration, disease duration, Body mass index (BMI), C-reactive protein (CRP), Visual analog scale (VAS), Visual analog scale (VAS), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, among which ESR and VAS and BASDAI score were risk factors for NONHSAT227927.1. TPL downregulated pro-inflammatory factors in AS-FLSs and inhibited the JAK2/STAT3 pathway via NONHSAT227927.1. TPL inhibited inflammatory factors in AS-FLSs and alleviated inflammatory responses via the NONHSAT227927.1/JAK2/STAT3 axis.

Role of Long Non-Coding RNA in Regulating ER Stress Response to the Progression of Diabetic Complications

Chronic hyperglycemia damages the nerves and blood vessels, culminating in other vascular complications. Such complications enhance cytokine, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. ER is the primary organelle where proteins are synthesised and attains confirmatory changes before its site of destination. Perturbation of ER homeostasis activates signaling sensors within its lumen, the unfolded protein response (UPR) that orchestrates ER stress and is extensively studied. Increased ER stress markers are reported in diabetic complications in addition to lncRNA that acts as an upstream marker inducing ER stress response. This review focuses on the mechanisms of lncRNA that regulate ER stress markers, especially during the progression of diabetic complications. Through this systemic review, we showcase the dysfunctional lncRNAs that act as a leading cause of ER stress response to the progression of diabetic complications.

Screening Key lncRNAs of Ankylosing Spondylitis Using Bioinformatics Analysis

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Few studies have examined the lncRNA-RNA binding protein (RBP) interaction in AS. This study performed bioinformatics analysis and clinical verification to identify key lncRNAs and propose their RBP interaction.

METHODS

Three GEO datasets of AS were analyzed by differential expression analysis. The differentially expressed lncRNAs between the AS and control groups were screened out, and the intersecting lncRNAs were regarded as target lncRNAs. Functional was performed to identify target lncRNAs by enrichment analysis, co-expressed RNA analysis, and lncRNA-RBP interaction analysis. Finally, this study analyzed the differential expression level and clinical value of lncRNAs between the AS and control groups.

RESULTS

Linc00304, linc00926, and MIAT were differentially expressed and upregulated. Enrichment analysis indicated that the key KEGG terms were the T-cell receptor signaling pathway and B-cell receptor signaling pathway. The key molecular function term was protein binding, and the key biological process term was adaptive immune response. In qRT-PCR results, 44 samples were validated. linc00304 expression was positively correlated with bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and c-reactive protein (CRP). linc00926 expression was only positively correlated with ESR, whereas MIAT expression was positively correlated with BASFI, ESR, and CRP. Logistic regression revealed that linc00304, ESR, and CRP were the independent risk factors for BASDAI activation. The area under the curve (AUC) of serum linc00304 level in the diagnosis of AS was 0.687 (cutoff value: 0.413, specificity: 0.423, sensitivity: 0.900). AUC of linc00926 was 0.664 (cutoff value: 0.299, sensitivity: 0.882, specificity: 0.417). AUC of MIAT was 0.623 (cutoff value: 0.432, specificity: 0.443, sensitivity: 0.890) (all P <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Overall, this study uncovered three novel lncRNAs, which were upregulated in AS, and proposed a new lncRNA-RBP-mRNA interaction that might regulate adaptive immune response.

Emerging Roles of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, bone erosion, spur formation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints. However, the etiology and molecular pathogenesis of AS remain largely unclear. Recently, a growing number of studies showed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) played critical roles in the development and progression of autoimmune and orthopedic conditions, including AS. Studies demonstrated that a myriad of lncRNAs (e.g. H19, MEG3, LOC645166) pertinent to regulation of inflammatory signals were deregulated in AS. A number of lncRNAs might also serve as new biomarkers for the diagnosis and predicting the outcomes of AS. In this review, we summarize lncRNA profiling studies on AS and the functional roles and mechanism of key lncRNAs relevant to AS pathogenesis. We also discuss their potential values as biomarkers and druggable targets for this potentially disabling condition.

Comprehensive lncRNA and mRNA profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from ankylosing spondylitis patients by RNA-sequencing analysis

The present study aimed to investigate the comprehensive expression profiles of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).The peripheral blood samples were collected from 6 AS patients and 6 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs), and separated for peripheral blood mononuclear cells, followed by RNA-sequencing. Further bioinformatics analyses were performed to explore the significantly enriched biological processes, signaling pathways of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) (based on cis-target and trans-target genes) and differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs).Principal component analysis plots indicated that both lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles could distinguish AS patients from HCs; heatmap diagram exhibited a relatively good consistency and tendency of lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles in AS patients and HCs, respectively; volcano plots exhibited 114 upregulated and 45 downregulated DElncRNAs, 284 upregulated and 435 downregulated DEmRNAs in AS patients compared with HCs; Gene ontology enrichment analyses indicated that DElncRNAs (based on cis-target and trans-target genes) and DEmRNAs were enriched in molecular functions (including DNA binding, protein binding, etc) and biological process (including immune response, inflammatory response, etc); Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses revealed that these DElncRNAs (based on cis-target and trans-target genes) and DEmRNAs were enriched in immune and inflammation-related signaling, such as B cell receptor signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, etc.Our study displays the comprehensive expression profiles and functions of lncRNAs involved in AS, which provides reference for further researches discovering candidate lncRNAs with value in assisting early AS diagnosis.

