miR-204-5p promotes the adipogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells by modulating DVL3 expression and suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling

lncRNA WAC-AS1 promotes the progression of gastric cancer through miR-204-5p/HOXC8 axis

LncRNAs affect tumorigenesis, and although the genesis, regulation and physiological mechanism of lncRNAs in gastric cancer (GC) have been reported, the research of lncRNAs still have a lot of value. Through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, we screened the candidate lncRNA WAC-AS1(WAC-AS1). We analyzed WAC-AS1 expression in GC related tissues and cells using qRT-PCR. WAC-AS1's impact on GC growth and metastasis was investigated. LncRNA WC-AS-miR-204-5p-HOXC8 interaction was established through dual-luciferase reporter, FISH, RIP and RNA pull-down assay. We observed substantial upregulation in WAC-AS1 expression in cells and tissues of GC. WAC-AS1 through miR-204-5p/HOXC8 axis promoted GC proliferation, invasion, and migration. WAC-AS1 plays a cancer-promoting role for promoting the progression of GC.

Deciphering adipose development: Function, differentiation and regulation

The overdevelopment of adipose tissues, accompanied by excess lipid accumulation and energy storage, leads to adipose deposition and obesity. With the increasing incidence of obesity in recent years, obesity is becoming a major risk factor for human health, causing various relevant diseases (including hypertension, diabetes, osteoarthritis and cancers). Therefore, it is of significance to antagonize obesity to reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases. Excess lipid accumulation in adipose tissues is mediated by adipocyte hypertrophy (expansion of pre-existing adipocytes) or hyperplasia (increase of newly-formed adipocytes). It is necessary to prevent excessive accumulation of adipose tissues by controlling adipose development. Adipogenesis is exquisitely regulated by many factors in vivo and in vitro, including hormones, cytokines, gender and dietary components. The present review has concluded a comprehensive understanding of adipose development including its origin, classification, distribution, function, differentiation and molecular mechanisms underlying adipogenesis, which may provide potential therapeutic strategies for harnessing obesity without impairing adipose tissue function.

The Function and Mechanism of Long Noncoding RNAs in Adipogenic Differentiation

Adipocytes are crucial for maintaining energy balance. Adipocyte differentiation involves distinct stages, including the orientation stage, clone amplification stage, clone amplification termination stage, and terminal differentiation stage. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms governing adipogenic differentiation is essential for comprehending the physiological processes and identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases, ultimately improving glucose and fat metabolism. Adipogenic differentiation is influenced not only by key factors such as hormones, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family, and the CCATT enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) family but also by noncoding RNA, including microRNA (miRNA), long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA). Among these, lncRNA has been identified as a significant regulator in adipogenic differentiation. Research has demonstrated various ways in which lncRNAs contribute to the molecular mechanisms of adipogenic differentiation. Throughout the adipogenesis process, lncRNAs modulate adipocyte differentiation and development by influencing relevant signaling pathways and transcription factors. This review provides a brief overview of the function and mechanism of lncRNAs in adipogenic differentiation.

Neonatal adiposity is associated with microRNAs in adipocyte-derived extracellular vesicles in maternal and cord blood, a discovery analysis

BACKGROUND

Maternal body size, nutrition, and hyperglycemia contribute to neonatal body size and composition. There is little information on maternal-fetal transmission of messages which influence fetal growth. We analyzed adipocyte-derived small extracellular vesicular (ADsEV) microRNAs in maternal and cord blood to explore their adipogenic potential.

METHODS

There were 279 mother-neonate pairs with all phenotypic data (normal glucose tolerant NGT = 148, gestational diabetes mellitus GDM = 131). Neonates with adiposity were those in the highest tertile (T3) of sex-specific sum of skinfolds and those without adiposity (lean) in the lowest tertile T1 of NGT pregnancies. We studied ADsEV miRNAs in 76 and 51 neonates with and without adiposity respectively and their mothers based on power calculations (68 NGT and 59 GDM pregnancies). ADsEV miRNAs from maternal and cord blood plasma samples were profiled on Agilent 8*60 K microarray. Differential expression (DE) of ADsEV miRNAs in adipose vs. lean groups was studied before and after adjustment for maternal GDM, adiposity, and vitamin B12-folate status.

RESULTS

Multiple miRNAs were common in maternal and cord blood and positively correlated. We identified 24 maternal and 5 cord blood miRNAs differentially expressed (discovery p ≤ 0.1) in the adipose group in unadjusted, and 19 and 26, respectively, in the adjusted analyses. Even though DE miRNAs were different in maternal and cord blood, they targeted similar adipogenic pathways (e.g., the forkhead box O (FOXO) family of transcription factors, mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway). Maternal GDM and adiposity were associated with many DE ADsEV miRNAs.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the ADsEV miRNAs in mothers are potential regulators of fetal adiposity. The expression and functionality of miRNAs appear to be influenced by maternal adiposity, hyperglycemia, and micronutrient status during pregnancy.

Molecular mechanism underlying miR-204-5p regulation of adipose-derived stem cells differentiation into cells from three germ layers

The limited differentiation ability of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) limits their application in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Here, we explore the molecular mechanism by which miR-204-5p regulates ADSCs differentiation into cells derived from the three germ layers (i.e., adipocytes, neurocytes, and hepatocytes). Although miR-204-5p overexpression inhibited ADSCs differentiation into adipocytes, neurocyte and hepatocyte differentiation were promoted. Mechanistically, miR-204-5p inhibited the expression of PPARG by regulating the AMPK signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting ADSCs differentiation into adipocytes. Further, miR-204-5p regulated JAG1/NOTCH3 axis for the inhibition of differentiation into adipocytes and promotion of differentiation into neurocytes. miR-204-5p might also promote ADSCs differentiation into hepatocytes by upregulating E2F8. The findings of this study provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying early embryonic development and will help to facilitate the application of ADSCs in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine.

Enhanced expression of miR-204 attenuates LPS stimulated inflammatory injury through inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via targeting CCND2

One of the most common bacterial diseases of the reproductive system in dairy cows is endometritis, which will cause huge economic loss. Here, we investigate the mechanisms of miR-204 on LPS-stimulated endometritis in vitro and in vivo. Experiments displayed that the expression of miR-204 was lower in bovine uterine tissue samples or bovine endometrial epithelial cell line (BEND) that stimulated by LPS. Compared with the negative group, miR-204 treatment significantly suppressed the production of proinflammatory factors and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation. Additionally, the result of the dual luciferase assay showed that miR-204 targeted cyclin D2. More importantly, up-regulation of miR-204 alleviated LPS induced uterine injury was confirmed in vivo studies. Molecular experiments indicated that the expression level of tight junctional proteins Claudin3 and cadherin1 were both enchanced by miR-204 treatment. Accordingly, miR-204 may serve as a new measure to prevent and treat endometritis caused by LPS.

