Upregulating miR-27a-3p inhibits cell proliferation and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts through targeting toll-like receptor 5

Role of Non-coding RNAs in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Supervision Mechanism of Chinese Medicine

The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has sharply increased in recent years, posing a serious threat to human health. RA is characterized as a chronic, multisystem disease with morning stiffness and symmetric small joint pain. However, its fundamental processes are poorly understood. With the advancements in molecular biology techniques, a growing body of research indicates that numerous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are essential for the pathogenesis of RA. These ncRNAs not only contribute to the onset of RA but also play a role in the pathological processes of RA development, including synovial immune inflammation and bone destruction. Chinese medicine (single compounds, single herbs, and compound formulae, as well as non-drug therapies such as acupuncture and moxibustion), offer significant benefits for treating RA. This study examined the role of 3 different ncRNA types (circular RNA, long ncRNA, and microRNA) as biomarkers in RA diagnosis, as well as their regulatory roles in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes functions such as inflammatory response, proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and invasion. Additionally, the study explored the mechanisms by which Chinese medicine regulates these ncRNAs, with the goal of offering innovative strategies for RA treatment.

Colostrum-derived extracellular vesicles: potential multifunctional nanomedicine for alleviating mastitis

Bovine mastitis is an infectious disease that causes substantial economic losses to the dairy industry worldwide. Current antibiotic therapy faces issues of antibiotic misuse and antimicrobial resistance, which has aroused concerns for both veterinary and human medicine. Thus, this study explored the potential of Colo EVs (bovine colostrum-derived extracellular vesicles) to address mastitis. Using LPS-induced murine mammary epithelial cells (HC11), mouse monocyte macrophages (RAW 264.7), and a murine mastitis model with BALB/C mice, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of Colo EVs, in vivo and in vitro. Colo EVs had favorable biosafety profiles, promoting cell proliferation and migration without inducing pathological changes after injection into murine mammary glands. In LPS-induced murine mastitis, Colo EVs significantly reduced inflammation, improved inflammatory scores, and preserved tight junction proteins while protecting milk production. Additionally, in vitro experiments demonstrated that Colo EVs downregulated inflammatory cytokine expression, reduced inflammatory markers, and attenuated NF-κB pathway activation. In summary, we inferred that Colo EVs have promise as a therapeutic approach for mastitis treatment, owing to their anti-inflammatory properties, potentially mediated through the NF-κB signaling pathway modulation.

Small molecule and big function: MicroRNA-mediated apoptosis in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune condition and chronic inflammatory disease, mostly affecting synovial joints. The complex pathogenesis of RA is supportive of high morbidity, disability, and mortality rates. Pathological changes a common characteristic in RA synovial tissue is attributed to the inadequacy of apoptotic pathways. In that regard, apoptotic pathways have been the center of attention in RA therapeutic approaches. As the regulators in the complex network of apoptosis, microRNAs (miRNAs) are found to be vital modulators in both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways through altering their regulatory genes. Indeed, miRNA, a member of the family of non-coding RNAs, are found to be an important player in not even apoptosis, but proliferation, gene expression, signaling pathways, and angiogenesis. Aberrant expression of miRNAs is implicated in attenuation and/or intensification of various apoptosis routes, resulting in culmination of human diseases including RA. Considering the need for more studies focused on the underlying mechanisms of RA in order to elevate the unsatisfactory clinical treatments, this study is aimed to delineate the importance of apoptosis in the pathophysiology of this disease. As well, this review is focused on the critical role of miRNAs in inducing or inhibiting apoptosis of RA-synovial fibroblasts and fibroblast-like synoviocytes and how this mechanism can be exerted for therapeutic purposes for RA.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes loaded miR-451a targets ATF2 to improve rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic joint inflammation, with synovial fibroblasts (SFs) playing a pivotal role in its pathogenesis. Dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression in SFs contributes to RA development. Exosomes (Exos) have emerged as effective carriers for therapeutic molecules, facilitating miRNA transfer between cells. This study explores the therapeutic potential of Exos derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs), loaded with miR-451a, to modulate ATF2 expression, aiming to address RA in both in vivo and in vitro settings.

