From 2646 to 15: differentially regulated microRNAs between progenitors from normal myometrium and leiomyoma

MicroRNA-200 Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles Promote Intestinal Epithelium Regeneration in Canonical MicroRNA-Deficient Mice

Intestinal epithelium undergoes regeneration after injuries, and the disruption of this process can lead to inflammatory bowel disease and tumorigenesis. Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) residing in the crypts are crucial for maintaining the intestinal epithelium's homeostasis and promoting regeneration upon injury. However, the precise role of DGCR8, a critical component in microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis, in intestinal regeneration remains poorly understood. In this study, we provide compelling evidence demonstrating the indispensable role of epithelial miRNAs in the regeneration of the intestine in mice subjected to 5-FU or irradiation-induced injury. Through a comprehensive pooled screen of miRNA function in Dgcr8-deficient organoids, we observe that the loss of the miR-200 family leads to the hyperactivation of the p53 pathway, thereby reducing ISCs and impairing epithelial regeneration. Notably, downregulation of the miR-200 family and hyperactivation of the p53 pathway are verified in colonic tissues from patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC). Most importantly, the transient supply of miR-200 through the oral delivery of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) carrying miR-200 restores ISCs and promotes intestinal regeneration in mice following acute injury. Our study implies the miR-200/p53 pathway as a promising therapeutic target for active UC patients with diminished levels of the miR-200 family. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the clinical application of LNP-miRNAs could enhance the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of existing therapeutic modalities for intestinal diseases.

miRNAs, Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Major Neoplastic and Inflammatory Skin Diseases: A Page Being Written: A Systematic Review

Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are a type of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) and typically interact with specific target mRNAs through complementary base pairing, affecting their translation and/or stability. MiRNAs regulate nearly all cellular functions, including the cell fate of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). It is now accepted that various pathologies arise at the stem level, and, in this scenario, the role played by miRNAs in the fate of MSCs becomes of primary concern. Here we have considered the existing literature in the field of miRNAs, MSCs and skin diseases, classified as inflammatory (such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis-AD) and neoplastic (melanoma and non-melanoma-skin-cancer including squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma) diseases. In this scoping review article, the evidence recovered indicates that this topic has attracted attention, but it is still a matter of opinion. A protocol for this review was registered in PROSPERO with the registration number "CRD42023420245". According to the different skin disorders and to the specific cellular mechanisms considered (cancer stem cells, extracellular vesicles, inflammation), miRNAs may play a pro- or anti-inflammatory, as well as a tumor suppressive, or supporting, role, indicating a complex regulation of their function. It is evident that the mode of action of miRNAs is more than a switch on-off, and all the observed effects of their dysregulated expression must be checked in a detailed analysis of the targeted proteins. The involvement of miRNAs has been studied mainly for squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, and much less in psoriasis and AD; different mechanisms have been considered, such as miRNAs included in extracellular vesicles derived both from MSCs or tumor cells, miRNAs involved in cancer stem cells formation, up to miRNAs as candidates to be new therapeutic tools.

A View on Uterine Leiomyoma Genesis through the Prism of Genetic, Epigenetic and Cellular Heterogeneity

Uterine leiomyomas (ULs), frequent benign tumours of the female reproductive tract, are associated with a range of symptoms and significant morbidity. Despite extensive research, there is no consensus on essential points of UL initiation and development. The main reason for this is a pronounced inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity resulting from diverse and complicated mechanisms underlying UL pathobiology. In this review, we comprehensively analyse risk and protective factors for UL development, UL cellular composition, hormonal and paracrine signalling, epigenetic regulation and genetic abnormalities. We conclude the need to carefully update the concept of UL genesis in light of the current data. Staying within the framework of the existing hypotheses, we introduce a possible timeline for UL development and the associated key events—from potential prerequisites to the beginning of UL formation and the onset of driver and passenger changes.

