Anti-inflammatory, Anti-fibrotic and Pro-cardiomyogenic Effects of Genetically Engineered Extracellular Vesicles Enriched in miR-1 and miR-199a on Human Cardiac Fibroblasts

RATIONALE

Emerging evidence indicates that stem cell (SC)- derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying bioactive miRNAs are able to repair damaged or infarcted myocardium and ameliorate adverse remodeling. Fibroblasts represent a major cell population responsible for scar formation in the damaged heart. However, the effects of EVs on cardiac fibroblast (CFs) biology and function has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the biological impact of stem cell-derived EVs (SC-EVs) enriched in miR-1 and miR-199a on CFs and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Genetically engineered human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPS) and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) expressing miR-1 or miR-199a were used to produce miR-EVs. Cells and EVs were thoughtfully analyzed for miRNA expression using RT-qPCR method. Both hiPS-miRs-EVs and UC-MSC-miRs-EVs effectively transferred miRNAs to recipient CFs, however, hiPS-miRs-EVs triggered cardiomyogenic gene expression in CFs more efficiently than UC-MSC-miRs-EVs. Importantly, hiPS-miR-1-EVs exhibited cytoprotective effects on CFs by reducing apoptosis, decreasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (CCL2, IL-1β, IL-8) and downregulating the expression of a pro-fibrotic gene - α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Notably, we identified a novel role of miR-199a-3p delivered by hiPS-EVs to CFs, in triggering the expression of cardiomyogenic genes (NKX2.5, TNTC, MEF2C) and ion channels involved in cardiomyocyte contractility (HCN2, SCN5A, KCNJ2, KCND3). By targeting SERPINE2, miR-199a-3p may reduce pro-fibrotic properties of CFs, whereas miR-199a-5p targeted BCAM and TSPAN6, which may be implicated in downregulation of inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

hiPS-EVs carrying miR-1 and miR-199a attenuate apoptosis and pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory activities of CFs, and increase cardiomyogenic gene expression. These finding serve as rationale for targeting fibroblasts with novel EV-based miRNA therapies to improve heart repair after myocardial injury.

miRNAs: novel noninvasive biomarkers as diagnostic and prognostic tools in neonatal sepsis

The study aimed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of 3 specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in early-onset neonatal sepsis (NS). We examined miR-1, miR-124, and miR-34a in 70 NS patients upon admission and compared them to 70 healthy controls by RT-PCR. The main finding of the study was the difference in miRNA expression levels between NS patients and controls. Higher expression levels of miR-1 and miR-124 were significantly associated with NS, while miR-34a expression was reduced. Among the studied miRNAs, miR-34a exhibited the highest specificity (97%) as a confirmatory test for NS. In the multivariate model, miR-1 and miR-124 were found to be significant predictors of disease progression or mortality. Overall, the study suggests that miR-1, miR-124, and miR-34a could serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting outcomes in early-onset NS.

Cripto Is Targeted by miR-1a-3p in a Mouse Model of Heart Development

During cardiac differentiation, numerous factors contribute to the development of the heart. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac development will help combat cardiovascular disorders, among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Among the main mechanisms, we indeed find Cripto. Cripto is found in both the syncytiotrophoblast of ampullary pregnancies and the inner cell mass along the primitive streak as the second epithelial-mesenchymal transformation event occurs to form the mesoderm and the developing myocardium. At the same time, it is now known that cardiac signaling pathways are intimately intertwined with the expression of myomiRNAs, including miR-1. This miR-1 is one of the muscle-specific miRs; aberrant expression of miR-1 plays an essential role in cardiac diseases. Given this scenario, our study aimed to evaluate the inverse correlation between Cripto and miR-1 during heart development. We used in vitro models of the heart, represented by embryoid bodies (EBs) and embryonic carcinoma cell lines derived from an embryo-derived teratocarcinoma in mice (P19 cells), respectively. First, through a luciferase assay, we demonstrated that Cripto is a target of miR-1. Following this result, we observed that as the days of differentiation increased, the Cripto gene expression decreased, while the level of miR-1 increased; furthermore, after silencing miR-1 in P19 cells, there was an increase in Cripto expression. Moreover, inducing damage with a cobra cardiotoxin (CTX) in post-differentiation cells, we noted a decreased miR-1 expression and increased Cripto. Finally, in mouse cardiac biopsies, we observed by monitoring gene expression the distribution of Cripto and miR-1 in the right and left ventricles. These results allowed us to detect an inverse correlation between miR-1 and Cripto that could represent a new pharmacological target for identifying new therapies.