METHODS

In this study, hUCMSC and RA SFs were isolated and identified, and hUCMSC-Exos were extracted and characterized. The influence of hUCMSC-Exos on RA SFs was detected. And hUCMSC-Exos targeting RA SFs was traced. HUCMSCKD-AGO2 was prepared by knocking down AGO2 in hUCMSC. HUCMSCKD-AGO2-Exos was extracted and characterized,and their influence on RA SFs was detected. The miRNA profiles before and after hUCMSC-Exos intervention in RA SFs were mapped to identify differential miRNAs. RT-qPCR was used to verify the differential miRNAs, with hsa-miR-451a finally selected as the target gene. The effect of miR-451a on SFs was detected. The latent binding of miR-451a to activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) was analyzed. The effect of hUCMSC-ExosmiR-451a on SFs was detected, and the expression of miR-451a and ATF2 was measured by RT-PCR. In vivo, hUCMSC-ExosmiR-451a was injected into the ankle joint of CIA rats, and arthritis index, joint imaging and synovial pathology were assessed. The expression of miR-451a and ATF2 in synovial tissue was detected. Finally, the safety of hUCMSC-ExosmiR-451a in CIA rats was evaluated.

RESULTS

This study revealed that hUCMSC-Exos can inhibit RA SFs proliferation, migration and invasion through miRNAs. High throughput sequencing detected 13 miRNAs that could be transmitted from hUCMSCs to RA SFs via hUCMSC-Exos. miR-451a inhibited RA SFs proliferation, migration and invasion by regulating ATF2. hUCMSC-Exos loaded with miR-451a targeted ATF2 to inhibit RA SFs proliferation, migration and invasion, and improve joint inflammation and imaging findings in CIA rats.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that miR-451a carried by hUCMSC-Exos can play a role in inhibiting RA SFs biological traits and improving arthritis in CIA rats by inhibiting ATF2. The findings suggest a promising treatment for RA and provide insights into the mechanism of action of hUCMSC-Exos in RA. Future research directions will continue to explore the potential in this field.

Machine learning and molecular subtype analyses provide insights into PANoptosis-associated genes in rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

PANoptosis represents a newly identified form of programmed cell death that plays a significant role in the autoimmune diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies. Nevertheless, the specific biomarkers and molecular mechanisms responsible for the apoptotic characteristics of RA remain largely uninvestigated.

METHODS

We utilized 8 synovial tissue RA datasets. We selected genes associated with PANoptosis from the GeneCard database. By employing the limma, WGCNA, and machine learning algorithms we identified core genes. We utilized consensus clustering analysis to identify distinct PANoptosis subtypes of RA. Boruta algorithm was employed to construct a PANoptosis signature score. The sensitivity of distinct subtypes to drug treatment was verified using an independent dataset.

RESULTS

The SPP1 emerged as the significant gene, with its elevated expression in RA patients. We identified two PANoptosis RA subtypes. Cluster 1 showed high expression of Tregs, resting dendritic cells, and resting mast cells. Cluster 2 exhibited high expression of CD4 memory T cells and follicular helper T cells. Cluster 2 exhibited a higher degree of sensitivity towards immune checkpoint therapy. Employing the Boruta algorithm, a subtype score was devised for 37 PANoptosis genes, successfully discerning the subtypes (AUC = 0.794), wherein patients with elevated scores demonstrated enhanced responsiveness to Rituximab treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis revealed that SPP1 holds potential biomarker for the diagnosis of RA. Cluster 2 exhibited enhanced sensitivity to immune checkpoint therapy, higher PANoptosis scores, and improved responsiveness to drug treatment. This study offers potential implications in the realm of diagnosis and treatment.

MicroRNA-27a-3p enhances the inflammatory phenotype of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes

BACKGROUND

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most prevalent chronic pediatric rheumatic disorder. In joints of JIA patients, aggressive phenotypic changes in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) of the synovial lining play a key role in inflammation. MicroRNAs are dysregulated in rheumatoid arthritis and JIA, including miR-27a-3p. However, it is not understood if miR-27a-3p, enriched in JIA synovial fluid (SF) and leukocytes, alters FLS function.

METHODS

Primary JIA FLS cells were transfected with a miR-27a-3p mimic or a negative control microRNA (miR-NC) and stimulated with pooled JIA SF or inflammatory cytokines. Viability and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Proliferation was evaluated using a ³H-thymidine incorporation assay. Cytokine production was assessed by qPCR and ELISA. Expression of TGF-β pathway genes was determined using a qPCR array.