MicroRNA-Mediated Mitochondrial Dysfunction Is Involved in the Anti-triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Activity of Phytosesquiterpene Lactones

Aims: Emerging evidence suggests that modulating redox homeostasis through targeting mitochondrial functions may be a useful strategy for suppressing triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) activities. However, whether there are specific microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in regulating oxidative stress-associated mitochondrial functions that can act as therapeutic targets to suppress TNBC activities remains unclear. Here, we aimed to identify the role of redox-associated miRNAs in TNBC and investigated their potential as therapeutic targets. Results: We identified oxidative stress-responsive differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) regulated by phytosesquiterpene lactone deoxyelephantopin (DET) and its novel derivative DETD-35, which are known to inhibit TNBC growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, using comparative miRNA microarray analysis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging approaches. Mitochondrial dysfunction was identified as a major biological function regulated by a few specific DEMs. In particular, miR-4284 was identified to play a role in DET- and DETD-35-mediated ROS production, mitochondrial basal proton leak, and antiproliferation activity in TNBC cells. Moreover, DET- and DETD-35-induced mitochondrial DNA damage was observed in TNBC cells and xenograft tumors. miR-4284 was also identified to play a role in oxidative DNA damage in TNBC tumors. Innovation: We identified a novel role for miR-4284 in regulating mitochondrial basal proton leak in TNBC cells, and highlighted its significance in TNBC tumor oxidative DNA damage, and its direct correlation with TNBC patient survival. Conclusion: We used DET and DETD-35 as proof of concept to demonstrate that activities of anticancer agents can involve regulation of multiple miRNAs playing different roles in cancer progression. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 38, 198-214.

Pathogenic Role of the Sphingosine 1-Phosphate (S1P) Pathway in Common Gynecologic Disorders (GDs): A Possible Novel Therapeutic Target

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid, noteworthy for its involvement both in the modulation of various biological processes and in the development of many diseases. S1P signaling can be either pro or anti-inflammatory, and the sphingosine kinase (SphK)–S1P–S1P receptor (S1PR) axis is a factor in accelerating the growth of several cells, including endometriotic cells and fibrosis. Gynecologic disorders, including endometriosis, adenomyosis, and uterine fibroids are characterized by inflammation and fibrosis. S1P signaling and metabolism have been shown to be dysregulated in those disorders and they are likely implicated in their pathogenesis and pathophysiology. Enzymes responsible for inactivating S1P are the most affected by the dysregulation of S1P balanced levels, thus causing accumulation of sphingolipids within these cells and tissues. The present review highlights the past and latest evidence on the role played by the S1P pathways in common gynecologic disorders (GDs). Furthermore, it discusses potential future approaches in the regulation of this signaling pathway that could represent an innovative and promising therapeutical target, also for ovarian cancer treatment.

Downregulation of hsa-miR-135b-5p Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in Colon Adenocarcinoma

Colon cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract, and approximately 80%-90% of colon cancers are colon adenocarcinomas (COADs). This study aimed to screen key microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with COAD. Differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were screened between COAD and adjacent cancer samples based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Cancer Genome Atlas obtained from datasets. The miRNAs of interest were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, the effects of hsa-miR-135b-5p on the biological behavior of COAD cells were observed. To obtain the target genes of hsa-miR-135b-5p, transcriptome sequencing of the SW480 cells was performed, followed by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and hsa-miR-135b-5p-target gene regulatory network construction and prognostic analysis. Downregulation of hsa-miR-135b-5p significantly inhibited SW480 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and significantly facilitated apoptosis (P < 0.05). A total of 3384 DEmRNAs were screened, and enrichment analysis showed that the upregulated mRNAs were enriched in 25 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways and 326 Gene Ontology Biological Processes (GO-BPs) while the downregulated mRNAs were enriched in 20 KEGG pathways and 276 GO-BPs. A PPI network was then constructed, and H2BC14, H2BC3, and H4C11 had a higher degree. In addition, a total of 352 hsa-miR-135b-5p-gene regulatory relationships were identified. Prognostic analysis showed that FOXN2, NSA2, MYCBP, DIRAS2, DESI1, and RAB33B had prognostic significance (P < 0.05). In addition, the validation analysis results showed that FOXN2, NSA2, and DESI1 were significantly expressed between the miR-135b-5p-inhibitor and negative control groups (P < 0.05). Therefore, downregulation of hsa-miR-135b-5p inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in COAD, and carcinogenesis may function by targeting FOXN2, NSA2, MYCBP, DIRAS2, DESI1, and RAB33B.

