miR-30e-5p Mitigates Hypoxia-Induced Apoptosis in Human Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes by Suppressing Bim

Abnormal circulating steroids refine risk of progression to heart failure in ischemic heart disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) experience a high incidence of progression to heart failure (HF) despite current therapies. We speculated that steroid hormone metabolic disorders distinct adverse phenotypes and contribute to HF.

METHODS

We measured 18 steroids using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry in 2023 patients from the Registry Study of Biomarkers in Ischemic Heart Disease (BIOMS-IHD), including 1091 patients with IHD in a retrospective discovery set and 932 patients with IHD in a multicentre validation set. Our outcomes included incident HF after a median follow-up of 4 years.

RESULTS

We demonstrated steroid-based signatures of inflammation, coronary microvascular dysfunction and left ventricular hypertrophy that were associated with subsequent HF events in patients with IHD. In both cohorts, patients with a high steroid-heart failure score (SHFS) (>1) exhibited a greater risk of incident HF than patients with a low SHFS (≤1). The SHFS further improved the prognostic accuracy beyond clinical variables (net reclassification improvement of 0.628 in the discovery set and 0.299 in the validation set) and demonstrated the maximal effect of steroid signatures in patients with IHD who had lower B-type natriuretic peptide levels (pinteraction = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

A steroid-based strategy can simply and effectively identify individuals at higher HF risk who may derive benefit from more intensive follow-ups.

Prediction of Early- and Late-Onset Pre-Eclampsia in the Preclinical Stage via Placenta-Specific Extracellular miRNA Profiling

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the severe complications of pregnancy in 3-8% of all cases and is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality. The fundamental role in the pathogenesis of PE is assigned to maternal and/or placental factors, whereby the combination and manifestation of which determines the time of onset of the clinical symptoms of PE (before or after 34 weeks of gestation) and their severity. It is known that the expression level of miRNAs, the regulators of signaling cascades in the cell, depends on gestational age. In the present study, we focused on the identification of the placenta-specific miRNAs that differentiate between early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia (ePE and lPE) throughout pregnancy, from the first to the third trimester. A total of 67 patients were analyzed using small RNA deep sequencing and real-time quantitative PCR, which resulted in a core list of miRNAs (let-7b-5p, let-7d-3p, let-7f-5p, let-7i-5p, miR-22-5p, miR-451a, miR-1246, miR-30e-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-1307-3p, and miR-320e), which in certain combinations can predict ePE or lPE with 100% sensitivity and 84-100% specificity in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. According to the literature data, these miRNA predictors of PE control trophoblast proliferation, invasion, migration, syncytialization, the endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response, immune tolerance, angiogenesis, and vascular integrity. The simultaneous detection of let-7d-3p, miR-451a, and miR-1307-3p, resistant to the repeated freezing/thawing of blood serum samples, in combination with biochemical (b-hCG and PAPP-A) and ultrasound (UAPI) parameters, allowed us to develop a universal model for the prediction of ePE and lPE onset (FPR = 15.7% and FNR = 9.5%), which was validated using a test cohort of 48 patients and demonstrated false-positive results in 26.7% of cases and false negatives in 5.6% of cases. For comparison, the use of the generally accepted Astraia program in the analysis of the test cohort of patients led to worse results: FPR = 62.1% and FNR = 33.3%.

Early Growth Response-1: Friend or Foe in the Heart?

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Early growth response-1 (Egr-1) plays a critical regulatory role in a range of experimental models of cardiovascular diseases. Egr-1 is an immediate-early gene and is upregulated by various stimuli including shear stress, oxygen deprivation, oxidative stress and nutrient deprivation. However, recent research suggests a new, underexplored cardioprotective side of Egr-1. The main purpose of this review is to explore and summarise the dual nature of Egr-1 in cardiovascular pathobiology.

Early growth response-1: Key mediators of cell death and novel targets for cardiovascular disease therapy

Significance

Cardiovascular diseases are seen to be a primary cause of death, and their prevalence has significantly increased across the globe in the past few years. Several studies have shown that cell death is closely linked to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, many molecular and cellular mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of the cardiac cell death mechanism. One of the factors that played a vital role in the pathogenesis of cardiac cell death mechanisms included the early growth response-1 (Egr-1) factor.

