Long non-coding RNA NEAT1 participates in ventilator-induced lung injury by regulating miR-20b expression

Inflammatory memory-activated biomimetic nanovesicles regulate neutrophil plasticity and metabolic reprogramming for rapid diabetic wound healing via targeting miR-193a-5p/TLR4/JNK/P38 MAPK pathways

Diabetic wound therapy faces significant challenges due to the complexity of the wound microenvironment, especially dysregulated immune cell responses and persistent pro-inflammatory sate. Targeting immune cells to reverse pathological wound conditions has increasingly become a promising strategy to promote diabetic wound healing. It has been reported that prolonged memory to acute inflammation sensitizes epidermal stem cells (EpSCs) to tissue damage. The increasing importance of interactions between immune cells and tissue stem cells has raised interest in the potential of EpSCs to induce inflammatory adaptations in diabetic wounds, and meanwhile, the inflammation memory patterns also provide new insight in EpSCs for tissue repair. Here, bioinspired cell-derived mimetic nanovesicles (MNVs) were obtained from inflammation memory-activated EpSCs. LPS treatment could trigger acute inflammation response and activate inflammation memory. MNVs derived from LPS-pretreated EpSCs (LEM) can effectively promote diabetic wound healing by manipulating crucial neutrophil regulatory mechanisms. The in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that LEM could stimulate neutrophil mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming, overcome phenotypic switching deficiency of neutrophils, and skew neutrophils toward N2 anti-inflammatory phenotype via regulating miR-193a-5p/TLR4/ JNK/P38 MAPK pathways in diabetic models. Our findings highlighted the great potential of inflammation memory in EpSCs, and also provided an alternative for diabetic wound treatment.

The role of lncRNA NEAT1 in acute graft-versus-host disease: Regulation of macrophage polarization and inflammatory cytokine secretion via JNK/NLRP3 pathway

BACKGROUND

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The role of macrophages as proficient antigen-presenting cells in aGVHD is a prominent area of investigation in contemporary research. The association between long noncoding RNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (lncRNA NEAT1) and the macrophage function is of significant interest. However, the role of lncRNA NEAT1 in aGVHD needs to be further explored.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from patients with or without aGVHD (non-aGVHD) after allo-HSCT. RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were transduced with NEAT1 lentiviral vector or transfected with NEAT1 small interfering RNA to change the expression level of lncRNA NEAT1. Finally, an aGVHD mouse model was established to evaluate the role of JNK inhibitor or NLRP3 inhibitor in aGVHD.

RESULTS

Compared with non-aGVHD patients, lncRNA NEAT1 was significantly up-regulated in the PBMCs of aGVHD patients. ROC and AUC analysis confirmed that the expression of lncRNA NEAT1 was correlated with the occurrence of aGVHD. The overexpression of lncRNA NEAT1 in RAW264.7 could significantly promote the proliferation, migration, and differentiation into M1 macrophages. Knockdown of lncRNA NEAT1 could significantly decrease the proportion of M1 macrophages, regulate pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion, and affect the JNK/NLRP3 pathway in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced BMDMs. Correspondingly, JNK and NLRP3 inhibitors reduced LPS-induced pro-inflammatory responses in macrophages. Furthermore, JNK and NLRP3 inhibitors regulated macrophage polarization and improved symptoms in aGVHD mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The aforementioned data suggest that lncRNA NEAT1 potentially plays a significant role in macrophage polarization and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines through its modulation of the JNK/NLRP3 pathway. Consequently, this study establishes a foundation for the development of novel therapeutic approaches targeting aGVHD.

Inhibition of lncEPS by TLR4/NF-κB pathway induces ventilator-induced lung injury by decreasing its binding to and upregulating Hspa5

Whether LincRNA erythroid prosurvival (LncEPS) reduces VILI remains unclear. A GSE200932 microarray was used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A VILI mouse model was constructed by mechanical ventilation (MV), with or without TAK242 or SN50 pretreatment. Airway transfection with adeno-associated virus (AAV) was used to overexpress lncEPS in alveolar macrophages (AMs). Lung tissues were collected to assess pathological injury and macrophage polarization. NLRP3 inflammasome, TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation and heat shock protein family A member 5 (Hspa5) in lung tissue and AMs wre evaluated. LncEPS localization and regulatory changes were assessed using in situ hybridization and RT-PCR. Lung tissues after lncEPS overexpression were subjected to transcriptomics. Chromatin isolation and mass spectrometry (MS) were performed to identify proteins interacting with lncEPS. GSE200932 microarray showed that the DEGs were related to NF-κB pathway, Toll-like receptor pathway and NOD-like receptor pathway. TAK242 or SN50 treatment increased polarization of M2 macrophages and decreased NLRP3 inflammasome activation by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway in VILI. Inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB pathway upregulated lncEPS expression in AMs. Overexpression of lncEPS increased polarization of M2 macrophages and decreased NLRP3 inflammasome activation, eventually alleviating VILI in mice. Mechanistically, lncEPS bound to Hspa5 and downregulated its expression to inhibit inflammatory response.