Deregulations of miR-1 and its target Multiplexin promote dilated cardiomyopathy associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults. It is caused by the excessive expansion of noncoding CTG repeats, which when transcribed affects the functions of RNA-binding factors with adverse effects on alternative splicing, processing, and stability of a large set of muscular and cardiac transcripts. Among these effects, inefficient processing and down-regulation of muscle- and heart-specific miRNA, miR-1, have been reported in DM1 patients, but the impact of reduced miR-1 on DM1 pathogenesis has been unknown. Here, we use Drosophila DM1 models to explore the role of miR-1 in cardiac dysfunction in DM1. We show that miR-1 down-regulation in the heart leads to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a DM1-associated phenotype. We combined in silico screening for miR-1 targets with transcriptional profiling of DM1 cardiac cells to identify miR-1 target genes with potential roles in DCM. We identify Multiplexin (Mp) as a new cardiac miR-1 target involved in DM1. Mp encodes a collagen protein involved in cardiac tube formation in Drosophila. Mp and its human ortholog Col15A1 are both highly enriched in cardiac cells of DCM-developing DM1 flies and in heart samples from DM1 patients with DCM, respectively. When overexpressed in the heart, Mp induces DCM, whereas its attenuation rescues the DCM phenotype of aged DM1 flies. Reduced levels of miR-1 and consecutive up-regulation of its target Mp/Col15A1 might be critical in DM1-associated DCM.

Exosomal microRNA-1 and MYO15A as a target for therapy and diagnosis in renal cell carcinoma

Exosomes are 40-100 nm nano-sized extracellular vesicles and are receiving increasing attention as novel structures that participate in intracellular communication. We previously found that miRNA-1 (miR-1) functions as a tumor suppressor in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In this study, we investigated the function of exosomal miR-1 and the possibility that the exosome constitutes a tumor maker in RCC. First, we established the method to collect exosomes from cell lysates and human serum by a spin column-based method. Next, we assessed exosomes using Nanosight nanoparticle tracking analysis and Western blot analysis with exosome marker CD63. We confirmed that exosomes labeled with PKH26 fused with recipient cells. Moreover, miR-1 expression was elevated in RCC cells treated with exosomes derived from miR-1-transfected cells. Functional analyses showed that exosomal miR-1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion compared to control treatment. Our analyses with TCGA database of RCCs showed that miR-1 expression was significantly downregulated in clinical RCC samples compared to that in normal kidney samples, and patients with low miR-1 expression had poorer overall survival in comparison to patients with high expression. Furthermore, RNA sequence analyses showed that expression levels of several genes were altered by exposure to exosomal miR-1. The analyses with TCGA database indicated that high expression of MYO15A was associated with a poorer outcome in RCC. In addition, RT-qPCR analysis of exosomes from clinical patients' sera showed that MYO15A was significantly upregulated in RCC patients compared to that in healthy controls. This study showed that treatment with exosomal miR-1 might be an effective approach to treating RCCs. In addition, exosomal MYO15A could be a diagnostic tumor marker in RCCs.

Distress-Mediated Remodeling of Cardiac Connexin-43 in a Novel Cell Model for Arrhythmogenic Heart Diseases

Gap junctions and their expression pattern are essential to robust function of intercellular communication and electrical propagation in cardiomyocytes. In healthy myocytes, the main cardiac gap junction protein connexin-43 (Cx43) is located at the intercalated disc providing a clear direction of signal spreading across the cardiac tissue. Dislocation of Cx43 to lateral membranes has been detected in numerous cardiac diseases leading to slowed conduction and high propensity for the development of arrhythmias. At the cellular level, arrhythmogenic diseases are associated with elevated levels of oxidative distress and gap junction remodeling affecting especially the amount and sarcolemmal distribution of Cx43 expression. So far, a mechanistic link between sustained oxidative distress and altered Cx43 expression has not yet been identified. Here, we propose a novel cell model based on murine induced-pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes to investigate subcellular signaling pathways linking cardiomyocyte distress with gap junction remodeling. We tested the new hypothesis that chronic distress, induced by rapid pacing, leads to increased reactive oxygen species, which promotes expression of a micro-RNA, miR-1, specific for the control of Cx43. Our data demonstrate that Cx43 expression is highly sensitive to oxidative distress, leading to reduced expression. This effect can be efficiently prevented by the glutathione peroxidase mimetic ebselen. Moreover, Cx43 expression is tightly regulated by miR-1, which is activated by tachypacing-induced oxidative distress. In light of the high arrhythmogenic potential of altered Cx43 expression, we propose miR-1 as a novel target for pharmacological interventions to prevent the maladaptive remodeling processes during chronic distress in the heart.