Recent Advances

Studies have shown that abnormal Egr-1 expression is linked to different animal and human disorders like heart failure and myocardial infarction. The biosynthesis of Egr-1 regulates its activity. Egr-1 can be triggered by many factors such as serum, cytokines, hormones, growth factors, endotoxins, mechanical injury, hypoxia, and shear stress. It also displays a pro-apoptotic effect on cardiac cells, under varying stress conditions. EGR1 mediates a broad range of biological responses to oxidative stress and cell death by combining the acute changes occurring in the cellular environment with sustained changes in gene expression.

Future Directions

The primary regulatory role played by the Egr-1-targeting DNAzymes, microRNAs, and oligonucleotide decoy strategies in cardiovascular diseases were identified to provide a reference to identify novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases.

miR‑30e‑5p attenuates neuronal deficit and inflammation of rats with intracerebral hemorrhage by regulating TLR4

microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) have been reported to regulate the pathology of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the function of miR-30e-5p in rats with ICH with specific focus on Toll-like receptor (TLR)4. In the present study, collagenase type IV was used for the establishment of the ICH model in rats, prior to which the rats were injected with miR-30e-5p mimic or miR-30e-5p mimic + pcDNA3.1-TLR4 plasmid. The expression levels of miR-30e-5p and TLR4 were then measured using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. The potential interaction between miR-30e-5p and TLR4 was tested using the MicroRNA Target Prediction Database and dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. In addition, the concentration of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β was measured using ELISA. The protein expression levels of TLR4/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF) signaling-associated molecules were measured by western blotting. Following induction of ICH, miR-30e-5p expression was downregulated, while TLR4 expression was upregulated. By contrast, injection with miR-30e-5p mimic rescued neuronal function while suppressing neuronal inflammation in rats following ICH; these effects were reversed by co-overexpression of TLR4. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-30e-5p inactivated TLR4/MyD88/TRIF signaling in rats with ICH; this was also reversed by overexpression of TLR4. Taken together, these results suggested that overexpression of miR-30e-5p exerted a protective role against neuronal deficit and inflammation caused by ICH in rats by targeting TLR4 and inactivating TLR4/MyD88/TRIF signaling.

MicroRNAs in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment potential and roles as clinical biomarkers

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heritable cardiomyopathy and is characterized by increased left ventricular wall thickness, but existing diagnostic and treatment approaches face limitations. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are type of noncoding RNA molecule that plays crucial roles in the pathological process of cardiac remodelling. Accordingly, miRNAs related to HCM may represent potential novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we first discuss the different roles of miRNAs in the development of HCM. We then summarize the roles of common miRNAs as diagnostic and clinical biomarkers in HCM. Finally, we outline current and future challenges and potential new directions for miRNA-based therapeutics for HCM.

Melatonin Alleviates LPS-Induced Pyroptotic Cell Death in Human Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes by Activating Autophagy

Endotoxemia in sepsis remains a problem due to a lack of effective strategies. Our previous studies have demonstrated that melatonin (Mel) protects against ischemic heart injury and arteriosclerosis. However, its role in endotoxemia-exposed cardiomyocytes remains poorly understood. This study explored, for the first time, the protective effect of Mel on the pyroptosis of human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our results showed that treatment with 1 μM or 10 μM Mel for 12 h significantly improved 1 μg/ml LPS-induced hiPSC-CM injuries, as reflected by drastically decreased LDH release and increased cell viability, which was accompanied by the overt induction of autophagy. Specifically, Mel profoundly alleviated LPS-induced cell pyroptosis, as evidenced by decreased propidium iodide (PI) and active caspase-1 double-positive cell rates; suppressed the expression of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1 (activated form of caspase-1), and GSDMD-NT (functional N-terminal fragment of GSDMD) expression; and inhibited the production of the cleaved IL-1β and cleaved IL-18 cytokines. Additionally, double-membrane autophagosomes were observed in LPS-injured hiPSC-CMs treated with 1 μM or 10 μM Mel. The hiPSC-CMs treated with LPS exhibited considerably fewer acidic vesicles (as revealed by LAMP1 staining) and autophagosomes (as revealed by LC3-II staining); however, Mel reversed this outcome in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, coincubation with rapamycin (an autophagy activator) or 3-MA (an autophagy inhibitor) accentuated and attenuated the antipyroptotic actions of Mel, respectively. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that Mel shields hiPSC-CMs against pyroptosis during endotoxemia by activating autophagy.