RESULTS

MiR-27a-3p was constitutively expressed in FLS. Overexpression of miR-27a-3p caused increased interleukin-8 secretion in resting FLS, and interleukin-6 was elevated in SF-activated FLS compared to miR-NC. Furthermore, stimulation with pro-inflammatory cytokines augmented FLS proliferation in miR-27a-3p-transfected FLS relative to miR-NC. Expression of multiple TGF-β pathway genes was modulated by overexpression of miR-27a-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-27a-3p significantly contributes to FLS proliferation and cytokine production, making it a potential candidate for epigenetic therapy that targets FLS in arthritis.

Equine mesenchymal stem cell derived extracellular vesicle immunopathology biomarker discovery

The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in human and veterinary clinical applications has become a subject of increasing importance due to their roles in immunomodulation and regenerative processes. MSCs are especially relevant in equine medicine because they may have the ability to treat prevalent musculoskeletal disorders, among other conditions. However, recent evidence suggests that the components secreted by MSCs, particularly extracellular vesicles (EVs), are responsible for these properties. EVs contain proteins and nucleic acids, which possess an active role in intercellular communication and can be used as therapeutics. However, because the intersection of equine veterinary medicine with EVs remains a relatively new field, there is a demand to identify biomarkers that can discern and enrich for therapeutic EVs, progressing their clinical efficacy. In this study, we identified and characterized 84 miRNAs, between three equine donors involved in immunomodulation in cell and EV subjects. We discovered distinct groups of shared miRNAs, like miR-21-5p and miR-451a, that are abundant and enriched between the donors' EVs, respectively. By mapping and comparing the MSC-EV miRNA expression, we discovered many pathways that are involved in immunomodulation and tissue regenerative processes related to equine clinical applications. Therefore, the miRNAs highlighted in this article can be used as valuable biomarkers for screening MSC-derived EVs for potential equine therapy.

Genome-wide profiling of miRNA-gene regulatory networks in mouse postnatal heart development-implications for cardiac regeneration

Background

After birth, mammalian cardiomyocytes substantially lose proliferative capacity with a concomitant switch from glycolytic to oxidative mitochondrial energy metabolism. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and thus control various cellular processes. Their roles in the postnatal loss of cardiac regeneration are however still largely unclear. Here, we aimed to identify miRNA-gene regulatory networks in the neonatal heart to uncover role of miRNAs in regulation of cell cycle and metabolism.

Methods and results

We performed global miRNA expression profiling using total RNA extracted from mouse ventricular tissue samples collected on postnatal day 1 (P01), P04, P09, and P23. We used the miRWalk database to predict the potential target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs and our previously published mRNA transcriptomics data to identify verified target genes that showed a concomitant differential expression in the neonatal heart. We then analyzed the biological functions of the identified miRNA-gene regulatory networks using enriched Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses. Altogether 46 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the distinct stages of neonatal heart development. For twenty miRNAs, up- or downregulation took place within the first 9 postnatal days thus correlating temporally with the loss of cardiac regeneration. Importantly, for several miRNAs, including miR-150-5p, miR-484, and miR-210-3p there are no previous reports about their role in cardiac development or disease. The miRNA-gene regulatory networks of upregulated miRNAs negatively regulated biological processes and KEGG pathways related to cell proliferation, while downregulated miRNAs positively regulated biological processes and KEGG pathways associated with activation of mitochondrial metabolism and developmental hypertrophic growth.

Conclusion

This study reports miRNAs and miRNA-gene regulatory networks with no previously described role in cardiac development or disease. These findings may help in elucidating regulatory mechanism of cardiac regeneration and in the development of regenerative therapies.

Qinteng Tongbi Decoction Medicated Serum Exerts Regulates the Proliferation, Migration, and Apoptosis of Synovial Fibroblasts in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Rats Model via Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B Signaling Pathway

Background

Qinteng Tongbi decoction (QTTBD) was an empirical prescription that could effectively prevent and treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but there was no report of pharmacological studies on this prescription. The purpose of this paper was to report the effects of QTTBD on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of synovial fibroblasts in adjuvant arthritis model rats, and to reveal its anti-RA regulatory mechanism.

Methods

To divide the fibroblast-like synovial (FLS) cells of experimental rats into 6 groups (blank control group, model control group, positive drug group, QTTBD high, medium, and low dose groups) and cultured with serum-containing drugs. And using Cell Counting Kit-8 to detect the proliferation rate of FLS cells, flow cytometry to detect the apoptosis of FLS cells, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method to detect the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Western Blot to detect phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT1, p-AKT1, Bax and Bcl-2 gene and protein expression.