MiRNA-Mediated Fibrosis in the Out-of-Target Heart following Partial-Body Irradiation

Recent reports have shown a link between radiation exposure and non-cancer diseases such as radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD). Radiation exposures are often inhomogeneous, and out-of-target effects have been studied in terms of cancer risk, but very few studies have been carried out for non-cancer diseases. Here, the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of RIHD was investigated. C57Bl/6J female mice were whole- (WBI) or partial-body-irradiated (PBI) with 2 Gy of X-rays or sham-irradiated (SI). In PBI exposure, the lower third of the mouse body was irradiated, while the upper two-thirds were shielded. From all groups, hearts were collected 15 days or 6 months post-irradiation. The MiRNome analysis at 15 days post-irradiation showed that miRNAs, belonging to the myomiR family, were highly differentially expressed in WBI and PBI mouse hearts compared with SI hearts. Raman spectral data collected 15 days and 6 months post-irradiation showed biochemical differences among SI, WBI and PBI mouse hearts. Fibrosis in WBI and PBI mouse hearts, indicated by the increased deposition of collagen and the overexpression of genes involved in myofibroblast activation, was found 6 months post-irradiation. Using an in vitro co-culture system, involving directly irradiated skeletal muscle and unirradiated ventricular cardiac human cells, we propose the role of miR-1/133a as mediators of the abscopal response, suggesting that miRNA-based strategies could be relevant for limiting tissue-dependent reactions in non-directly irradiated tissues.

Micro RNA differential expression profile in canine mammary gland tumor by next generation sequencing

Canine mammary gland tumors are very common and represent a potential model of human breast cancer, and microRNA (miRNAs) are promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for these tumors. Accordingly, we aimed to identify miRNAs differentially expressed in canine mammary gland tumors using next generation sequencing (NGS), with subsequent confirmatory qPCR and target gene analyses. Mammary gland tissue was collected from healthy dogs (n=7) and dogs with suspected tumors (n=80). A subset of samples was analyzed with NGS to identify differentially expressed miRNAs with CLC Genome Workbench. Normal (n=10), tumor-adjacent (n=6), and tumor-bearing (n=76) mammary gland tissue samples were analyzed for the identified miRNAs using qPCR. An in silico analysis (TargetScan) was performed to predict the miRNAs' target genes using gene ontology (GO) terms and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database (DAVID). We identified four miRNAs (cfa-miR-1-3p, cfa-miR-133a-3p, cfa-miR-133b-3p, and cfa-miR-133c-3p) as down regulated in canine mammary gland tumor tissues relative to normal and tumor adjacent tissues. KEGG analysis revealed the potential target genes of cfa-miR-1-3p are related to the Rap1 signaling pathway, adherens junction, and Ras signaling pathway, and those of the miR-133 family are related to the TGF-beta signaling pathway, synaptic vesicle cycle, and sphingolipid signaling pathway. In combination, these target genes are related to the regulation of transcription and DNA binding transcription (GO analysis), and the Hippo signaling pathway, adherens junction, and endocytosis (KEGG analysis). Accordingly, we suggest these four miRNAs are promising potential biomarker candidates for canine mammary gland tumors warranting further investigation.

Upregulation of androgen receptor by heat shock protein 27 and miR1 induces pathogenesis of androgenic alopecia

OBJECTIVES

The pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is related to the level of androgen and its metabolic pathways. The binding of androgen and androgen receptor (AR) depends on the assistance of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27). HSP27 combined with microRNAs (miR)-1 can regulate AR levels. However, it is not clear whether HSP27 and miR-1 jointly participate in the pathogenesis of AGA. This study aims to investigate the role of AR up-regulation in the pathogenesis of AGA and underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

A total of 46 male AGA patients (AGA group), who admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from September 2019 to February 2020, and 52 healthy controls admitted to the same period were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and HSP27 in patients and healthy controls were measured by ELISA. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of HSP27 and AR in scalp tissues of patients and the healthy controls. The levels of HSP27, AR, and miR-1 were analyzed using real-time PCR. Human dermal papilla cells were transfected with HSP27 siRNA to inhibit the expression of HSP27. MiR-1 and miR-1 inhibitors were transfected simultaneously or separately into cells and then the changes in AR protein expression were detected.