MicroRNA-Related Strategies to Improve Cardiac Function in Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) describes a group of manifestations caused by the failure of heart function as a pump that supports blood flow through the body. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as one type of non-coding RNA molecule, have crucial roles in the etiology of HF. Accordingly, miRNAs related to HF may represent potential novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we first discuss the different roles of miRNAs in the development and diseases of the heart. We then outline commonly used miRNA chemical modifications and delivery systems. Further, we summarize the opportunities and challenges for HF-related miRNA therapeutics targets, and discuss the first clinical trial of an antisense drug (CDR132L) in patients with HF. Finally, we outline current and future challenges and potential new directions for miRNA-based therapeutics for HF.

The impact of non-coding RNAs on normal stem cells

Self-renewal and differentiation into diverse cells are two main characteristics of stem cells. These cells have important roles in development and homeostasis of different tissues and are supposed to facilitate tissue regeneration. Function of stem cells is regulated by dynamic interactions between external signaling, epigenetic factors, and molecules that regulate expression of genes. Among the highly appreciated regulators of function of stem cells are long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). Impact of miR-342-5p, miR-145, miR-1297, miR-204-5p, miR-132, miR-128-3p, hsa-miR-302, miR-26b-5p and miR-10a are among miRNAs that regulate function of stem cells. Among lncRNAs, AK141205, ANCR, MEG3, Pnky, H19, TINCR, HULC, EPB41L4A-AS1 and SNHG7 have important roles in the regulation of stem cells. In the current paper, we aimed at reviewing the importance of miRNAs and lncRNAs in differentiation of stem cells both in normal and diseased conditions. For this purpose, we searched PubMed/Medline and google scholar databases using "stem cell" AND "lncRNA", or "long non-coding RNA", or "microRNA" or "miRNA".

Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as a Disease Model System for Heart Failure

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Heart failure is among the most prevalent disease complexes overall and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The underlying aetiology is manifold including coronary artery disease, genetic alterations and mutations, viral infections, adverse immune responses, and cardiac toxicity. To date, no specific therapies have been developed despite notable efforts. This can especially be attributed to hurdles in translational research, mainly due to the lack of proficient models of heart failure limited translation of therapeutic approaches from bench to bedside.

RECENT FINDINGS

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are rising in popularity, granting the ability to divide infinitely, to hold human, patient-specific genome, and to differentiate into any human cell, including cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). This brings magnificent promise to cardiological research, providing the possibility to recapitulate cardiac diseases in a dish. Advances in yield, maturity, and in vivo resemblance due to straightforward, low-cost protocols, high-throughput approaches, and complex 3D cultures have made this tool widely applicable. In recent years, hiPSC-CMs have been used to model a wide variety of cardiac diseases, bringing along the possibility to not only elucidate molecular mechanisms but also to test novel therapeutic approaches in the dish. Within the last decade, hiPSC-CMs have been exponentially employed to model heart failure. Constant advancements are aiming at improvements of differentiation protocols, hiPSC-CM maturity, and assays to elucidate molecular mechanisms and cellular functions. However, hiPSC-CMs are remaining relatively immature, and in vitro models can only partially recapitulate the complex interactions in vivo. Nevertheless, hiPSC-CMs have evolved as an essential model system in cardiovascular research.

Identification of MicroRNA-Potassium Channel Messenger RNA Interactions in the Brain of Rats With Post-traumatic Epilepsy

Background: Dysregulated expression of microRNAs and potassium channels have been reported for their contributions to seizure onset. However, the microRNA–potassium channel gene interactions in traumatic brain injury-induced post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) remain unknown.

Methods: PTE was induced in male rats by intracranial injection with ferrous chloride (0.1 mol/L, 1 μl/min) at the right frontal cortex. Electroencephalography was recorded at 60 min, as well as day 1, 7, and 30, and the behavioral seizures were assessed before injection and at different time points after injection. Rats were killed on day 30 after injection. The right frontal cortex samples were collected and subjected to high throughput messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA sequencing. A network of differentially expressed potassium channel mRNAs and microRNAs was constructed using OryCun2.0 and subjected to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. The differential mRNA and microRNA expressions were verified using quantitative real-time-PCR. The microRNA–mRNA was subject to the Pearson correlation analysis.