Regulatory mechanisms of circular RNAs during human mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic differentiation

Human osteogenic differentiation is a complex and well-orchestrated process which involves a plethora of molecular players and cellular processes. A growing number of studies have underlined that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important regulatory role during human osteogenic differentiation. CircRNAs are single-stranded, covalently closed non-coding RNA molecules that are acquiring increased attention as epigenetic regulators of gene expression. Given their intrinsic high conformational stability, abundance, and specificity, circRNAs can undertake various biological activities in order to regulate multiple cellular processes, including osteogenic differentiation. The most recent evidence indicates that circRNAs control human osteogenesis by preventing the inhibitory activity of miRNAs on their downstream target genes, using a competitive endogenous RNA mechanism. The aim of this review is to draw attention to the currently known regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs during human osteogenic differentiation. Specifically, we provide an understanding of recent advances in research conducted on various human mesenchymal stem cell types that underlined the importance of circRNAs in regulating osteogenesis. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying regulatory mechanisms of circRNA in osteogenesis will improve knowledge on the molecular processes of bone growth, resulting in the potential development of novel preclinical and clinical studies and the discovery of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools for bone disorders.

MicroRNAs as Epigenetic Regulators of Obesity

In obesity, the process of adipogenesis largely determines the number of adipocytes in body fat depots. Adipogenesis is regulated by several adipocyte-selective micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) and transcription factors that modulate adipocyte proliferation and differentiation. However, some miRNAs block the expression of master regulators of adipogenesis. Since the specific miRNAs display different expressions during adipogenesis, in mature adipocytes and permanent obesity, their use as biomarkers or therapeutic targets is feasible. Upregulated miRNAs in persistent obesity are downregulated during adipogenesis. Moreover, some of the downregulated miRNAs in obese individuals are upregulated in mature adipocytes. Induction of adipocyte stress and hypertrophy leads to the release of adipocyte-derived exosomes (AdEXs) that contain the cargo molecules, miRNAs. miRNAs are important messengers for intercellular communication involved in metabolic responses and have very specific signatures that direct the metabolic activity of target cells. While each miRNA targets multiple messenger RNAs (mRNAs), which may coordinate or antagonize each other's functions, several miRNAs are dysregulated in other tissues during obesity-related comorbidities. Deletion of the miRNA-processing enzyme DICER in pro-opiomelanocortin-expressing cells results in obesity, which is characterized by hyperphagia, increased adiposity, hyperleptinemia, defective glucose metabolism, and alterations in the pituitary-adrenal axis. In recent years, RNA-based therapeutical approaches have entered clinical trials as novel therapies against overweight and its complications. Development of lipid droplets, macrophage accumulation, macrophage polarization, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 activity, lipolysis, lipotoxicity, and insulin resistance are effectively controlled by miRNAs. Thereby, miRNAs as epigenetic regulators are used to determine the new gene transcripts and therapeutic targets.

Delivery of microRNA-423-5p by exosome from adipose-derived stem/stromal cells inhibits DVL3 to potentiate autologous fat graft survival through adipogenesis and inflammatory response

Autologous fat grafting represents a reconstructive technique but is limited by unstable graft retention. Based on existing reports and bioinformatics prediction, we hypothesized that delivering exosomes from human adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (hADSC-Exo) would increase fat graft survival and further explore the mechanism. hADSC-Exo were extracted and identified. An autologous fat grafting model was established using donor and recipient mice, followed by hADSC-Exo treatment. hADSC-Exo promoted the retention of autologous fat grafts in mice, along with increased adipocyte activity, angiogenesis, and decreased inflammation in grafts. Moreover, hADSC-Exo potentiated the adipose differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells, enhanced the angiogenic and migratory capacity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and inhibited the inflammation and viability of RAW 264.7 cells. The therapeutic effect of hADSC-Exo on fat grafting was associated with the delivery of microRNA (miR)-423-5p. Deletion of miR-423-5p in Exo impaired the function of hADSC-Exo on fat retention. miR-423-5p bound to DVL3 to suppress DVL3 expression, and DVL3 deletion promoted adipose differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. In conclusion, our findings further widen the theoretical basis of the clinical application of hADSC-Exo in autologous fat grafts.

Advances in the regulation of adipogenesis and lipid metabolism by exosomal ncRNAs and their role in related metabolic diseases

Exosomes are membrane-bound extracellular vesicles released following the fusion of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) with the cell membrane. Exosomes transport diverse molecules, including proteins, lipids, DNA and RNA, and regulate distant intercellular communication. Noncoding RNA (ncRNAs) carried by exosomes regulate cell-cell communication in tissues, including adipose tissue. This review summarizes the action mechanisms of ncRNAs carried by exosomes on adipocyte differentiation and modulation of adipogenesis by exosomal ncRNAs. This study aims to provide valuable insights for developing novel therapeutics.

MicroRNA-204-5p: A pivotal tumor suppressor

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding single-stranded RNA molecules with a length of approximately 18-25 nt nucleotides that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. MiR-204-5p originates from the sixth intron of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 3 (TRPM3) gene. MiR-204-5p is frequently downregulated in various cancer types and is related to the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of cancer patients. So far, many studies have determined that miR-204-5p functions as a tumor suppressor for its extensive and powerful capacity to inhibit tumor proliferation, metastasis, autophagy, and chemoresistance in multiple cancer types. MiR-204-5p appears to be a promising prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for human cancers. This review summarized the latest advances on the role of miR-204-5p in human cancers.

Neonatal adiposity is associated with microRNAs in adipocyte-derived extracellular vesicles in maternal and cord blood

Background

Maternal body size, nutrition, and hyperglycemia contribute to neonatal body size and composition. There is little information on maternal-fetal transmission of messages which influence fetal growth. We analyzed adipocyte-derived small extracellular vesicular (ADsEV) microRNAs in maternal and cord blood to explore their adipogenic potential.

Methods

We studied 127 mother-neonate pairs (51 lean and 76 adipose neonates, in 68 NGT and 59 GDM pregnancies). Adiposity refers to the highest tertile (T3) of sum of skinfolds in neonates of normal glucose tolerant (NGT) mothers, lean to the to lowest tertile (T1). ADsEV miRNAs from maternal and cord blood samples were profiled on Agilent 8*60K microarray. Differential expression (DE) of ADsEV miRNAs in adipose vs. lean neonates was studied before and after adjustment for maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), adiposity, and vitamin B12-folate status.

Results

Multiple miRNAs were common in maternal and cord blood and positively correlated. We identified 24 maternal and 5 cord blood miRNAs differentially expressed (p ≤ 0.1) in the adipose neonate group, and 19 and 26 respectively, in the adjusted analyses. Even though DE miRNAs were different in maternal and cord blood, they targeted similar adipogenic pathways (e.g., the forkhead box O (FOXO) family of transcription factors, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway). Maternal GDM and adiposity were associated with many DE ADsEV miRNAs.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the ADsEV miRNAs in mothers are potential regulators of fetal adiposity. The expression and functionality of miRNAs appears to be influenced by maternal adiposity, hyperglycemia, and micronutrient status during pregnancy.