Results

Experimental results showed that QTTBD-containing serum could effectively inhibit the proliferation of FLS cells ( p <0 .05), induce the apoptosis of FLS cells, reduce the expression levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α ( p <0 .05), reduce expression of PI3K, AKT1, p-AKT1, and Bax ( p <0 .05), while the Bcl-2 expression increased ( p <0 .05).

Conclusion

QTTBD could effectively regulate the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of FLS cells in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats, and its mechanism might be related to regulating the level of inflammatory factors and intervening in the PI3K/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway.

MicroRNA-211-5p in extracellular vesicles derived from BMSCs facilitates the repair of rat frozen shoulder via regulating KDM2B/LACC1 axis

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the mechanism of miR-211-5p in extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in improving frozen shoulder (FS) in rat models.

METHODS

Rat BMSCs and EVs derived from rat BMSCs were isolated, identified, and then injected into rats to assess the expression of TGF-β, MMP1, MMP3, MMP12, GAP43, and PGP9.5 in shoulder capsule tissues. The range of motion of bilateral glenohumeral joints was assessed and pathological changes of shoulder capsule tissues were observed after hematoxylin-eosin staining. The binding sites of miR-211-5p to KDM2B and LACC1 to H3K4me3 were measured. FS rat models with LACC1 highly expressed were established to assess the motion of bilateral glenohumeral joints and expression of arthritis related factors in rats.

RESULTS

EVs were successfully extracted from BMSCs. Injection of BMSCs-EVs could improve the activity of bilateral glenohumeral joints and the pathological condition of joint capsule in rats. Elevated expression of miR-211-5p was found in rats injected with BMSCs-EVs. Dual luciferase assay showed that miR-211-5p had a binding site with KDM2B. ChIP, qRT-PCR, and western blot experiments showed BMSCs-EVs injection resulted in elevated enrichment of LACC1 promoter in shoulder capsule tissues of FS rats, and decreased mRNA and protein expression of KDM2B and increased H3K4me3 methylation. Overexpression of LACC1 could also improve the pathological condition of joint capsule tissue.

CONCLUSION

miR-211-5p in EVs derived from BMSCs increased H3K4me3 methylation in shoulder capsule tissue of rats by binding KDM2B, resulting in up-regulated transcription level of LACC1 and improving FS.

AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIALS

The datasets used or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Analysis of MIR27A (rs11671784) Variant Association with Systemic Lupus Erythematous

Multiple microRNAs (miRs) are associated with systemic autoimmune disease susceptibility/phenotype, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). With this work, we aimed to unravel the association of the miR-27a gene (MIR27A) rs11671784G/A variant with SLE risk/severity. One-hundred sixty-three adult patients with SLE and matched controls were included. A TaqMan allelic discrimination assay was applied for MIR27A genotyping. Logistic regression models were run to test the association with SLE susceptibility/risk. Genotyping of 326 participants revealed that the heterozygote form was the most common genotype among the study cohort, accounting for 72% of the population (n = 234), while A/A and G/G represented 15% (n = 49) and 13% (n = 43), respectively. Similarly, the most prevalent genotype among cases was the A/G genotype, which was present in approximately 93.3% of cases (n = 152). In contrast, only eight and three patients had A/A and G/G genotypes, respectively. The MIR27A rs11671784 variant conferred protection against the development of SLE in several genetic models, including heterozygous (G/A vs. A/A; OR = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.05-0.23), dominant (G/A + G/G vs. AA; OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.07-0.34), and overdominant (G/A vs. A/A + G/G; OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.04-0.14) models. However, the G/G genotype was associated with increased SLE risk in the recessive model (G/G vs. A/A+ G/G; OR = 17.34, 95% CI = 5.24-57.38). Furthermore, the variant showed significant associations with musculoskeletal and mucocutaneous manifestations in the patient cohort (p = 0.035 and 0.009, respectively) and platelet and white blood cell counts (p = 0.034 and 0.049, respectively). In conclusion, the MIR27A rs11671784 variant showed a potentially significant association with SLE susceptibility/risk in the studied population. Larger-scale studies on multiethnic populations are recommended to verify the results.