Effects of the Targeted Regulation of CCRK by miR-335-5p on the Proliferation and Tumorigenicity of Human Renal Carcinoma Cells

Cell cycle-related kinase (CCRK) is most closely related to cyclin-dependent protein kinase, which may activate cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and is associated with the growth of human cancer cells. However, the expression and function of CCRK in the pathogenesis of clear cell renal cell cancer (ccRCC) are unclear. Herein, this research aimed to explore the potential mechanism of the targeted regulation of CCRK by miR-335-5p on the proliferation and tumorigenicity of human ccRCC cells. The results showed that CCRK was significantly overexpressed in ccRCC tissues and cells, and knockdown of the CCRK expression by shRNA inhibited cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo and enhanced cell apoptosis in vitro, which indicated that CCRK could be a potential target for antitumour drugs in the treatment of ccRCC. Moreover, miR-335-5p was found to bind directly to the 3′ untranslated region of CCRK, was expressed at markedly low levels in ccRCC cells, and was closely associated with the tumour stage. The overexpression of CCRK partially reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-335-5p on the cell growth of ccRCC, which implied that miR-335-5p could serve as a promising tumour inhibitor for ccRCC. In summary, CCRK could serve as an alternative antitumour drug target, and miR-335-5p could be a promising therapeutic tumour inhibitor for ccRCC treatment.

A Possible Cause for the Differential Expression of a Subset of miRNAs in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Myometrium and Leiomyoma

The aetiology of leiomyoma is debated; however, dysregulated progenitor cells or miRNAs appear to be involved. Previous profiling analysis of miRNA in healthy myometrium- (M-MSCs) and leiomyoma- (L-MSCs) derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) identified 15 miRNAs differentially expressed between M-MSCs and L-MSCs. Here, we try to elucidate whether these differentially regulated 15 miRNAs arise as a conversion of M-MSCs along the differentiation process or whether they may originate from divergent cell commitment. To trace the origin of the dysregulation, a comparison was made of the expression of miRNAs previously identified as differentially regulated in M-MSCs and L-MSCs with that detected in MSCs from amniotic fluid (considered as a substitute for embryonic cells). The results do not allow for a foregone conclusion: the miRNAs converging to the adherens junction pathway showed a gradual change along the differentiation process, and the miRNAs which coincided with the other three pathways (ECM-receptor interaction, TGFβ and cell cycle) showed a complex, not linear, regulation and, therefore, a trend along the hypothetical differentiation process was not deduced. However, the role of miRNAs appears to be predominant in the onset of leiomyoma and may follow two different mechanisms (early commitment; exacerbation); furthermore, miRNAs can support the observed (epigenetic) predisposition.

Report of Exosomes Isolated from a Human Uterine Leiomyoma Cell Line and Their Impact on Endometrial Vascular Endothelial Cells

Uterine leiomyomas are the most common pelvic tumor in women of reproductive age; they cause irregular heavy menstrual bleeding leading to anemia and subsequent negative effects on quality of life. Exosomes have arisen as main players of disease progression in several illnesses, including a range of benign and malignant conditions; however, their role in leiomyomas' pathophysiology remains unknown. We investigated the effect of exosomes derived from human uterine leiomyoma tumor cells (HULM) and human myometrial cells (UTSM) on the behavior of human endometrial microvascular endothelial cells (HEMEC). HULM- and UTSM-derived exosomes were isolated and cocultured with HEMECs. Then, cell proliferation, mRNA expression, tube formation assay, and RNA-seq were performed. Treatment of HEMEC with HULM-derived exosomes increased cell proliferation by 60% compared to control untreated cells, upregulated C-MYC and VEGFA expression levels, and increased tube formation, length, and branching (markers of angiogenesis). Profiling of miRNA revealed that 84 miRNAs were significantly downregulated and 71 were upregulated in HULM-derived exosomes compared to UTSM-derived exosomes. These findings suggest that HULM-derived exosomes might have effects on HEMEC function, containing factors that enhance endometrial proliferation and angiogenesis, which may contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding. Further research on exosomes in uterine leiomyoma may identify possible novel biomarkers for treatment.