Serum miRNA-204-5p as a potential non-invasive biomarker for the diagnosis of endometrial cancer with sentinel lymph node mapping

The lymph node status is one of the most critical prognostic factors used in determining adjuvant treatment in endometrial cancer (EC). Lymphadenectomy is associated significant surgical and postoperative risks. The use of sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM) has emerged as an alternative method to complete lymphadenectomy in EC. However, there remains controversy surrounding the use of SLNM in high-risk disease and its false-negative rate (3%). The authors previously identified miR-204-5p as a tumor-suppressor miRNA associated with lymph node metastasis in EC tissues. The present study demonstrated that serum miR-204-5p in patients with EC has the potential for use as an early diagnostic biomarker combined with SLNM to assess the lymph node status prior to surgery. The present study also aimed to identify the optimal cut-off value of serum miR-204-5p. The relative expression levels of miR-204-5p were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR in the serum of 52 patients with EC (total SLNM). A total of 20 patients diagnosed with ovarian cysts, 20 patients diagnosed with myoma, and 20 participants diagnosed with endometrial polyps or endometrial hyperplasia were included as the control group. miR-204-5p expression was also detected in lymph node tissues using in situ hybridization. The results revealed that serum miR-204-5p expression was downregulated in patients with EC compared with its expression in patients with benign ovarian cysts, myoma and endometrial hyperplasia/polyps (P<0.01). In accordance with the final pathological evaluation, patients with EC with a positive SLN status had a significantly lower level of miR-204-5p compared with those with a negative SLN status (P<0.01). The area under the ROC curve of miR-204-5p was 0.923, 95% CI (0.847-1.000), and the diagnostic value had a sensitivity of 87.2% and specificity of 80.0%, with an optimal cut-off value of 0.253. On the whole, it was demonstrated that a lower miR-204-5p expression is associated with lymph node metastasis in these SLN(+) EC tissues, indicating that the downregulation of serum miR-204-5p in patients with EC has potential for use as an early diagnostic biomarker combined with SLNM. In addition, with a cut-off value of 0.253, it appeared optimal for the prediction of lymph node metastasis in EC.

Maternal Exercise Programs Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Modulates Hepatic miRNAs in Adult Male Offspring

Detrimental exposures in mothers are recognized as risk factors for the development of metabolic dysfunction in offspring. In contrast, maternal exercise has been reported to be an effective strategy to maintain offspring health. However, the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of maternal exercise on adult offspring metabolic homeostasis are largely unclear. This study aims to investigate whether maternal exercise before and during pregnancy could combat the adverse effects of maternal high-fat diet (HFD) on metabolism in 24-week-old male offspring and to explore the role of miRNAs in mediating the effects. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed with either control diet or HFD 3-week prior to breeding and throughout pregnancy and lactation, among whom half of the HFD-fed mice were submitted to voluntary wheel running training 3-week before and during pregnancy. Male offspring were sedentary and fed with a control diet from weaning to 24 weeks. Body weight, the content of inguinal subcutaneous adipose tissue and perirenal visceral adipose tissue, glucose tolerance, and serum insulin and lipids in offspring were analyzed. Hepatic tissues were collected for transcriptome and miRNA sequencing and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction validation. The results showed that maternal HFD resulted in significant glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia in adult offspring, which were negated by maternal exercise. Transcriptome sequencing showed that maternal exercise reversed perinatal HFD-regulated genes in adult offspring, which were enriched in glucose and lipid metabolic-related signaling pathways. At the same time, maternal exercise significantly rescued the changes in the expression levels of 3 hepatic miRNAs in adult offspring, and their target genes were involved in the regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis and epigenetic modification, which may play an important role in mediating the intergenerational metabolic regulation of exercise. Overall, our research pioneered the role of miRNAs in mediating the programming effects of maternal exercise on adult offspring metabolism, which might provide novel insight into the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders in early life.

MiR-24-3p Conservatively Regulates Muscle Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis by Targeting Common Gene CAMK2B in Rat and Cattle

Skeletal muscle plays an important role in the growth and development of meat animals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can participate in the regulation of muscle development-related functions; however, there have been few reports on whether there are related miRNAs that conservatively regulate muscle development among different species. In this study, the miRNA transcriptome sequencing data of the muscle tissue of cattle, rat, goat, and pig showed that miR-24-3p may conservatively regulate muscle development in these species. Furthermore, mmu-miR-24-3p can positively regulate C2C12 cell proliferation and apoptosis by regulating key proliferation and apoptosis genes in muscle development, which was verified by CCK-8 and RT-qPCR. Bta-miR-24-3p can also positively regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of bovine muscle primary cells by regulating key proliferation and apoptosis genes in the process of muscle development, as verified by CCK-8 and RT-qPCR. The target genes of miR-24-3p in cattle, rat, goat, and pig, which include a large proportion of target genes shared among the four species, are enriched in multiple cell functions and signal pathways that are closely related to muscle development, as revealed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. A double luciferase test showed that the shared target genes WNT4, CAMK2B, and TCF7 were targeted by mmu-miR-24-3p in rat and bta-miR-24-3p in cattle. These three shared target genes WNT4, CAMK2B, and TCF7 are involved in the Wnt signaling pathway, which showed that miR-24-3p plays an important role in rat and cattle. The shared target gene (CAMK2B) in rat and cattle increased significantly after the inhibition of miR-24-3p by RT-qPCR. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the role of miR-24-3p in the regulation of muscle development.

Modulation of miR-204 Expression during Chondrogenesis

RUNX2 and SOX9 are two pivotal transcriptional regulators of chondrogenesis. It has been demonstrated that RUNX2 and SOX9 physically interact; RUNX2 transactivation may be inhibited by SOX9. In addition, RUNX2 exerts reciprocal inhibition on SOX9 transactivity. Epigenetic control of gene expression plays a major role in the alternative differentiation fates of stem cells; in particular, it has been reported that SOX9 can promote the expression of miRNA (miR)-204. Our aim was therefore to investigate the miR-204-5p role during chondrogenesis and to identify the relationship between this miR and the transcription factors plus downstream genes involved in chondrogenic commitment and differentiation. To evaluate the role of miR-204 in chondrogenesis, we performed in vitro transfection experiments by using Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). We also evaluated miR-204-5p expression in zebrafish models (adults and larvae). By silencing miR-204 during the early differentiation phase, we observed the upregulation of SOX9 and chondrogenic related genes compared to controls. In addition, we observed the upregulation of COL1A1 (a RUNX2 downstream gene), whereas RUNX2 expression of RUNX2 was slightly affected compared to controls. However, RUNX2 protein levels increased in miR-204-silenced cells. The positive effects of miR204 silencing on osteogenic differentiation were also observed in the intermediate phase of osteogenic differentiation. On the contrary, chondrocytes’ maturation was considerably affected by miR-204 downregulation. In conclusion, our results suggest that miR-204 negatively regulates the osteochondrogenic commitment of MSCs, while it positively regulates chondrocytes’ maturation.

Bone marrow adiposity during pathologic bone loss: molecular mechanisms underlying the cellular events

Bone marrow (BM) is a heterogeneous niche where bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), osteoblasts, osteoclasts, adipocytes, hematopoietic cells, and immune cells coexist. The cellular composition of BM changes with various pathophysiological states. A reduction in osteoblast number and a concomitant increase in adipocyte number in aging and pathological conditions put bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) into spotlight. Accumulating evidence strongly supports that an overwhelming production of BMAT is a major contributor to bone loss disorders. Therefore, BMAT-targeted therapy can be an efficient and feasible intervention for osteoporosis. However, compared to blocking bone-destroying molecules produced by BMAT, suppressing BMAT formation is theoretically a more effective and fundamental approach in treating osteoporotic bone diseases. Thus, a deep insight into the molecular basis underlying increased BM adiposity during pathologic bone loss is critical to formulate strategies for therapeutically manipulating BMAT. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the molecular mechanisms involved in adipocyte differentiation of BMSCs as well as the interaction between bone marrow adipocytes and osteoclasts. More importantly, we further discuss the potential clinical implications of therapeutically targeting the upstream of BMAT formation in bone loss diseases.