Circ_0088194 Regulates Proliferation, Migration, Apoptosis, and Inflammation by miR-30a-3p/ADAM10 Axis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblastic Synovial Cells

Dysregulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been observed in multiple diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and we investigated the role of the circ_0088194/microRNA (miR)-30a-3p/a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) axis in RA. Circ_0088194, miR-30a-3p, and ADAM10 contents in RA tissues and RA-fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot. Cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and inflammatory factor secretion of RA-FLSs were detected using 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), wound healing assay, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Targeting relationship between miR-30a-3p and circ_0088194 or ADAM10 was validated by luciferase reporter system, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and RNA pull-down assays. Circ_0088194 and ADAM10 levels were increased, while miR-30a-3p was decreased in RA tissues and RA-FLSs. Circ_0088194 knockdown suppressed the growth, migration, and inflammation of RA-FLSs, while the upregulation of circ_0088194 showed opposite effects. Circ_0088194 directly targeted miR-30a-3p, ADAM10 was a target of miR-30a-3p, and circ_0088194 regulated the expression of ADAM10 by sponging miR-30a-3p. MiR-30a-3p inhibition restored the inhibition effects of circ_0088194 knockdown or RA-FLSs. Moreover, miR-30a-3p re-expression repressed growth, migration, and inflammatory response in RA-FLSs, which were reversed by ADAM10 overexpression. Circ_0088194 acted on miR-30a-3p/ADAM10 axis to promote the proliferation, migration, and inflammatory response, and inhibit apoptosis in RA-FLSs.

Exosomal long non-coding RNA TRAFD1-4:1 derived from fibroblast-like synoviocytes suppresses chondrocyte proliferation and migration by degrading cartilage extracellular matrix in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune and systemic inflammatory disease affecting 1% of the population worldwide. Immune suppression of the activity and progress of RA is vital to reduce the disability and mortality rate as well as improve the quality of life of RA patients. However, the immune molecular mechanism of RA has not been clarified yet. Our results indicated that exosomes derived from TNFα-stimulated RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) suppressed chondrocyte proliferation and migration through modulating cartilage extracellular matrix (CECM) determining by MTS assay, cell cycle analysis, Transwell assay and Western blot (WB). Besides, RNA sequencing and verification by qRT-PCR revealed that exosomal long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) tumor necrosis factor-associated factor 1 (TRAF1)-4:1 derived from RA-FLSs treated with TNFα was a candidate lncRNA, which also inhibited chondrocyte proliferation and migration through degrading CECM. Moreover, RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis identified that C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) was a target mRNA of miR-27a-3p while miR-27a-3p was a target miRNA of lnc-TRAF1-4:1 in chondrocytes. Mechanistically, lnc-TRAF1-4:1 upregulated CXCL1 expression through sponging miR-27a-3p as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in chondrocytes identifying by Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Summarily, exosomal lncRNA TRAFD1-4:1 derived from RA-FLSs suppressed chondrocyte proliferation and migration through degrading CECM by upregulating CXCL1 as a sponge of miR-27a-3p. This study uncovered a novel RA-related lncRNA and investigated the roles of RA-FLS-derived exosomes and exosomal lnc-TRAF1-4:1 in articular cartilage impairment, which might provide novel therapeutic targets for RA.

Circ_0000011 promotes cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury via miR-27a-3p-dependent regulation of NRIP1

BACKGROUND

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) can result in brain function impairments. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as vital regulators in cerebral I/R injury. However, the functions of mmu_circ_0000011 in cerebral I/R injury are still unclear. Thus, in this study, we aimed to explore the effect of mmu_circ_0000011 on cerebral I/R injury.

METHODS

Oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced HT-22 cells were used to mimic the condition of cerebral I/R injury in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, 5'-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay and flow cytometry analysis were utilized to assess cell viability, LDH release, proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. qRT-PCR and western blot were performed to determined the levels of circ_0000011, miR-27a-3p and NRIP1. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were utilized to analyze the targeting relation of circ_0000011, miR-27a-3p and NRIP1.