miR-335-5p Inhibits Progression of Uterine Leiomyoma by Targeting ARGLU1

Studies have demonstrated that miR-335-5p exhibits an essential role in the progress of multiple tumors, including thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer, and non-small-cell lung cancer. However, the possible expression, the detailed role, and the underlying mechanisms of miR-335-5p in uterine leiomyoma (UL) still remained unclear. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the mechanism and function of miR-335-5p in UL. In our study, microRNA-335-5p (miR-335-5p) is significantly downregulated in UL tissues and UL cell lines, especially in HCC1688 and SK-UT-1 cells. Functionally, overexpression of miR-335-5p notably inhibits the viability of UL cell lines by CCK-8 assay. Besides, upregulation of miR-335-5p inhibits proliferation of UL cell lines by colony formation assay and decreases the protein levels of PCNA and Ki-67 detected by western blot assay. In addition, overexpression of miR-335-5p induces UL cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. Upregulation of miR-335-5p decreases the levels of Cyclin A1, Cyclin B1, and Cyclin D2 and upregulates the expression of p27 protein. Additionally, upregulation of miR-335-5p promotes the apoptosis of UL cell lines, increases the protein levels of Bax, Cleaved caspase-3, and Cleaved caspase-9, and decreases the protein expression of Bcl-2. Moreover, Arginine and Glutamate-Rich protein 1 (ARGLU1) is predicted as a target of miR-335-5p by ENCORI and miRDB and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. ARGLU1 is negatively associated with miR-335-5p. Furthermore, overexpression of ARGLU1 partly restores the effects of miR-335-5p mimic on the viability, proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of UL cell lines. To conclude, miR-335-5p may play a repressive role in UL by targeting ARGLU1 and serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of UL.

Construction of circRNA-based ceRNA network and its prognosis-associated subnet of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are novel biomarkers of various cancers. CircRNAs can sponge miRNAs and regulate target mRNAs, which was called competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA). This study was designed to identify circRNAs related to patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and the first to select three independent Gene Expression Omnibus microarrays covering circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs for multiple analyses. The data of clinical cases applied in our study were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. We successfully conducted a circRNA/miRNA/mRNA ceRNA network related to ccRCC patients via R software and Cytoscape including 8 circRNAs, 6 miRNAs, and 49 mRNAs. The prognosis‐associated subnet covered 8 circRNAs, 6 miRNAs, and 22 mRNAs. Quantitative real‐time PCR was applied to measure our prediction in three renal cell lines and 23 pairs of tissues. Small interfering RNA targeting the back‐splice region of hsa_circ_0001167 was further implied to confirm the regulation. Ultimately, hsa_circ_0001167/hsa‐miR‐595/CCDC8 regulatory axis was identified in this study, which may serve as prognostic indicators. Lower levels of hsa_circ_0001167 and CCDC8 were potentially correlated with worse patient survival.

Overexpressing miR-122-5p Inhibits the Relaxation of Vaginal Smooth Muscle in Female Sexual Arousal Disorder by Targeting Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Receptor 1

Introduction

Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) is a common issue causing physical and psychological pain, but it has no standard diagnostic criteria or treatment. So its pathogenesis desiderates to be explored.

Aim

To investigate the specific function of miR-122-5p in FSAD.

Methods

18 subjects were grouped into FSAD and normal control groups according to the Chinese version of the Female Sexual Function Index, and the expression levels of miR-122-5p and vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 1 (VIPR1) protein in their tissue were verified through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot (WB) analysis. Then in vitro experiment, miR-122-5p was overexpressed or inhibited in rat vaginal smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The relaxation of rat vaginal SMCs was reflected by the cell morphology, intracellular free cytosolic calcium ion (Ca²⁺) levels, cell proliferation and apoptosis, together with the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentration and protein kinase A (PKA) activities. Additionally, the expression levels of relaxation-related proteins, including VIPR1, stimulatory G protein (Gs), adenylate cyclase (AC), and PKA, were detected based on WB analysis. Furthermore, a rescue experiment that simultaneously overexpressed or silenced miR-122-5p and VIPR1 was conducted, and all the indicators were evaluated.

Main Outcomes Measure

The expression level of VIPR1 and downstream proteins, cell morphology, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and intracellular free Ca²⁺ levels were examined.

Results

We verified that women with FSAD had higher miR-122-5p and lower VIPR1 protein. Then overexpressing miR-122-5p decreased relaxation of rat vaginal SMCs, which was manifested as a contractile morphology of cells, an increased intracellular free Ca²⁺ concentration, and lower cAMP concentration and PKA activity. Moreover, by rescue experiments, we inferred that VIPR1 was the target of miR-122-5p and affected the relaxation function of vaginal SMCs.

Conclusion

miR-122-5p regulates the relaxation of vaginal SMCs in FSAD by targeting VIPR1, ulteriorly providing an underlying diagnostic and therapeutic target for FSAD.

Cong S, Gui T, Shi Q, et al. Overexpressing miR-122-5p Inhibits the Relaxation of Vaginal Smooth Muscle in Female Sexual Arousal Disorder by Targeting Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Receptor 1. Sex Med 2021;9:100390.