A novel posttranslational modification of histone, H3 S-sulfhydration, is down-regulated in asthenozoospermic sperm

Oxidative stress is one of the major causes leading to male infertility including asthenozoospermia. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been widely recognized to be a potent antioxidant whose role is partially implemented by protein S-sulfhydration. However, protein S-sulfhydration has not been reported in germ cells. Therefore, we investigated whether asthenozoospermia could be associated with sperm protein S-sulfhydration. S-sulfhydrated proteins in human sperm were enriched via biotin-switch assay and analyzed using LC-MS/MS spectrometry. Two hundred forty-four S-sulfhydrated proteins were identified. Importantly, we validated that sperm histones H3.1 and H3.3 were the S-sulfhydrated proteins. Their S-sulfhydrated amino acid residue was Cysteine111. Abundances of S-sulfhydrated H3 (sH3) and S-sulfhydrated H3.3 (sH3.3) were significantly down-regulated in asthenozoospermic sperm, compared with the fertile controls, and were significantly correlated with progressive motility. Retinoic acid (RA) up-regulated level of sH3.3 in primary round spermatids and the C18-4 cells (a mouse spermatogonial stem cell line). Overexpression of the mutant H3.3 (Cysteine111 was replaced with serine) affected expression of 759 genes and raised growth rate of C18-4 cells. For the first time, S-sulfhydration H3 and H3.3 were demonstrated in the present study. Our results highlight that aberrant S-sulfhydration of H3 is a new pathophysiological basis in male infertility.

HDL-enriched miR-30a-5p is associated with HDL-cholesterol levels and glucose metabolism in healthy men and women

Aim: To investigate the associations between high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-enriched miRNAs and the cardiometabolic profile of healthy men and women. Patients & methods: miRNAs were quantified using next-generation sequencing of miRNAs extracted from purified HDL and plasma from 17 healthy men and women couples. Results: Among the HDL-enriched miRNAs, miR-30a-5p correlated positively with HDL-cholesterol levels, whereas miR-144-5p and miR-30a-5p were negatively associated with fasting insulin levels and Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index. Overall, miR-30a-5p, miR-150-5p and sex contributed to 45% of HDL-cholesterol variance. A model containing only miR-30a-5p, age and sex explained 41% of fasting glucose variance. Conclusion: HDL-enriched miRNAs, notably miR-30a-5p, are associated with cardiometabolic markers. These miRNAs could play a role in HDL's protective functions, particularly regarding glucose-insulin homeostasis.

Recent Update on the Molecular Mechanisms of Gonadal Steroids Action in Adipose Tissue

The gonadal steroids, including androgens, estrogens and progestogens, are involved in the control of body fat distribution in humans. Nevertheless, not only the size and localization of the fat depots depend on the sex steroids levels, but they can also highly affect the functioning of adipose tissue. Namely, the gonadocorticoids can directly influence insulin signaling, lipid metabolism, fatty acid uptake and adipokine production. They may also alter energy balance and glucose homeostasis in adipocytes in an indirect way, e.g., by changing the expression level of aquaglyceroporins. This work presents the recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanism of how the gonadal steroids influence the functioning of adipose tissue leading to a set of detrimental metabolic consequences. Special attention is given here to highlighting the sexual dimorphism of adipocyte functioning in terms of health and disease. Particularly, we discuss the molecular background of metabolic disturbances occurring in consequence of hormonal imbalance which is characteristic of some common endocrinopathies such as the polycystic ovary syndrome. From this perspective, we highlight the potential drug targets and the active substances which can be used in personalized sex-specific management of metabolic diseases, in accord with the patient's hormonal status.

MiR-105 enhances osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs via the targeted regulation of SOX9

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether miR-105 can regulate the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) by targeting SOX9.

METHODS

The hADSCs were grouped for subsequent transfection and induction of osteogenic differentiation as follows: control, miR-NC, miR-105 mimics, miR-105 inhibitors, SOX9, SOX9 siRNA, miR-105 mimics + SOX9 and miR-105 inhibitors + SOX9 siRNA groups. Next, hADSCs were stained for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Alizarin Red S staining (ARS) was performed. Osteogenic differentiation-related genes and miR-105 expression were assessed by qRT-PCR, while SOX9 protein expression was determined by Western blotting.

RESULTS

MiR-105 expression was increased and SOX9 protein expression was decreased during the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs. A dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed SOX9 to be a target gene of miR-105. Compared with the control group, the miR-105 mimics and SOX9 siRNA groups had elevated BMP2, OPN, OCN, BSP, Osx and Runx2 mRNA expression with reduced SOX9 expression, as well as increased ARS intensity and ALP activity. After transfection of miR-105 inhibitors/SOX9 into hADSCs, the results were the opposite. Overexpressing SOX9 reversed the effect of miR-105 in promoting the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs.

CONCLUSION

MiR-105 could target SOX9 to improve the expression of osteogenic differentiation genes and thus enhance the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs.

miR‑335 promotes ferroptosis by targeting ferritin heavy chain 1 in in vivo and in vitro models of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). In a previous study, the authors demonstrated that ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) inhibited ferroptosis in a model of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PD. However, whether and how microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) modulate FTH1 in PD ferroptosis is not yet well understood. In the present study, in vivo and in vitro models of PD induced by 6-OHDA were established. The results in vivo and in vitro revealed that the levels of the ferroptosis marker protein, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and the PD marker protein, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), were decreased in the model group, associated with a decreased FTH1 expression and the upregulation of miR-335. In both the in vivo and in vitro models, miR-335 mimic led to a lower FTH1 expression, exacerbated ferroptosis and an enhanced PD pathology. The luciferase 3′-untranslated region reporter results identified FTH1 as the direct target of miR-335. The silencing of FTH1 in 6-OHDA-stimulated cells enhanced the effects of miR-335 on ferroptosis and promoted PD pathology. Mechanistically, miR-335 enhanced ferroptosis through the degradation of FTH1 to increase iron release, lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and to decrease mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). On the whole, the findings of the present study reveal that miR-335 promotes ferroptosis by targeting FTH1 in in vitro and in vivo models of PD, providing a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PD.

Diosgenin inhibits Wnt/β-catenin pathway to regulate the proliferation and differentiation of MG-63 cells

Dioscorea opposita Thunb has the effect of anti-osteoporosis, but whether its active ingredient diosgenin (DIO) has an anti-osteoporosis effect is unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of DIO on the proliferation and differentiation of MG-63 cells. MG-63 cells were treated with different concentrations of DIO (0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 μM) or 20 mM Wnt/β-catenin signaling agonist-LiCl, and then their cell cycle and viability were analyzed by flow cytometry and 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), respectively. To investigate osteoblast differentiation, alizarin red staining and ultraviolet spectrophotometer were used to determine the number of calcified nodules and the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), respectively. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were used to detect the expressions of proliferation-related, osteogenic-related and Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway-related factors. After the cells were treated with low-concentration (0.001 or 0.01 μM) DIO, cell viability was significantly increased and the proportion of cells in S phase was increased. In addition, low-concentration DIO could significantly increase the expression of Ki67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (BGP), promote osteoblast differentiation, and suppress the expression of β-catenin, Runx2 and cyclinD1. However, high concentrations of DIO showed the opposite effect. Low-concentration DIO obviously reversed the effect of LiCl on decreasing the number of calcified nodules and inhibiting the expression of OPN and BGP in cells. Low-concentration DIO might promote the proliferation and differentiation of MG-63 cell by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.