Dysregulation of long noncoding RNA MEG3 and NLRC5 expressions in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: is there any correlation?

Long noncoding RNA MEG3 and NLRC5 genes are both involved in the immune system and the regulation of NLRC5 by MEG3 is documented in rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, we intended to evaluate the association between the expressions of MEG3 and NLRC5 in multiple sclerosis (MS). Forty relapsing and remitting MS (RRMS) patients (20 in each group) and twenty healthy individuals were enrolled. The expression level of MEG3 and NLRC5 was assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Sub-group analysis demonstrated that the expression level of MEG3 is reduced in the relapse patient group compared to remission and healthy groups (p < 0.001). The expression level of NLRC5 was higher in whole patients compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, a negative correlation was observed between the expression of these two genes (r = -0.73, p < 0.0001). To conclude, our findings showed the dysregulation of MEG3 and NLRC5 expressions in RRMS patients. Also, the converse association of MEG3 and NLRC5 reflects that the role of MEG3 in MS development is probably mediated by modulation of NLRC5.

Knockdown of circ_0011946 targets miR-216a-5p/BCL2L2 axis to regulate proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The aim of current research is to elucidate the role and mechanism of circ_0011946 in the functional behaviors of OSCC cells.

Methods

Circ_0011946, microRNA (miR)-216a-5p, B cell lymphoma-2-like 2 protein (BCL2L2) abundances were exposed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were detected by MTT, colony formation assay, transwell, wound-healing and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Target correlation was tested by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. An in vivo xenograft experiment was employed to investigate the function of circ_0011946 on tumor growth in vivo.

Results

Circ_0011946 and BCL2L2 levels were increased, while miR-216a-5p level was decreased in OSCC tissues and cells. Circ_0011946 knockdown impeded proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promoted apoptosis in OSCC cells. Circ_0011946 functioned as a sponge for miR-216a-5p, and BCL2L2 was targeted by miR-216a-5p. Besides, miR-216a-5p or BCL2L2 knockdown partly attenuated the inhibitory influences of circ_0011946 silence or miR-216a-5p overexpression on OSCC cell progression. Furthermore, circ_0011946 post-transcriptionally regulated BCL2L2 through sponging miR-216a-5p. Moreover, circ_0011946 knockdown constrained OSCC tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Circ_0011946 silence repressed OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promoted apoptosis through the regulation of the miR-216a-5p/BCL2L2 axis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08779-4.

MicroRNA let-7i-3p affects osteoblast differentiation in ankylosing spondylitis via targeting PDK1

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which let-7i has been studied to involved. But, whether let-7i-3p could regulate osteoblast differentiation in AS remains unclear. This research targeted to decipher the impact of let-7i-3p on AS progression by modulating pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1). The bone mineral density of femur and lumbar vertebra and the maximum loading and bending elastic modulus of tibia, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in serum of AS mice, the pathological condition of synovial tissue were determined via let-7i-3p inhibitor and OE-PDK1 in animal experiment. Also, the cell viability and ALP activity were measured by let-7i-3p inhibitor and OE-PDK1 in cell experiments. let-7i-3p and PDK1 expression were detected. Let-7i-3p raised and PDK1 declined in AS mice. Depleted let-7i-3p and restored PDK1 increased bone mineral density and maximum loading and bending elastic modulus of tibia, reduced TNF-α, MMP-3 and RANKL contents, attenuated the pathological condition of synovial tissue and raised OPG content in AS mice. In cell experiments, up-regulating PDK1 and down-regulating let-7i-3p enhanced cell viability and ALP activity in AS mice. Low expression of let-7i-3p could enhance osteoblast differentiation in AS by up-regulating PDK1.Abbreviations: AS: Ankylosing spondylitis; PDK1: pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1; TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor-α MMP: matrix metalloproteinase; OPG: osteoprotegerin; RANKL: receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand; miRNAs: MicroRNAs; BMD: bone mineral density; PFA: paraformaldehyde; NC: negative control; OE: overexpression; HE: Hematoxylin-eosin; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; EDTA: ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid; DMEM: Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium; RT-qPCR: Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase; UTR: untranslated region; WT: wild type; MUT: mutant type.

lncRNA MEG3 Suppresses the Progression of Ankylosis Spondylitis by Regulating the Let-7i/SOST Axis

Ankylosis spondylitis (AS) is a disease mainly characterized by sacroiliac joint and spinal attachment point inflammation. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays a key role in the progression of many diseases. However, few studies have been conducted on the function of lncRNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) in AS. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure the relative levels of MEG3, microRNA let-7i, sclerostin (SOST), and inflammatory cytokines. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and biotin-labeled RNA pull-down assay were used to confirm the interaction between MEG3 and let-7i or let-7i and SOST. In addition, western blot (WB) analysis was performed to detect the protein levels of osteogenesis markers and SOST. The expression levels of MEG3 and SOST were decreased and let-7i was increased in AS patients. MEG3 could interact with let-7i in AS fibroblasts, and let-7i overexpression reversed the suppressive effect of MEG3 upregulation on the inflammation and bone formation of AS. Additionally, let-7i could target SOST, and SOST silencing reversed the inhibitory effect of let-7i inhibitor or MEG3 overexpression on the inflammation and bone formation of AS. Furthermore, SOST expression was positively regulated by MEG3, while was negatively regulated by let-7i. Our results revealed that lncRNA MEG3 promoted SOST expression to restrain the progression of AS by sponging let-7i, which provided a treatment target for AS.