RESULTS

OGD/R treatment inhibited HT-22 cell viability and promoted LDH release, cell apoptosis and inflammation. Circ_0000011 level was increased in OGD/R-induced HT-22 cells. Silencing of circ_0000011 promoted cell proliferation and inhibited LDH release, apoptosis and inflammation in OGD/R-treated HT-22 cells. For mechanism analysis, circ_0000011 was demonstrated to sponge miR-27a-3p, which directly targeted NRIP1. MiR-27a-3p inhibition or NRIP1 overexpression ameliorated the impacts of circ_0000011 silencing on cell proliferation, LDH release, apoptosis and inflammation in OGD/R-treated HT-22 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Circ_0000011 promotes OGD/R-induced HT-22 cell impairments by elevating NRIP1 through sponging miR-27a-3p.

miRNA-Mediated Epigenetic Regulation of Treatment Response in RA Patients—A Systematic Review

This study aimed to evaluate the role of microRNAs (miRNA) as biomarkers of treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients through a systematic review of the literature. The MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for studies including RA-diagnosed patients treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that identify miRNAs as response predictors. Review inclusion criteria were met by 10 studies. The main outcome of the study was the response to treatment, defined according to EULAR criteria. A total of 839 RA patients and 67 healthy donors were included in the selected studies. RA patients presented seropositivity for the rheumatoid factor of 74.7% and anti-citrullinated C-peptide antibodies of 63.6%. After revision, 15 miRNAs were described as treatment response biomarkers for methotrexate, anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF), and rituximab. Among treatments, methotrexate presented the highest number of predictor miRNAs: miR-16, miR-22, miR-132, miR-146a and miR-155. The most polyvalent miRNAs were miR-146a, predicting response to methotrexate and anti-TNF, and miR-125b, which predicts response to infliximab and rituximab. Our data support the role of miRNAs as biomarkers of treatment response in RA and point to DMARDs modifying the miRNAs expression. Nevertheless, further studies are needed since a meta-analysis that allows definitive conclusions is not possible due to the lack of studies in this field.

Immunomodulatory Properties of Human Breast Milk: MicroRNA Contents and Potential Epigenetic Effects

Infants who are exclusively breastfed in the first six months of age receive adequate nutrients, achieving optimal immune protection and growth. In addition to the known nutritional components of human breast milk (HBM), i.e., water, carbohydrates, fats and proteins, it is also a rich source of microRNAs, which impact epigenetic mechanisms. This comprehensive work presents an up-to-date overview of the immunomodulatory constituents of HBM, highlighting its content of circulating microRNAs. The epigenetic effects of HBM are discussed, especially those regulated by miRNAs. HBM contains more than 1400 microRNAs. The majority of these microRNAs originate from the lactating gland and are based on the remodeling of cells in the gland during breastfeeding. These miRNAs can affect epigenetic patterns by several mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA regulation, which could ultimately result in alterations in gene expressions. Therefore, the unique microRNA profile of HBM, including exosomal microRNAs, is implicated in the regulation of the genes responsible for a variety of immunological and physiological functions, such as FTO, INS, IGF1, NRF2, GLUT1 and FOXP3 genes. Hence, studying the HBM miRNA composition is important for improving the nutritional approaches for pregnancy and infant's early life and preventing diseases that could occur in the future. Interestingly, the composition of miRNAs in HBM is affected by multiple factors, including diet, environmental and genetic factors.

MicroRNA-27a-3p relieves inflammation and neurologic impairment after cerebral ischemia reperfusion via inhibiting LITAF and the TLR4/NF-κB pathway

Cerebral ischemia reperfusion (CIR) affects microRNA (miR) expression and causes substantial inflammation. Here, we investigated the influence and underlying mechanism of miR-27a-3p in rats with CIR. Firstly, Biliverdin treatment relieved cerebral infarction and decreased the levels of serum interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Through our previous study, we found key miR-27a-3p and its targeted gene LITAF might involve in the molecular mechanism of CIR. Then, the regulation between miR-27a-3p and LITAF was verified by the temporal miR-27a-3p and LITAF expression profiles and luciferase assay. Moreover, intracerebroventricular injection of the miR-27a-3p mimic significantly decreased the LITAF, TLR4, NF-κB and IL-6 levels at 24h post-surgery, whereas miR-27a-3p inhibitor reversed these effects. Furthermore, miR-27a-3p mimic could relieve cerebral infarct and neurologic deficit after CIR. In addition, injection of miR-27a-3p mimic decreased neuronal damage induced by CIR. Taken together, our results suggest that miR-27a-3p protect against CIR by relieving inflammation, neuronal damage and neurologic deficit via regulating LITAF and the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Circ_0088036 mediated progression and inflammation in fibroblast-like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis by miR-1263/REL-activated NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common joint disease with abnormal development of human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have essential regulation in the disease progression, and this study was to explore the regulatory mechanism of circ_0088036 in RA.