The miR-204-5p/FOXC1/GDF7 axis regulates the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells via the AKT and p38 signalling pathways

BACKGROUND

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) are stem cells with the potential to differentiate in multiple directions. miR-204-5p is expressed at low levels during the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs, and its specific regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the function and possible molecular mechanism of miR-204-5p in the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs.

METHODS

The expression patterns of miR-204-5p, Runx2, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) and growth differentiation factor 7 (GDF7) in hADSCs during osteogenesis were detected by qRT-PCR. Then, ALP and alizarin red staining (ARS) were used to detect osteoblast activities and mineral deposition. Western blotting was conducted to confirm the protein levels. The regulatory relationship among miR-204-5p, FOXC1 and GDF7 was verified by dual-luciferase activity and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays.

RESULTS

miR-204-5p expression was downregulated in hADSC osteogenesis, and overexpression of miR-204-5p suppressed osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, the levels of FOXC1 and GDF7 were decreased in the miR-204-5p mimics group, which indicates that miR-204-5p overexpression suppresses the expression of FOXC1 and GDF7 by binding to their 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs). Overexpression of FOXC1 or GDF7 improved the inhibition of osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs induced by the miR-204-5p mimics. Moreover, FOXC1 was found to bind to the promoter of miR-204-5p and GDF7, promote the deacetylation of miR-204-5p and reduce the expression of miR-204-5p, thus promoting the expression of GDF7 during osteogenic differentiation. GDF7 induced hADSC osteogenesis differentiation by activating the AKT and P38 signalling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that the miR-204-5p/FOXC1/GDF7 axis regulates the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs via the AKT and p38 signalling pathways. This study further revealed the regulatory mechanism of hADSC differentiation from the perspective of miRNA regulation.

MiR-130a in the adipogenesis of human SGBS preadipocytes and its susceptibility to androgen regulation

Objectives: Adipogenesis is the differentiation process generating mature adipocytes from undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells. The differentiation can be inhibited by androgens, although knowledge about intracellular effectors of this inhibition is scarce. Recently, androgen-regulated microRNAs were detected as interesting candidates in this context. In this study, we analyse the role of miR-130a and miR-301 in the adipogenesis of human SGBS preadipocytes and whether they are prone to androgen regulation. Materials and Methods: microRNA expression during adipogenic differentiation with or without androgen stimulation was measured by qPCR. Putative target genes of miR-130a and miR-301 were identified by target database search and validated in luciferase reporter assays. Results: miR-130a and miR-301 are both significantly downregulated on day 3 and day 5 of adipogenic differentiation in comparison to day 0. Under androgen stimulation, a significant upregulation of miR-130a was detected after 7 days of adipogenesis lasting to day 14, while miR-301 did not change significantly until day 14. Luciferase reporter assays revealed the androgen receptor (AR), adiponectin (ADIPOQ) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) as miR-130a target genes. Conclusions: miR-130a is an androgen-regulated microRNA that is downregulated during the early phase of adipogenesis and exerts its functions by regulating AR and ADIPOQ translation. These data may help to identify new signalling pathways associated with the androgen-mediated inhibition of adipogenesis.

Circular RNA SIPA1L1 regulates osteoblastic differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla via miR-204-5p/ALPL pathway

BACKGROUND

Osteogenesis is a complex biological process which requires the coordination of multiple molecular mechanisms. This research aimed to explore the biological role and underlying regulatory mechanism of circSIPA1L1 during the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs).

METHODS

EdU retention assay, flow cytometry assay, and CCK-8 assay were used to evaluate the proliferation capacity of SCAPs. Western blot assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alizarin red staining (ARS) were conducted to investigate the biological roles of circSIPA1L1 and miR-204-5p. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was applied for circSIPA1L1 localization. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to prove the interaction of circSIPA1L1 and miR-204-5p.

RESULTS

CircSIPA1L1 had no significant effect on the proliferative capacity of SCAPs. CircSIPA1L1 promotes osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs by serving as a miRNA sponge for miR-204-5p. Either knockdown of circSIPA1L1 or overexpression of miR-204-5p significantly suppresses osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs.

CONCLUSIONS

CircSIPA1L1 upregulates ALPL through targeting miR-204-5p and promotes the osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs.

LncRNA TUG1 reduces inflammation and enhances insulin sensitivity in white adipose tissue by regulating miR-204/SIRT1 axis in obesity mice

Prevalence of obesity becomes an important health issue worldwide, but the management of obesity remains unsatisfied. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of long non-coding RNA TUG/miR-204/SIRT1 axis, which was involved in the pathogenesis of obesity. Obesity mouse model was induced by high-fat diet and treated with taurine upregulated gene1 (TUG1) virus via tail intravenous injection. Then, body weight, serum glucose, insulin tolerance, testicular fat weight were detected, as well as the expression of TUG1, microRNA-204 (miR-204), sirtuin1 (SIRT1), and inflammation and fatty accumulation associated proteins and cytokines. Regulatory relationship between TUG1/SIRT1 and miR-204 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter activity assay. A high-glucose-induced 3T3-L1 cell model was also constructed to explore the regulatory mechanism of TUG/miR-204/SIRT1 axis in the pathogenesis of obesity at cell level after altering the expression of TUG1, miR-204, and SIRT1. Overexpression of TUG1 could significantly attenuate the weight, serum glucose, glucose, insulin tolerance, fatty accumulation, and inflammation in obesity mice, as well as the elevation of miR-204, but increase the expression of SIRT1, phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT), glucose transporter4 (GLUT4), and peroxisome proliferator activated receptorγ (PPARγ). Both TUG1 and SIRT1 were targets of miR-204 and could be negatively regulated by miR-204. Overexpression of TUG1 could suppress the inflammation in adipocytes via downregulating miR-204 and promote GLUT4/PPARγ/AKT pathway high-glucose-induced inflammation in 3T3-L1 cells. miR-204 inhibitors could also suppress high-glucose-induced inflammation in 3T3-L1 cells via promoting SIRT1/ GLUT4/PPARγ/AKT pathway. LncRNA TUG1 could negatively regulate miR-204 to alleviate inflammation and insulin tolerance via promoting SIRT1/GLUT4/PPARγ/AKT pathway.

The Role of MicroRNAs in Bone Metabolism and Disease

Bone metabolism is an intricate process involving various bone cells, signaling pathways, cytokines, hormones, growth factors, etc., and the slightest deviation can result in various bone disorders including osteoporosis, arthropathy, and avascular necrosis of femoral head. Osteoporosis is one of the most prevalent disorders affecting the skeleton, which is characterized by low bone mass and bone mineral density caused by the disruption in the balanced process of bone formation and bone resorption. The current pharmaceutical treatments such as bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor modulator, calcitonin, teriparatide, etc., could decrease the risk of fractures but have side-effects that have limited their long term applications. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are one of many non-coding RNAs. These are single-stranded with a length of 19–25 nucleotides and can influence various cellular processes and play an important role in various diseases. Therefore, in this article, we review the different functions of different miRNA in bone metabolism and osteoporosis to understand their mechanism of action for the development of possible therapeutics.