Transforming growth factor-β1 is associated with inflammatory resolution via regulating macrophage polarization in lung injury model mice

OBJECTIVE

Ventilation is the main respiratory support therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome, which triggers acute lung injury (ALI). Macrophage polarization is vital for the resolution of inflammation and tissue injury. We hypothesized that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 may attenuate inflammation and ventilator-induced ALI by promoting M2 macrophage polarization.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice received 4-hour ventilation and extubation to observe the resolution of lung injury and inflammation. Lung vascular permeability, inflammation, and histological changes in the lungs were evaluated by bronchoalveolar lavage analysis, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, hematoxylin and eosin staining, as well as transmission electron microscope. TGF-β1 cellular production and macrophage subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. The relative expressions of targeted proteins and genes were measured by immunofuorescence staining, Western blot, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

High tidal volume-induced injury and inflammation were resolved at 3 days of post-ventilation (PV3d) to PV10d, with increased elastic fibers, proteoglycans, and collagen content, as well as higher TGF-β1 levels. M1 macrophages were increased in the acute phase, whereas M2a macrophages began to increase from PV1d to PV3d, as well as increased M2c macrophages from PV3d to PV7d. A single dose of rTGF-β1 attenuated lung injury and inflammation at end of ventilation with polymorphonuclear leukocyte apoptosis, while nTAb pretreatment induced the abnormal elevation of TGF-β1 that aggravated lung injury and inflammation due to the significant inhibition of M1 macrophages polarized to M2a, M2b, and M2c macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

Precise secretion of TGF-β1-mediated macrophage polarization plays a crucial role in the resolution of ventilator-induced inflammatory lung injury.

Molecular Mechanisms of Tumorgenesis and Metastasis of Long Non-coding RNA (lncRNA) NEAT1 in Human Solid Tumors; An Update

The expression of the nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1), as a well-known long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), is often upregulated in varied types of cancers and associated with poor survival outcomes in patients suffering from tumors. NEAT1 promotes the tumors growth by influencing the various genes' expression profile that regulate various aspects of tumor cell behavior, in particular tumor growth, metastasis and drug resistance. This suggests that NEAT1 are capable of serving as a new diagnostic biomarker and target for therapeutic intervention. Through interrelation with enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), NEAT1 acts as a scaffold RNA molecule, and thus regulating the expression EZH2-associated genes. Additionally, by perform as miRNA sponge, it constrains suppressing the interactions between miRNAs-mediated degradation of target mRNAs. In light of this, NEAT1 inhibition by small interfering RNA (siRNA) hampers tumorgenesis. We summarize recent findings about the expression, biological functions, and regulatory process of NEAT1 in human tumors. It specifically emphasizes the clinical significance of NEAT1 as a novel diagnostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic mark for many types of cancers.

A comprehensive review on the emerging role of long non-coding RNAs in the regulation of NF-κB signaling in inflammatory lung diseases

Public health globally faces significant risks from conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and various inflammatory lung disorders. The NF-κB signaling system partially controls lung inflammation, immunological responses, and remodeling. Non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial in regulating gene expression. They are increasingly recognized for their involvement in NF-κB signaling and the development of inflammatory lung diseases. Disruption of lncRNA-NF-κB interactions is a potential cause and resolution factor for inflammatory respiratory conditions. This study explores the therapeutic potential of targeting lncRNAs and NF-κB signaling to alleviate inflammation and restore lung function. Understanding the intricate relationship between lncRNAs and NF-κB signaling could offer novel insights into disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets. Regulation of lncRNAs and NF-κB signaling holds promise as an effective approach for managing inflammatory lung disorders. This review aims to comprehensively analyze the interaction between lncRNAs and the NF-κB signaling pathway in the context of inflammatory lung diseases. It investigates the functional roles of lncRNAs in modulating NF-κB activity and the resulting inflammatory responses in lung cells, focusing on molecular mechanisms involving upstream regulators, inhibitory proteins, and downstream effectors.