METHODS

RNA expression analysis was performed through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. Cell experiments were conducted by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay for cell viability, EdU (5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine) assay for proliferation and flow cytometry for cell cycle or apoptosis. The protein detection was conducted using western blot. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine the inflammatory cytokines. The binding identification was carried out through dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay and pull-down assay.

RESULTS

The level of circ_0088036 RNA was significantly upregulated in sera and in HFLS cells of RA patients. Targeted silencing of circ_0088036 restrained proliferation, cell cycle progression and inflammatory reaction through promoted the apoptosis of HFLS-RA cells via inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. The miR-1263 was identified as a target of circ_0088036. MiR-1263 was found to be down-regulated in sera and in HFLS cells of RA patients. The regulatory effects of circ_0088036 on HFLS-RA cells were attributed to inhibit the miR-1263 level. REL is a susceptibility locus for certain autoimmune diseases. MiR-1263 directly targeted REL, which was discovered to be elevated in sera and HFLS cells of RA patients, and circ_0088036 interacted with miR-1263 to affect REL expression. Functionally, overexpression of miR-1263 suppressed the development of HFLS-RA by blocking the NF-κB pathway, and this phenomenon was reversed by the upregulation of REL.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that circ_0088036/miR-1263/REL/NF-κB pathway was involved in the functional development of HFLS-RA cells, indicating a novel molecular network in RA progression in vitro.

MicroRNA-Mediated Epigenetic Regulation of Rheumatoid Arthritis Susceptibility and Pathogenesis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating the transcriptome and development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Currently, a comprehensive map illustrating how miRNAs regulate transcripts, pathways, immune system differentiation, and their interactions with terminal cells such as fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), immune-cells, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts are still laking. In this review, we summarize the roles of miRNAs in the susceptibility, pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and prognosis of RA. Numerous miRNAs are abnormally expressed in cells involved in RA and regulate target genes and pathways, including NF-κB, Fas-FasL, JAK-STAT, and mTOR pathways. We outline how functional genetic variants of miR-499 and miR-146a partly explain susceptibility to RA. By regulating gene expression, miRNAs affect T cell differentiation into diverse cell types, including Th17 and Treg cells, thus constituting promising gene therapy targets to modulate the immune system in RA. We summarize the diagnostic and prognostic potential of blood-circulating and cell-free miRNAs, highlighting the opportunity to combine these miRNAs with antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACCP) to allow accurate diagnosis and prognosis, particularly for seronegative patients. Furthermore, we review the evidence implicating miRNAs as promising biomarkers of efficiency and response of, and resistance to, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and immunotherapy. Finally, we discuss the autotherapeutic effect of miRNA intervention as a step toward the development of miRNA-based anti-RA drugs. Collectively, the current evidence supports miRNAs as interesting targets to better understand the pathogenetic mechanisms of RA and design more efficient therapeutic interventions.

[Triptolide inhibits inflammatory response and migration of fibroblast like synovial cells in rheumatoid arthritis through the circRNA 0003353/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of triptolide (TPL) on inflammatory response and migration of fibroblast like synovial cells (FLS) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA-FLS) and the mechanism of circular noncoding RNA (circRNA) 0003353 for mediating this effect.

METHODS

We collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum samples from 50 hospitalized RA patients and 30 healthy individuals for detecting the expression of circRNA 0003353, immune and inflammatory indexes (ESR, CRP, RF, anti-CCP, IgA, IgG, IgM, C3, and C4) and DAS28 score. Cultured RA-FLS was treated with 10 ng/mL TPL and transfected with a circRNA 0003353 overexpression plasmid, and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and Transwell assay were used to detect the changes in the viability and migration of the cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine the cytokines IL-4, IL-6, and IL-17, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect the expression of circRNA 003353; Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of p-JAK2, pSTAT3, JAK2 and STAT3 proteins in the treated cells.

RESULTS

The expression of circRNA 0003353 was significantly increased in PBMCs from RA patients and showed a good performance in assisting the diagnosis of RA (AUC=90.5%, P < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.83-0.98). CircRNA 0003353 expression was positively correlated with ESR, RF and DAS28 (P < 0.05). Treatment with TPL significantly decreased the expression of circRNA 0003353, suppressed the viability and migration ability, decreased the expressions of IL-6 and IL-17, and increased the expression IL-4 in cultured RA-FLS in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.01). TNF-α stimulation of RA-FLS significantly increased the ratios of p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3, which were obviously lowered by TPL treatment (P < 0.01). TPL-treated RA-FLS overexpressing circRNA 0003353 showed significantly increased cell viability and migration ability with decreased IL-4 expression and increased IL-6 and IL-17 expressions and ratios of p-JAK2/ JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The expression of circRNA 0003353 is increased in PBMCs in RA patients and in RA-FLS. TPL treatment can regulate JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway and inhibit the inflammatory response and migration of RA-FLS through circRNA 0003353.