MicroRNA‑204‑5p inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of ankylosing spondylitis fibroblasts by regulating the Notch2 signaling pathway

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease and is difficult to detect in the early stages. The present study aimed to investigate the role of microRNA (miR)-204-5p in osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) was used to induce osteogenic differentiation. Cells were divided into the following groups: AS group, AS + BMP-2 group, AS + BMP-2 + miR-negative control group, AS + BMP-2 + miR-204-5p mimics group and AS + BMP-2 + miR-204-5p mimics + pcDNA-Notch2 group. The expression levels of miR-204-5p, Notch2, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteocalcin were detected via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis. The binding site between Notch2 and miR-204-5p was predicted using TargetScan software and verified via the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was assessed via the ALP assay, while the mineralized nodules area was determined via the Alizarin Red S staining assay. The results demonstrated that Notch2 is a target gene of miR-204-5p. Furthermore, treatment with BMP-2 significantly decreased miR-204-5p expression, and significantly increased ALP activity, the mineralized nodules area and the expression levels of Notch2, RUNX2 and osteocalcin in ligament fibroblasts (all P<0.05). Conversely, transfection with miR-204-5p mimics significantly increased miR-204-5p expression, and significantly decreased ALP activity, the mineralized nodules area and the expression levels of Notch2, RUNX2 and osteocalcin in ligament fibroblasts (all P<0.05). Notably, transfection with pcDNA-Notch2 significantly reversed the inhibitory effects induced by miR-204-5p mimics on the osteogenic differentiation of ligament fibroblasts (all P<0.05). Furthermore, miR-204-5p inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of ligament fibroblasts in patients with AS by targeting Notch2. Thus, miR-204-5p may negatively regulate Notch2 expression and may be a potential therapeutic target for AS. Collectively, the results of the present study provide a theoretical basis for the effective treatment of patients with AS.

Expression Profiles of MicroRNAs in Stem Cells Differentiation

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells and have a great potential in multilineage differentiation. These cells are classified into adult stem cells like Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs). Stem cells also have potential therapeutic utility due to their pluripotency, self-renewal, and differentiation ability. These properties make them a suitable choice for regenerative medicine. Stem cells differentiation toward functional cells is governed by different signaling pathways and transcription factors. Recent studies have demonstrated the key role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of various diseases, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, aging, cell fate decisions. Several types of stem cells have different and unique miRNA expression profiles. Our review summarizes novel regulatory roles of miRNAs in the process of stem cell differentiation especially adult stem cells into a variety of functional cells through signaling pathways and transcription factors modulation. Understanding the mechanistic roles of miRNAs might be helpful in elaborating clinical therapies using stem cells and developing novel biomarkers for the early and effective diagnosis of pathologic conditions.

Small RNA sequencing of pectoral muscle tissue reveals microRNA-mediated gene modulation in chicken muscle growth

Sichuan mountainous black-bone (SMB) chicken is a small-sized black-feathered chicken breed with low amount of meat, while Dahen (DH) chicken has a larger body size and a faster growth rate. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in various physiological processes, but their role in chicken muscle growth remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the miRNAs and pathways participating in the muscle growth of chicken. MiRNA profiles of four SMB chickens and four DH chickens were detected by small RNA sequencing. A total of 994 known miRNAs were identified, among which gga-miR-1a-3p, gga-miR-148-3p and gga-miR-133a-3p exhibited the highest enrichment in both breeds of chickens. Thirty-two miRNAs were differently expressed between SMB and DH chickens. The differently expressed miRNAs were mainly associated with fatty acid metabolism, immunity and MAPK activation-related processes. Kyoto encyclopaedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that miRNAs were involved in the immunity-related and MAPK signalling pathways. Moreover, miR-204 was downregulated in DH chicken compared with SMB chicken, and significantly inhibited the expression of MAP3K13, which is involved in the MAPK pathway. It was confirmed through luciferase reporter assays that miR-204 specifically inhibited the activity of MAP3K13. Our results helped demonstrate the potential molecular mechanisms of muscle growth in chickens and provide valuable information for chicken breeding.

Harnessing adipogenesis to prevent obesity

Obesity and associated metabolic complications, including diabetes, cardiovascular and hepatic diseases, and certain types of cancers, create a major socioeconomic burden. Obesity is characterized by excessive expansion of white adipose tissue resulting from increased adipocyte size, and enhanced adipocyte precursor cells proliferation and differentiation into mature adipocytes, a process well-defined as adipogenesis. Efforts to develop therapeutically potent strategies to circumvent obesity are impacted by our limited understanding of molecular mechanisms regulating adipogenesis. In this review, we discuss recently discovered molecular mechanisms restraining adipogenesis. In this perspective, the discoveries of white adipose tissue endogenous adipogenesis-regulatory cells (Aregs) that negatively regulate adipocyte differentiation, platelet-derived growth factor receptor isoform α (PDGFRα) activation and downstream signaling that hinder adipocyte precursors differentiation, and a group of obesity-associated non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that regulate adipogenesis open up promising therapeutic avenues to prevent and/or treat obesity.

Androgen-Regulated microRNAs (AndroMiRs) as Novel Players in Adipogenesis

The development, homeostasis, or increase of the adipose tissue is driven by the induction of the adipogenic differentiation (adipogenesis) of undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Adipogenesis can be inhibited by androgen stimulation of these MSCs resulting in the transcription initiation or repression of androgen receptor (AR) regulated genes. AR not only regulates the transcription of protein-coding genes but also the transcription of several non-coding microRNAs involved in the posttranscriptional gene regulation (herein designated as AndroMiRs). As microRNAs are largely involved in differentiation processes such as adipogenesis, the involvement of AndroMiRs in the androgen-mediated inhibition of adipogenesis is likely, however, not yet intensively studied. In this review, existing knowledge about adipogenesis-related microRNAs and AndroMiRs is summarized, and putative cross-links are drawn, which are still prone to experimental validation.

Dysregulation of miR-204-3p Driven by the Viability and Motility of Retinoblastoma via Wnt/β-catenin Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo

Retinoblastoma (RB) is a malignant intraocular tumor that frequently occurs in infants and toddlers. Although the most of RB patients in the developed countries could survival from this cancer, the patients in undeveloped areas are still suffering. The human retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19 and human retinoblastoma (RB) cell lines HXO-RB44, Y79, and WERI-Rb1 were cultured. The mRNA levels of BANCR and miR-204-3p in these cell lines were measured by qRT-PCR. After transfection with sh-BANCR or treatment with miR-204-3p inhibitor in Y79 cells, the cell proliferation rate, growth, invasion, migration, apoptosis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activity were measured. The regular Y79 and Y79 cells stably expressed sh-BANCR were injected subcutaneously into nude mice, respectively. The volumes and pathohistological futures of tumors were compared. The biochemical features similar to the cell culture were detected and compered. The mRNA measurements showed that BANCR negatively modulate miR-204-3p expression via directly integration with it. Besides, miR-204-3p and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway were found to participate in the oncogenic effects of BANCR on RB cell line by Hoechst staining, cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay, and Western blot analysis in vitro. In addition, an in vivo tumorigenesis experiment in nude mice injected with Y79 cells stably expressed sh-BANCR conformed in the effects of BANCR on RB. Taken together, the knockdown of BANCR inhibited cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration in RB via targeting miR-204-3p, the mechanism may involve inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Identification of genes under dynamic post-transcriptional regulation from time-series epigenomic data

Aim: Prediction of genes under dynamic post-transcriptional regulation from epigenomic data. Materials & methods: We used time-series profiles of chromatin immunoprecipitation-seq data of histone modifications from differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells toward adipocytes and osteoblasts to predict gene expression levels at five time points in both lineages and estimated the deviation of those predictions from the RNA-seq measured expression levels using linear regression. Results & conclusion: The genes with biggest changes in their estimated stability across the time series are enriched for noncoding RNAs and lineage-specific biological processes. Clustering mRNAs according to their stability dynamics allows identification of post-transcriptionally coregulated mRNAs and their shared regulators through sequence enrichment analysis. We identify miR-204 as an early induced adipogenic microRNA targeting Akr1c14 and Il1rl1.