Results: A PTE rat model was successfully established, as evidenced by behavioral seizures and epileptiform discharges on electroencephalography in PTE rats compared with sham rats. Among the 91 mRNAs and 40 microRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed in the PTE rat brain, 4 mRNAs and 10 microRNAs were associated with potassium channels. Except for potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily N member 2, the other three potassium channel mRNAs were negatively correlated with seven microRNAs. These microRNA–mRNA pairs were enriched in annotations and pathways related to neuronal ion channels and neuroinflammation. Quantitative real-time-PCR and correlation analysis verified negative correlations in miR-449a-5p-KCNH2, miR-98-5p-KCNH2, miR-98-5p-KCNK15, miR-19b-3p-KCNK15, and miR-301a-3p-KCNK15 pairs.

Conclusion: We identified microRNA–potassium channel mRNA interactions associated with PTE, providing potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for PTE.

microRNA-30e up-regulation alleviates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and promotes ventricular remodeling via SOX9 repression

AIM

At present, studies have focused on microRNAs (miRNAs) in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI). But the specific role of miR-30e hasn't been fully explored. Thus, this study is to uncover the mechanism of miR-30e in MI/RI.

METHODS

MI/RI models of rats and hypoxia/reoxygenation injury (H/R) models of H9C2 cardiomyocytes were established. Rats were injected with miR-30e and SRY-related high mobility group-box gene 9 (SOX9)-related oligonucleotides or vectors to explore their roles in MI/RI. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were transfected with restored miR-30e and depleted SOX9 to decipher their function in H/R injury. miR-30e and SOX9 expression in myocardial tissues and cardiomyocytes were detected. Online website prediction and luciferase activity assay were applied to validate the targeting relationship between miR-30e and SOX9.

RESULTS

Decreased miR-30e and increased SOX9 were found in myocardial tissues of MI/RI rats and H/R-treated cardiomyocytes. miR-30e targeted SOX9. miR-30e up-regulation or SOX9 down-regulation reduced cardiac function damage and suppressed oxidative stress, inflammation, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and myocardial enzymes in myocardial tissues of MI/RI rats. Restoring miR-30e or silencing SOX9 energized cell viability and inhibited apoptosis of H/R-treated cardiomyocytes. Down-regulating SOX9 reversed the effects of miR-30e down-regulation on myocardial injury, ventricular remodeling, cardiomyocyte damage and apoptosis in MI/RI.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that miR-30e elevation alleviated cardiac function damage and promoted ventricular remodeling via SOX9 repression.

miR-30e-5p Alleviates Inflammation and Cardiac Dysfunction After Myocardial Infarction Through Targeting PTEN

Accumulating studies show that microRNAs are candidate biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction (MI). Bioinformatics analysis suggested that compared with Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats without MI, miR-30e-5p expression in the left ventricle tissue of SD rats with MI was significantly downregulated, suggesting miR-30e-5p may participate in the pathogenesis of MI. In this study, H9c2 cardiomyocytes were exposed to hypoxia to establish a hypoxic cell model. SD rats with left anterior descending coronary artery ligation were used for the MI animal model. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to evaluate the miR-30e-5p and PTEN mRNA expressions in cells and tissues. Western blot was used for detecting the expression of PTEN protein. miR-30e-5p expression in H9c2 cells was then inhibited or overexpressed, and its effects on viability and apoptosis were examined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and TUNEL assay, respectively. ELISA was used to detect inflammatory factors. The regulatory relationship between PTEN and miR-30e-5p was investigated by bioinformatics analysis, qRT-PCR, Western blot, and dual-luciferase reporter assay. It was found that miR-30e-5p expression was significantly downregulated in animal models and H9c2 cells under hypoxia. Overexpression of miR-30e-5p led to a dramatic increase of cell viability, accompanied by the decrease of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, LDH, CK-MB, and cTnI. Furthermore, PTEN was identified as a target of miR-30e-5p, and PTEN overexpression reversed the effects of miR-30e -5p on H9c2 cells. To conclude, we confirm that miR-30e-5p alleviates inflammation and myocardial injury induced by MI via suppressing PTEN.