Circ_0031242 Silencing Mitigates the Progression and Drug Resistance in DDP-Resistant Hepatoma Cells by the miR-924/POU3F2 Axis

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in the progression and chemoresistance development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the precise parts of circ_0031242 in HCC chemoresistance are still not fully understood.

Methods

The levels of circ_0031242, miR-924 and POU class 3 homeobox 2 (POU3F2) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay or Western blot analysis. IC₅₀ value for cisplatin (DDP) and cell viability were measured by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell migration, invasion and apoptosis were assessed by transwell assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Targeted correlations among circ_0031242, miR-924 and POU3F2 were verified by the dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays.

Results

Our data revealed that circ_0031242 was associated with HCC resistance to DDP. The silencing of circ_0031242 diminished DDP resistance, suppressed cell viability, migration, invasion and promoted apoptosis of DDP-resistant HCC cells (Huh7-R and SNU-387-R) in vitro, as well as enhanced DDP sensitivity in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0031242 directly interacted with miR-924 by binding to miR-924. Moreover, miR-924 was a downstream effector of circ_0031242 function. POU3F2 was a direct target of miR-924, and miR-924 overexpression regulated DDP-resistant HCC cell progression and DDP resistance by down-regulating POU3F2. Furthermore, circ_0031242 modulated POU3F2 expression through sponging miR-924.

Conclusion

Our findings identified that circ_0031242 functioned as an important regulator in DDP-resistant HCC cell progression and DDP resistance through the miR-924/POU3F2 axis, illuminating circ_0031242 as a potential therapeutic target for the chemoresistant HCC.

Multi-Omics Identifies Circulating miRNA and Protein Biomarkers for Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy

The development of therapeutics for muscle diseases such as facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) is impeded by a lack of objective, minimally invasive biomarkers. Here we identify circulating miRNAs and proteins that are dysregulated in early-onset FSHD patients to develop blood-based molecular biomarkers. Plasma samples from clinically characterized individuals with early-onset FSHD provide a discovery group and are compared to healthy control volunteers. Low-density quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based arrays identify 19 candidate miRNAs, while mass spectrometry proteomic analysis identifies 13 candidate proteins. Bioinformatic analysis of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq data shows that the FSHD-dysregulated DUX4 transcription factor binds to regulatory regions of several candidate miRNAs. This panel of miRNAs also shows ChIP signatures consistent with regulation by additional transcription factors which are up-regulated in FSHD (FOS, EGR1, MYC, and YY1). Validation studies in a separate group of patients with FSHD show consistent up-regulation of miR-100, miR-103, miR-146b, miR-29b, miR-34a, miR-454, miR-505, and miR-576. An increase in the expression of S100A8 protein, an inflammatory regulatory factor and subunit of calprotectin, is validated by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Bioinformatic analyses of proteomics and miRNA data further support a model of calprotectin and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway dysregulation in FSHD. Moving forward, this panel of miRNAs, along with S100A8 and calprotectin, merit further investigation as monitoring and pharmacodynamic biomarkers for FSHD.

The Role of miRNA and Related Pathways in Pathophysiology of Uterine Fibroids-From Bench to Bedside

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign tumors of the female genital tract. Their prevalence usually is estimated at 30-40%, but may reach up to 70-80% in predisposed groups of women. UFs may cause various clinical issues which might constitute the major reason of the overall deterioration of the quality of life. The mechanisms leading to UFs formation and growth still remain poorly understood. The transformation of smooth muscle cells of the uterus into abnormal, immortal cells, capable of clonal division, is thought to be a starting point of all pathways leading to UF formation. Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are non-coding single-stranded RNAs about 22 nucleotides in length, that regulate gene expression. One of recent advances in this field is the comprehension of the role of miRNAs in tumorigenesis. Alterations in the levels of miRNAs are related to the formation and growth of several tumors which show a distinct miRNA signature. The aim of this review is to summarize the current data about the role of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of UFs. We also discuss future directions in the miRNA research area with an emphasis on novel diagnostic opportunities or patient-tailored therapies. In our opinion data concerning the regulation of miRNA and its gene targets in the UFs are still insufficient in comparison with gynecological malignancies. The potential translational use of miRNA and derived technologies in the clinical care is at the early phase and needs far more evidence. However, it is one of the main areas of interest for the future as the use of miRNAs in the diagnostics and treatment of UFs is a new and exciting opportunity.