Inhibition of microRNA suppression of Dishevelled results in Wnt pathway-associated developmental defects in sea urchin

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved, small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expressions by binding to the 3' untranslated region of target mRNAs thereby silencing translation. Some miRNAs are key regulators of the Wnt signaling pathways, which impact developmental processes. This study investigates miRNA regulation of different isoforms of Dishevelled (Dvl/Dsh), which encode a key component in the Wnt signaling pathway. The sea urchin Dvl mRNA isoforms have similar spatial distribution in early development, but one isoform is distinctively expressed in the larval ciliary band. We demonstrated that Dvl isoforms are directly suppressed by miRNAs. By blocking miRNA suppression of Dvl isoforms, we observed dose-dependent defects in spicule length, patterning of the primary mesenchyme cells, gut morphology, and cilia. These defects likely result from increased Dvl protein levels, leading to perturbation of Wnt-dependent signaling pathways and additional Dvl-mediated processes. We further demonstrated that overexpression of Dvl isoforms recapitulated some of the Dvl miRNATP-induced phenotypes. Overall, our results indicate that miRNA suppression of Dvl isoforms plays an important role in ensuring proper development and function of primary mesenchyme cells and cilia.

Adipocyte biology: It is time to upgrade to a new model

Globally, the obesity pandemic is profoundly affecting quality of life and economic productivity, but efforts to address this, especially on a pharmacological level, have generally proven unsuccessful to date, serving as a stark demonstration that our understanding of adipocyte biology and pathophysiology is incomplete. To deliver better insight into adipocyte function and obesity, we need improved adipocyte models with a high degree of fidelity in representing the in vivo state and with a diverse range of experimental applications. Adipocyte cell lines, especially 3T3-L1 cells, have been used extensively over many years, but these are limited in terms of relevance and versatility. In this review, I propose that primary adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) present a superior model with which to study adipocyte biology ex vivo. In particular, ASCs afford us the opportunity to study adipocytes from different, functionally distinct, adipose depots and to investigate, by means of in vivo/ex vivo studies, the effects of many different physiological and pathophysiological factors, such as age, body weight, hormonal status, diet and nutraceuticals, as well as disease and pharmacological treatments, on the biology of adipocytes and their precursors. This study will give an overview of the characteristics of ASCs and published studies utilizing ASCs, to highlight the areas where our knowledge is lacking. More comprehensive studies in primary ASCs will contribute to an improved understanding of adipose tissue, in healthy and dysfunctional states, which will enhance our efforts to more successfully manage and treat obesity.

miR-204-5p and miR-3065-5p exert antitumor effects on melanoma cells

MicroRNA (miR)-204-5p was previously identified to be downregulated in melanoma compared with melanocytic nevi. This observation prompted a functional study on miR-204-5p and the newly-identified miR-3065-5p, two miRNAs suggested to be tumor-suppressive oncomiRs. Application of miR-204-5p mimics or inhibitors resulted in a decrease or increase, respectively, in melanoma cell proliferation and colony formation. miR-204-5p mimics hindered invasion, whereas miR-204-5p inhibitors stimulated cancer cell migration. Modulation of miR-3065-5p led to a decrease in melanoma cell proliferation, altered cell cycle distribution and increased expression levels of its target genes HIPK1 and ITGA1, possibly due to functional modifications identified in these cells. miR-204-5p and miR-3065-5p demonstrated antitumor capacities that may need to be taken into account in the development of melanoma treatment approaches.

MicroRNAs as Potential Regulators of Glutathione Peroxidases Expression and Their Role in Obesity and Related Pathologies

Glutathione peroxidases (GPxs) belong to the eight-member family of phylogenetically related enzymes with different cellular localization, but distinct antioxidant function. Several GPxs are important selenoproteins. Dysregulated GPx expression is connected with severe pathologies, including obesity and diabetes. We performed a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis using the programs miRDB, miRanda, TargetScan, and Diana in the search for hypothetical microRNAs targeting 3′untranslated regions (3´UTR) of GPxs. We cross-referenced the literature for possible intersections between our results and available reports on identified microRNAs, with a special focus on the microRNAs related to oxidative stress, obesity, and related pathologies. We identified many microRNAs with an association with oxidative stress and obesity as putative regulators of GPxs. In particular, miR-185-5p was predicted by a larger number of programs to target six GPxs and thus could play the role as their master regulator. This microRNA was altered by selenium deficiency and can play a role as a feedback control of selenoproteins’ expression. Through the bioinformatics analysis we revealed the potential connection of microRNAs, GPxs, obesity, and other redox imbalance related diseases.

miR-135a-5p affects adipogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cellsby promoting the Hippo signaling pathway

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been extensively studied and play a regulatory role during adipogenesis. Specifically, many miRNAs participate in regulation of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation into adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. However, the regulatory mechanisms of miR-135a-5p in the Hippo signaling pathway during adipogenesis need to be explored. In this study, we observed that miR-135a-5p promotes adipogenesis of human adipose-derived MSCs (hADMSCs). miR-135a-5p was overexpressed in adipocytes compared to hADMSCs and further upregulation of miR-135a-5p promoted proliferation and adipogenesis of hADMSCs. In contrast, miR-135a-5p reduction inhibited these processes. Luciferase activity detection and Western blotting confirmed that overexpressed miR-135a-5p had the ability to upregulate the HIPPO signaling pathway. Subsequently, we observed that miR-135a-5p is targeted to key negative regulators in the HIPPO signaling pathway, including MOB kinase activator 1B (MOB1B) and large tumor suppressor 1 (LATS1). Moreover, suppression of LATS1 and MOB1B upregulated the activity of TEAD. In conclusion, we have verified that miR-135a-5p plays an active role in adipogenesis by targeting LATS1 and MOB1B expression, thereby enhancing the HIPPO signaling pathway.

The "dark matter" of DNA and the regulation of bone metabolism: The role of non-coding RNAs

Epigenetics, present a new discipline that attempts to explain significant differences in phenotypes among patients with the same disease. In contrast to the other epigenetic mechanisms that modulate gene transcription, non-coding RNAs act at the post-transcriptional level. They directly modulate the gene expression of mRNA genes leading to mRNA target cleavage and degradation and translation repression. Bioinformatic predictions indicate that non coding RNAs may be involved in the regulation of 60% of the coding genes and each non-coding RNA can have multiple target genes, and each gene may be regulated by more than one non-coding RNAs. In the last decade several studies have shown a significant role of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of bone metabolism and function of bone cells opening a new era in the understanding of bone biology in health and disease.

miR-758-3p: a blood-based biomarker that's influence on the expression of CERP/ABCA1 may contribute to the progression of obesity to metabolic syndrome

Due to increasing prevalence of obesity, a simple method or methods for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome are urgently required to reduce the risk of associated cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. This study aimed to identify a miRNA biomarker that may distinguish metabolic syndrome from obesity and to investigate if such a miRNA may have functional relevance for metabolic syndrome.