PLXNC1 interference alleviates the inflammatory injury, apoptosis and extracellular matrix degradation of IL-1β-exposed chondrocytes via suppressing GRP78 expression

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a frequently encountered debilitating joint disorder. Whether plexin C1 (PLXNC1) is implicated in OA is far from being investigated despite its well-documented pro-inflammatory property in human diseases. The goal of this study is to expound the specific role of PLXNC1 in OA and elaborate the probable action mechanism.

METHODS

Firstly, PLXNC1 expression in the cartilage tissues of patients with OA was examined with GEO database. In interleukin-1beta (IL-1β)-induced OA cell model, RT-qPCR and western blotting tested the expression of PLXNC1, glucose-regulating protein 78 (GRP78) and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation-related factors. Cell viability and inflammation were respectively judged by CCK-8 assay and RT-qPCR. TUNEL and western blotting estimated cell apoptosis. The potential binding between PLXNC1 and GRP78 was corroborated by Co-IP assay. Western blotting also tested the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-associated proteins.

RESULTS

As it turned out, PLXNC1 expression was elevated in the cartilage tissues of patients with OA and IL-1β-treated chondrocytes. When PLXNC1 was depleted, the viability injury, inflammation, apoptosis and ECM degradation of chondrocytes exposed to IL-1β were obstructed. Besides, GRP78 bond to PLXNC1 in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes. The ascending GRP78 expression in the chondrocytes exposed to IL-1β was depleted after PLXNC1 was silenced. Meanwhile, the impacts of PLXNC1 deficiency on the viability, inflammatory response, apoptosis, ECM degradation as well as ERS in IL-1β-exposed chondrocytes were abolished by GRP78 up-regulation.

CONCLUSION

In summary, PLXNC1 silencing might interact with and down-regulate GRP78 to mitigate the apoptosis, inflammation, and ECM degradation of IL-1β-insulted chondrocytes in OA.

Role of RNA methylation in the regulation of pancreatic cancer stem cells (Review)

Pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a key role in the initiation and progression of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). CSCs are responsible for resistance to chemotherapy and radiation, and for cancer metastasis. Recent studies have indicated that RNA methylation, a type of RNA modification, predominantly occurring as m6A methylation, plays an important role in controlling the stemness of cancer cells, therapeutic resistance against chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and their overall relevance to a patient's prognosis. CSCs regulate various behaviors of cancer through cell-cell communication by secreting factors, through their receptors, and through signal transduction. Recent studies have shown that RNA methylation is involved in the biology of the heterogeneity of PDAC. The present review provides an update on the current understanding of RNA modification-based therapeutic targets against deleterious PDAC. Several key pathways and agents that can specifically target CSCs have been identified, thus providing novel insights into the early diagnosis and efficient treatment of PDAC.

LncRNA H19 via miR-29a-3p is involved in lung inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis induced by neodymium oxide

The occupational and environmental health safety of rare earths has attracted considerable attention. In China, the rare earth neodymium oxide (Nd₂O₃) is extensively refined and utilized. However, the mechanisms of Nd₂O₃-induced lung injury are elusive. In the present study, we found that exposure of mice to Nd₂O₃ caused an inflammatory reaction and fibrosis in lung tissues, which was in relation to the Nd₂O₃-induced higher levels of the lncRNA H19 (H19), tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFRSF1A), p-p65, and p-IKKβ and lower levels of miR-29a-3p. Further, in mouse monocyte macrophage leukemia cells (RAW264.7), Nd₂O₃ induced an inflammatory reaction, increases of H19 and TNFRSF1A levels, decreases of miR-29a-3p levels, and activation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway. Further, we established that miR-29a-3p regulates TNFRSF1A expression. Up-regulation of miR-29a-3p and down-regulation of H19 blocked the Nd₂O₃-induced secretion of TNF-α, MIP-1α, and IL-6; the increases of TNFRSF1A levels; and activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in RAW264.7 cells. Further, in Nd₂O₃-treated RAW26.4 cells, H19 inhibited the expression of miR-29a-3p, which targets TNFRSF1A, and activated the NF-κB signaling pathway to enhance the expression of TNF-α, MIP-1α, and IL-6. Moreover, for mice, up-regulation of miR-29a-3p reversed lung tissue inflammation, pulmonary fibrosis, and activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway induced by Nd₂O₃. In sum, the present investigation shows that H19 via miR-29a-3p is involved in lung inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis induced by Nd₂O₃, which is a mechanism for the Nd₂O₃-induced lung inflammatory response and pulmonary fibrosis. This information is useful for development of a biomarker of Nd₂O₃-induced lung injury.