Functional Interactions Between lncRNAs/circRNAs and miRNAs: Insights Into Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases that affect synovitis, bone, cartilage, and joint. RA leads to bone and cartilage damage and extra-articular disorders. However, the pathogenesis of RA is still unclear, and the lack of effective early diagnosis and treatment causes severe disability, and ultimately, early death. Accumulating evidence revealed that the regulatory network that includes long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)/circular RNAs (circRNAs), micro RNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNA) plays important roles in regulating the pathological and physiological processes in RA. lncRNAs/circRNAs act as the miRNA sponge and competitively bind to miRNA to regulate the expression mRNA in synovial tissue, FLS, and PBMC, participate in the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and inflammatory response. Thereby providing new strategies for its diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network and the potential roles of non-coding RNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of RA.

Circ_0001947 promotes cell proliferation, invasion, migration and inflammation and inhibits apoptosis in human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes through miR-671-5p/STAT3 axis

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as vital regulators in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we aimed to explore the functions and mechanisms of circ_0001947 in RA.

Methods

The expression of circ_0001947, microRNA-671-5p (miR-671-5p) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5′-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, flow cytometry analysis, transwell assay and wound-healing assay were performed to assess cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration. The concentrations of inflammatory factors were examined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to analyze the relationships of circ_0001947, miR-671-5p and STAT3.

Results

Circ_0001947 was upregulated in RA patients and RA-FLSs. Knockdown of circ_0001947 repressed cell proliferation, invasion, migration and inflammatory response and facilitated apoptosis in RA-FLSs. Circ_0001947 served as the sponge for miR-671-5p and the inhibitory effect of circ_0001947 in RA-FLS progression was reversed by miR-671-5p inhibition. STAT3 was the target gene of miR-671-5p. MiR-671-5p overexpression restrained RA-FLS growth, invasion, migration and inflammation and promoted apoptosis, but STAT3 upregulation reversed the impacts.

Conclusion

Circ_0001947 contributed to the progression of RA-FLSs by elevating STAT3 through adsorbing miR-671-5p.

Circ_0001947 is abnormally upregulated in RA synovial tissues and RA-FLSs.

Circ_0001947 silencing inhibits cell proliferation, invasion, migration and inflammatory response and induces apoptosis in RA-FLSs.

Circ_0001947 sponges miR-671-5p, which directly interacts with STAT3.

Circ_0001947 regulates RA-FLS progression via miR-671-5p/STAT3 axis.

mmu-miR-145a-5p Accelerates Diabetic Wound Healing by Promoting Macrophage Polarization Toward the M2 Phenotype

Diabetic wounds are recalcitrant to healing. One of the important characteristics of diabetic trauma is impaired macrophage polarization with an excessive inflammatory response. Many studies have described the important regulatory roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in macrophage differentiation and polarization. However, the differentially expressed miRNAs involved in wound healing and their effects on diabetic wounds remain to be further explored. In this study, we first identified differentially expressed miRNAs in the inflammation, tissue formation and reconstruction phases in wound healing using Illumina sequencing and RT-qPCR techniques. Thereafter, the expression of musculus (mmu)-miR-145a-5p (“miR-145a-5p” for short) in excisional wounds of diabetic mice was identified. Finally, expression of miR-145a-5p was measured to determine its effects on macrophage polarization in murine RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and wound healing in diabetic mice. We identified differentially expressed miRNAs at different stages of wound healing, ten of which were further confirmed by RT-qPCR. Expression of miR-145a-5p in diabetic wounds was downregulated during the tissue formation stage. Furthermore, we observed that miR-145a-5p blocked M1 macrophage polarization while promoting M2 phenotype activation in vitro. Administration of miR-145a-5p mimics during initiation of the repair phase significantly accelerated wound healing in db/db diabetic mice. In conclusion, our findings suggest that rectifying macrophage function using miR-145a-5p overexpression accelerates diabetic chronic wound healing.