miR-30e-3p Promotes Cardiomyocyte Autophagy and Inhibits Apoptosis via Regulating Egr-1 during Ischemia/Hypoxia

Background

Microvascular obstruction (MVO) can result in coronary microcirculation embolism and myocardial microinfarction. Myocardial injury induced by MVO is characterized by continuous ischemia and hypoxia of cardiomyocytes. Autophagy and apoptosis are closely associated with various cardiovascular diseases. Based on our previous study, we observed a decrease in miR-30e-3p expression and an increase in Egr-1 expression in a rat coronary microembolization model. However, the specific function of miR-30e-3p in regulating autophagy and apoptosis in an ischemia/hypoxia (IH) environment remains to be deciphered. We exposed cardiomyocytes to an IH environment and then determined whether miR-30e-3p was involved in promoting cardiomyocyte autophagy and inhibiting apoptosis by regulating Egr-1.

Methods

Cardiomyocytes were isolated from rats for our in vitro study. miR-30e-3p was either overexpressed or inhibited by transfection with lentiviral vectors into cardiomyocytes. 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) was used to inhibit autophagy. RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to determine the expression levels of miR-30e-3p, Egr-1, and proteins related to the autophagy and apoptosis process. Autophagic vacuoles and autophagic flux were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal microscopy, respectively. Cardiomyocyte viability was evaluated using the MTS assay. Cell injury was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, and apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry.

Results

Both miR-30e-3p expression and autophagy were significantly inhibited, and apoptosis was increased in cardiomyocytes after 9 hours of IH exposure. Overexpression of miR-30e-3p increased autophagy and inhibited apoptosis, as well as suppressed Egr-1 expression and decreased cell injury. In addition, inhibition of miR-30e-3p reduced autophagy and increased apoptosis and cell injury.

Conclusions

miR-30e-3p may be involved in promoting cardiomyocyte autophagy and inhibiting apoptosis by indirectly regulating Egr-1 expression in an IH environment.

Endosulfan induces cardiotoxicity through apoptosis via unbalance of pro-survival and mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathways

Although the associations between endosulfan and adverse cardiovascular health have been reported, the toxic effects and underlying mechanism of endosulfan on the heart are not well understood. In this study, we examined the cardiotoxicity induced by endosulfan using Wistar rats and human cardiomyocytes (AC16) cells. Wistar rats were divided into control group (received corn oil alone) and three concentrations of endosulfan groups (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg·bw) by gavage. The AC16 cells were treated with three various concentrations (0, 1.25, 5, and 20 μg/mL) of endosulfan. The results showed that endosulfan induced cytotoxicity through damaging myocardial structure, decreasing the viability of cardiomyocytes, and elevating the serum levels of cardiac troponin I, heart fatty acid binding protein, aspartate aminotransferase, and reactive oxygen species (p < 0.05). Moreover, measurement of mitochondrial function showed that endosulfan could significantly decrease adenosine triphosphate levels and cytochrome c oxidase IV expression in AC16 cells (p < 0.05). In addition, endosulfan obviously inhibited Bcl-2 expression, activated the expressions of cytochrome c/Caspase-9/Caspase-3 signaling pathway, and induced the apoptosis of AC16 cells (p < 0.05). Furthermore, endosulfan significantly increased the expression of Bim, and inhibited the expressions of PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a signaling pathways in cardiomyocytes (p < 0.05). These results suggest that endosulfan may induce cardiotoxicity by inducing myocardial apoptosis resulting from activation of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway and inhibition of pro-survival signaling pathways, which might be helpful in elucidating the mechanism of cardiac dysfunction induced by endosulfan.

MiR-30e-5p is sponged by Kcnq1ot1 and represses Angiotensin II-induced hypertrophic phenotypes in cardiomyocytes by targeting ADAM9