Long non-coding RNA MEG3 is involved in osteogenic differentiation and bone diseases (Review)

Osteogenic differentiation originating from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) requires tight co-ordination of transcriptional factors, signaling pathways and biomechanical cues. Dysregulation of such reciprocal networks may influence the proliferation and apoptosis of MSCs and osteoblasts, thereby impairing bone metabolism and homeostasis. An increasing number of studies have shown that long non-coding (lnc)RNAs are involved in osteogenic differentiation and thus serve an important role in the initiation, development, and progression of bone diseases such as tumors, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. It has been reported that the lncRNA, maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), regulates osteogenic differentiation of multiple MSCs and also acts as a critical mediator in the development of bone formation and associated diseases. In the present review, the proposed mechanisms underlying the roles of MEG3 in osteogenic differentiation and its potential effects on bone diseases are discussed. These discussions may help elucidate the roles of MEG3 in osteogenic differentiation and highlight potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the treatment of bone diseases.

LncRNA MEG3 inhibits the inflammatory response of ankylosing spondylitis by targeting miR-146a

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a progressive systemic disease characterized by chronic inflammation response of the sacroiliac joint and spine. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely involved in the regulation of various diseases. However, the role of lncRNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) in the inflammatory response of AS has not been studied. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in tissues and cells. The expression levels of MEG3, microRNA-146a (miR-146a), and inflammatory cytokines were measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Correlation between MEG3 or miR-146a and inflammatory cytokines was analyzed by Pearson analysis. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were used to clarify the interaction between MEG3 and miR-146a. MEG3 was downregulated in AS patients, negatively correlated with the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and blocked the inflammatory response of AS. MiR-146a was upregulated in AS patients and could interact with MEG3. The expression of miR-146a was positively correlated with IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels. Overexpression of miR-146a reversed the inhibitory effect of abnormal MEG3 expression on inflammatory cytokines. LncRNA MEG3 plays an anti-inflammatory role in AS partially through targeting miR-146a, which provides a potential new means for the treatment of AS patients.

H19 Increases IL-17A/IL-23 Releases via Regulating VDR by Interacting with miR675-5p/miR22-5p in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 is associated with inflammatory diseases, but the molecular mechanism of H19 in the inflammatory process of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is unclear. Here, we investigated the role of H19 and its downstream molecules in the inflammation of AS by microarray analysis, qRT-PCR, western blot, and dual-luciferase reporter assay. H19 small interfering RNA (siRNA) (Si-H19) and adenovirus (AD-H19) were used to decrease and increase H19 expression, respectively. 42 annotated lncRNAs were identified, and H19 was overexpressed. H19, vitamin D receptor (VDR), and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) can bind to microRNA22-5p (miR22-5p) and miR675-5p. Si-H19 significantly downregulated miR22-5p and upregulated miR675-5p expression; Si-H19 decreased the protein and mRNA expression of VDR and decreased the cytokine and mRNA levels of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and IL-23. These results were verified by AD-H19. In addition, miR22-5p and miR675-5p inhibitors increased the protein and mRNA expression of VDR and increased the cytokine and mRNA levels of IL-17A and IL-23. These results were also confirmed by miRNA mimics. Furthermore, H19 directly interfered with miR22-5p and miR675-5p expression, whereas the two miRNAs directly inhibited VDR expression. Overall, the H19-miR22-5p/miR675-5p-VDR-IL-17A/IL-23 signaling pathways have important roles in the pathogenesis of AS.

LINC00311 is overexpressed in ankylosing spondylitis and predict treatment outcomes and recurrence

BACKGROUND

LncRNA LINC00311 participates in osteoporosis, which shows inverse pathological changes to ankylosing spondylitis (AS), indicating that LINC00311 is also involved in AS.

METHODS

All the participants were enrolled in Ganzhou People's Hospital between January 2016 and January 2018 after this study was approved by Ganzhou People's Hospital Ethics Committee. Disease activity determination, follow-up and RT-qPCR were carried out during the research.

RESULTS

In the present study we found that LINC00311 was upregulated in AS patients comparing to healthy controls, and upregulation of LINC00311 distinguished AS patients from healthy controls. LINC00311 expression levels were positively correlated with disease activity. Comparing to pre-treatment levels, LINC00311 expression level decreased significantly after treatment. During 2-year follow-up, patients with high levels of LINC00311 showed a significantly higher rate of rehospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, LINC00311 is overexpressed in AS and predict treatment outcomes and recurrence.