52 adults with clinical obesity (n=26) or metabolic syndrome (n=26) were recruited. Plasma specimens were procured from all and were randomly designated to discovery and validation cohorts. miRNA discovery profiling was performed, using array technology, on plasma RNA. Validation was performed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The functional effect of miR-758-3p on its predicted target, cholesterol efflux regulatory protein/ATP-binding cassette transporter, was investigated using HepG2 liver cells.

Custom miRNA profiling of 25 miRNAs in the discovery cohort found miR-758-3p to be detected in the obese cohort but undetected in the metabolic syndrome cohort. miR-758-3p was subsequently validated as a potential biomarker for metabolic syndrome by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics analysis identified cholesterol efflux regulatory protein/ATP-binding cassette transporter as miR-758-3p’s predicted target. Specifically, mimicking miR-758-3p in HepG2 cells suppressed cholesterol efflux regulatory protein/ATP-binding cassette transporter protein expression; conversely, inhibiting miR-758-3p increased cholesterol efflux regulatory protein/ATP-binding cassette transporter protein expression.

miR-758-3p holds potential as a blood-based biomarker for distinguishing progression from obesity to metabolic syndrome and as a driver in controlling cholesterol efflux regulatory protein/ATP-binding cassette transporter expression, indicating it potential role in cholesterol control in metabolic syndrome.

[Research progress of miRNA regulation in differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells]

Objective

To review the research progress of miRNA regulation in the differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs).

Methods

The recent literature associated with miRNAs and differentiation of ADSCs was reviewed. The regulatory mechanism was analyzed in detail and summarized.

Results

The results indicate that the expression of miRNAs changes during differentiation of ADSCs. In addition, miRNAs regulate the differentiation of ADSCs into adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, neurons, and hepatocytes by regulating the signaling pathways involved in cell differentiation.

Conclusion

Through controlling the differentiation of ADSCs by miRNAs, the suitable seed cell for tissue engineering can be established. The review will provide a theoretical basis for molecular targeted therapy and stem cell therapy in clinic.

Identification of novel genes in aging osteoblasts using next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics

During the aging process, impaired osteoblastic function is one key factor of imbalanced bone formation and age-related bone loss. The aim of this study is to explore the differentially expressed genes in normal and aged osteoblasts and to identify genes potentially involved in age-related alteration in bone physiology. Based on next generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, 12 differentially expressed microRNAs and 22 differentially expressed genes were identified. Up-regulation of miR-204-5p was validated in an array of osteoporotic hip fracture in the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE74209). The putative targets for miR-204-5p were Kruppel-like factor 7 (KLF7) and SRY-box 11 (SOX11). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis identified SOX11, involved in osteoarthritis pathway and differentiation of osteoblasts, together with miR-204-5p, a potential upstream regulator, suggesting the critical role of miR-204-5p-SOX11 regulation in the aging process of human bones. In addition, as semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) and ephrin type-A receptor 5 (EPHA5) were involved in nervous system related biological functions, we postulated a potential linkage between SEMA3A, EPHA5 and development of neurogenic heterotopic ossification. Our findings implicate new candidate genes in the diagnosis of geriatric musculoskeletal disorders, and provide novel insights that may contribute to the elaboration of new biomarkers for neurogenic heterotopic ossification.

Identification and differential expression of microRNAs in 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

The aim of this study was to identify specific microRNAs (miRNAs) and their regulatory roles in the process of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced (VD3-induced) osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived Mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs). The differentially expressed miRNAs in VD3-induced hAMSCs was examined. The putative target genes of these miRNAs were predicted. A total of 76 conserved miRNAs, including 18 miRNAs were significantly up-regulated and 58 miRNAs were significantly downregulated, and significantly differentially expressed between the two samples. The expression of 4 upregulated miRNAs (miR-1-3p, miR-1247-5p, miR-217, and miRNA-483) and 5 downregulated miRNAs (miR-1284, miR-218, miR-582-3p, miR-187-3p, and miRNA-122-5p) were verified. The highly enriched GOs and KEGG pathway showed target genes of these miRNAs were significantly involved in multiple biological processes (signal transduction, cell differentiation, cell adhesion and cell proliferation), and several osteogenic pathways (MAPK signaling pathway, TGF-β/BMP signaling pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway). Finally, TGF-β/BMP signaling pathway was selected for target verification and function analysis. We observed that a number of osteo-genes in the TGF-β/BMP superfamily, such as BMPRI, BMPRII, TGFBRI, TGFBRII, BMP4, TGFβ, Smad2, 3, 8, were predicted to be target gene of the differentially expressed miRNAs. Among them, TGFB, BMP4, BMPRI, and Smad8, which are positive regulators in osteoblast differentiation, were confirmed to be significantly up-regulated in VD3-induced cells by qRT-PCR; while Smad6 and activinRI, which are negative regulators of the TGF-β/BMP superfamily, were shown to be significantly down-regulated. These results will help to understand the role of miRNA in the regulation of the osteogenic differentiation of hAMSCs.

Shortcuts to a functional adipose tissue: The role of small non-coding RNAs

Metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes are a major public health issue worldwide. These diseases are often linked to a dysfunctional adipose tissue. Fat is a large, heterogenic, pleiotropic and rather complex tissue. It is found in virtually all cavities of the human body, shows unique plasticity among tissues, and harbors many cell types in addition to its main functional unit - the adipocyte. Adipose tissue function varies depending on the localization of the fat depot, the cell composition of the tissue and the energy status of the organism. While the white adipose tissue (WAT) serves as the main site for triglyceride storage and acts as an important endocrine organ, the brown adipose tissue (BAT) is responsible for thermogenesis. Beige adipocytes can also appear in WAT depots to sustain heat production upon certain conditions, and it is becoming clear that adipose tissue depots can switch phenotypes depending on cell autonomous and non-autonomous stimuli. To maintain such degree of plasticity and respond adequately to changes in the energy balance, three basic processes need to be properly functioning in the adipose tissue: i) adipogenesis and adipocyte turnover, ii) metabolism, and iii) signaling. Here we review the fundamental role of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) in these processes, with focus on microRNAs, and demonstrate their importance in adipose tissue function and whole body metabolic control in mammals.

The Roles of Long Non-Protein-Coding RNAs in Osteo-Adipogenic Lineage Commitment

Osteoblasts and adipocytes share a common mesenchymal progenitor in the bone marrow. This implies that a reciprocal relationship exists between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Further, cells of osteoblast lineage transdifferentiate into adipocytes under some circumstances. Dysregulation of osteo-adipogenic fate-determination leads to bone diseases such as osteoporosis, accompanied by an increase in bone marrow adipose tissue. Thus, the fine-tuning of osteo-adipogenesis is necessary for bone homeostasis. Osteo-adipogenic progression is governed by a complex crosstalk of extrinsic signals, transcription factors, and epigenetic factors. Long non-protein-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) act in part as epigenetic regulators in a broad range of biological activities, such as chromatin organization, transcriptional regulation, post-translational modifications, and histone modification. In this review, we highlight the roles of epigenetic regulators, particularly lncRNAs, in the osteo-adipogenic lineage commitment of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and the adipogenic transdifferentiation of osteoblasts.