Prolonged cardiac hypertrophy, a pathological compensatory response of the heart, finally leads to heart failure. Numerous studies have illustrated the vital roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in cardiac hypertrophy. Here, we probed into the role and probable mechanism of microRNA-30e-5p (miR-30e-5p) in Angiotensin II (Ang-II)-stimulated hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. Intriguingly, the expression of hypertrophic markers, cell surface area and protein/DNA ratio were all reduced in Ang-II-induced hypertrophic cardiomyocytes when miR-30e-5p expression was augmented. Then, ADAM9 was screened out as the target of miR-30e-5p and ADAM9 overexpression rescued the effect of miR-30e-5p upregulation in Ang-II-treated cardiomyocytes. Moreover, we identified Kcnq1ot1 as the upstream of miR-30e-5p/ADAM9 axis and verified that Kcnq1ot1 aggrandized ADAM9 expression in Ang-II-treated cardiomyocytes through absorbing miR-30e-5p. Furthermore, rescue assays confirmed that ADAM9 up-regulation abrogated the repressive effect of Kcnq1ot1 depletion on Ang-II-induced cardiac hypertrophy. In conclusion, Kcnq1ot1 sequestered miR-30e-5p to release ADAM9 to facilitate cardiac hypertrophy, indicating that Kcnq1ot1 might be used as a potentially therapeutic target for cardiac hypertrophy.

Beyond Family: Modeling Non-hereditary Heart Diseases With Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes

Non-genetic cardiac pathologies develop as an aftermath of extracellular stress-conditions. Nevertheless, the response to pathological stimuli depends deeply on intracellular factors such as physiological state and complex genetic backgrounds. Without a thorough characterization of their in vitro phenotype, modeling of maladaptive hypertrophy, ischemia and reperfusion injury or diabetes in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) has been more challenging than hereditary diseases with defined molecular causes. In past years, greater insights into hPSC-CM in vitro physiology and advancements in technological solutions and culture protocols have generated cell types displaying stress-responsive phenotypes reminiscent of in vivo pathological events, unlocking their application as a reductionist model of human cardiomyocytes, if not the adult human myocardium. Here, we provide an overview of the available literature of pathology models for cardiac non-genetic conditions employing healthy (or asymptomatic) hPSC-CMs. In terms of numbers of published articles, these models are significantly lagging behind monogenic diseases, which misrepresents the incidence of heart disease causes in the human population.

miR-885 mediated cardioprotection against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis in human cardiomyocytes via inhibition of PTEN and BCL2L11 and modulation of AKT/mTOR signaling

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury could cause the enhanced cell apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, which is one of key contributors for the development of ischemic heart disease. Recent studies emphasized the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating cardiomyocyte apoptosis. The study planned to elucidate the molecular actions of miR-885 on mediating human cardiomyocytes (HCMs) apoptosis induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) and to explore the potential molecular mechanisms. The present data revealed that H/R stimulation inhibited HCM viability and potentiated HCM apoptosis, and more importantly, the expression of miR-885 in HCMs was markedly repressed after H/R stimulation. Further experimental examinations demonstrated that overexpression of miR-885 attenuated H/R-induced increased in HCM apoptotic rates, while miR-885 knockdown impaired HCM viability and increased HCM apoptotic rates. Moreover, the mechanistic studies showed that miR-885 inversely regulated the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and BCL2 like 11 (BCL2L11) in HCMs, and enforced expression of PTEN and BCL2L11 partially antagonized the protective actions of miR-885 overexpression on H/R-induced HCM injury. Moreover, H/R suppressed AKT/mTOR signaling, which was attenuated by miR-885 overexpression in HCMs. In conclusion, the present study for the first time showed the downregulation of miR-885 induced by H/R in HCMs, and provided the evidence that miR-885 attenuated H/R-induced cell apoptosis via inhibiting PTEN and BLC2L11 and modulation of AKT/mTOR signaling in HCMs.

miR-30e-5p represses angiogenesis and metastasis by directly targeting AEG-1 in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Metastasis is a critical determinant for the treatment strategy and prognosis in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). However, the mechanisms underlying SCCHN metastasis are poorly understood. Our study sought to determine the key microRNA and their functional mechanisms involved in SCCHN metastasis. For The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data analysis, quantitative PCR was used to quantify the level of miR‐30e‐5p in SCCHN and its clinical significance was further analyzed. A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were applied to determine the effects of miR‐30e‐5p and its target AEG‐1 on SCCHN metastasis. A mechanism investigation further revealed that AEG‐1 was implicated in the angiogenesis and metastasis mediated by miR‐30e‐5p. Overall, our study confirms that miR‐30e‐5p is a valuable predictive biomarker and potential therapeutic target in SCCHN metastasis.