RESULTS

The levels of DHT and HSP27 in the AGA group were (361.4±187.7) pg/mL and (89.4±21.8) ng/mL, respectively, which were higher than those in the control group [(281.8±176.6) pg/mL and (41.2±13.7) ng/mL, both P<0.05]. However, there was no significant difference in serum HSP27 and AR levels among AGA patients with different degrees of hair loss (P>0.05). Correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between HSP27 level and DHT level in the AGA patients (P<0.05). The level of HSP27 mRNA in scalp tissue was negatively correlated with that of miR-1 mRNA (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of HSP27 protein, AR protein, HSP27 mRNA, and AR mRNA in scalp tissues of AGA group were significantly increased (P<0.05). The up-regulation of HSP27 in scalp tissues of AGA patients was closely related to the increased levels of AR. However, the level of miR-1 in scalp tissues of AGA patients was significantly down-regulated, contrary to the expression of AR (P<0.05). Further in cell studies showed that inhibition of HSP27 or miR-1 expression in human dermal papilla cells could inhibit the expression of AR, and inhibition of both HSP27 and miR-1 expression was found to have an accumulative effect on AR, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HSP27 could combine with miR-1 to up-regulate AR levels, which is closely related to the development of AGA.

miR-1 Regulates Differentiation and Proliferation of Goat Hair Follicle Stem Cells by Targeting IGF1R and LEF1 Genes

Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) play a significant role in hair development. miR-1 has been reported as an important regulatory factor that affects hair follicle growth and development, but its regulatory mechanism on HFSC development remains unknown. In this study, the molecular mechanism of miR-1 in regulating HFSC proliferation and differentiation was investigated. High-throughput RNA-seq and integrated analysis were performed to identify differentially transcribed mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) in HFSCs co-cultured with dermal papilla cells (named dHFSCs) and control HFSCs. We then determined the molecular function of miR-1 in HFSCs. Compared with HFSCs, 13 differentially transcribed miRNAs were identified in dHFSCs. The in vitro results indicated that the overtranscription of miR-1 inhibited HFSC proliferation, but enhanced HFSC differentiation by targeting IGF1R and LEF1 genes. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of HFSC development. Approval ID (2014ZX08008-002).

MicroRNA-1 Modulates Chondrocyte Phenotype by Regulating FZD7 of Wnt/ β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

OBJECTIVE

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an incurable joint disease characterized by pronounced pain. MicroRNAs constitute epigenetic mechanisms that may affect OA progression by contributing to changes in chondrocyte phenotype. This study investigates for the first time whether there is a link between miRNA-1 (miR-1) and OA pathogenesis, and the molecular mechanisms involved.

DESIGN

OA-associated gene expression, including MMP-13, ADAMTS5, and COL2A1 was compared in chondrocytes from non-OA and OA cartilage, and in SW1353 cells over- and underexpressing miR-1. Bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assay were conducted to confirm whether FZD7 was a target of miR-1. The effects of miR-1 on FZD7 expression and downstream Wnt/β-catenin signalling were investigated.

RESULTS

Non-OA and OA chondrocytes differed significantly in the expression of miR-1 and OA-associated genes. MiR-1 over- and underexpression in SW1353 cells, respectively, reduced and enhanced gene expression associated with cartilage catabolism. FZD7, which has an important role in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, was shown to be a potential target of miR-1. MiR-1 binding to FZD7 increased the levels of phosphorylated (inactivated) β-catenin, thereby preventing downstream β-catenin signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by miR-1 in chondrocytes may attenuate the expression of genes that regulate the activity of catabolic enzymes. This finding may be useful for future investigations of molecular targets for OA treatment.

Investigating Helicobacter pylori-related pyloric hypomotility: functional, histological, and molecular alterations

Multiple theories have been proposed describing the pathogenic mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-associated gastric motility disorders. We assessed ex vivo pyloric activity in H. pylori-infected rats, and tried to explore the associated ghrelin hormone alteration and pyloric fibrogenesis. In addition, miR-1 was assessed in pyloric tissue samples, being recently accused of having a role in smooth muscle dysfunction. Ninety adult male Wistar albino rats were assigned into nine groups: 1) control group, 2) sterile broth (vehicle group), 3) amoxicillin control, 4) omeperazole control, 5) clarithromycin control, 6) triple therapy control, 7) H. pylori- group, 8) H. pylori-clarithromycin group, and 9) H. pylori-triple therapy group. Urease enzyme activity was applied as an indicator of H. pylori infection. Ex vivo pyloric contractility was evaluated. Serum ghrelin was assessed, and histological tissue evaluation was performed. Besides, pyloric muscle miR-1 expression was measured. The immunological epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers; transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and E-cadherin-3 were also evaluated. By H. pylori infection, a significant (P < 0.001) reduced pyloric contractility index was recorded. The miR-1 expression was decreased (P < 0.001) in the H. pylori-infected group, associated with reduced serum ghrelin, elevated TGFβ, and α-SMA levels and reduced E-cadherin levels. Decreased miR-1 and disturbed molecular pattern were improved by treatment. In conclusion, H. pylori infection was associated with reduced miR-1, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and pyloric hypomotility. The miR-1 may be a target for further studies to assess its possible involvement in H. pylori-associated pyloric dysfunction, which might help in the management of human H. pylori manifestations and complications.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This work is investigating functional, histopathological, and molecular changes underlying Helicobacter pylori hypomotility and is correlating these with miR-1, whose disturbance is supposed to be involved in smooth muscle dysfunction and cell proliferation according to literature. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition and reduced ghrelin hormone may contribute to H. pylori infection-associated hypomotility. H. pylori infection was associated with reduced pyloric miR-1 expression. Targeting miR-1 could be valuable in the clinical management of pyloric hypofunction.

Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors Regulate Ischemic Arrhythmia by Targeting MicroRNA-1

Background: Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors (sEHis) inhibit the degradation of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) in cells, and EETs have antiarrhythmic effects. Our previous experiments confirmed that t-AUCB, a preparation of sEHis, inhibited ischemic arrhythmia by negatively regulating microRNA-1 (miR-1), but its specific mechanism remained unclear. Aim: This study aimed to examine the role of serum response factor (SRF) and the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway in t-AUCB-mediated regulation of miR-1 and the interaction between them. Methods/Results: We used SRF small interfering RNA (siSRF), SRF small hairpin (shSRF) RNA sequence adenovirus, PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway inhibitors, t-AUCB, and 14,15-EEZE (a preparation of EETs antagonists) to treat mouse cardiomyocytes overexpressing miR-1 and mice with myocardial infarction (MI). We found that silencing SRF attenuated the effects on miR-1 and its target genes KCNJ2 and GJA1 in the presence of t-AUCB, and inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway antagonized the effects of t-AUCB on miR-1, KCNJ2, and GJA1, which were associated with PI3Kα, Akt, and Gsk3β but not PI3Kβ or PI3Kγ. Moreover, the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway was involved in the regulation of SRF by t-AUCB, and silencing SRF inhibited the t-AUCB-induced increases in Akt and Gsk3β phosphorylation. Conclusions: Both the SRF and the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway are involved in the t-AUCB-mediated regulation of miR-1, and these factors interact with each other.

Improvement of Heart Function After Transplantation of Encapsulated Stem Cells Induced with miR-1/Myocd in Myocardial Infarction Model of Rat

Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the most common sources in cell-based therapies in heart regeneration. There are several methods to differentiate MSCs into cardiac-like cells, such as gene induction. Moreover, using a three-dimensional (3D) culture, such as hydrogels increases efficiency of differentiation. In the current study, mouse adipose-derived MSCs were co-transduced with lentiviruses containing microRNA-1 (miR-1) and Myocardin (Myocd). Then, expression of cardiac markers, such as NK2 homeobox 5(Nkx2-5), GATA binding protein 4 (Gata4), and troponin T type 2 (Tnnt2) was investigated, at both gene and protein levels in two-dimensional (2D) culture and chitosan/collagen hydrogel (CS/CO) as a 3D culture. Additionally, after induction of myocardial infarction (MI) in rats, a patch containing the encapsulated induced cardiomyocytes (iCM/P) was implanted to MI zone. Subsequently, 30 days after MI induction, echocardiography, immunohistochemistry staining, and histological examination were performed to evaluate cardiac function. The results of quantitative real -time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry showed that co-induction of miR-1 and Myocd in MSCs followed by 3D culture of transduced cells increased expression of cardiac markers. Besides, results of in vivo study implicated that heart function was improved in MI model of rats in iCM/P-treated group. The results suggested that miR-1/Myocd induction combined with encapsulation of transduced cells in CS/CO hydrogel increased efficiency of MSCs differentiation into iCMs and could improve heart function in MI model of rats after implantation.

miR-1 Targeted Downregulation of Bcl-2 Increases Chemosensitivity of Lung Cancer Cells

Objective: To investigate the expression of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in lung cancer cells and the effect of the miR-1/Bcl-2 axis on the chemosensitivity of lung cancer. Materials and Methods: Real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression of Bcl-2 in human embryonic lung fibroblasts and lung cancer cells. The effects of siRNA directed against Bcl-2, in lung cancer tissue samples was detected by immunohistochemistry; these results were used to develop prognostic models. Bioinformatic analyses, dual luciferase reporter gene technology, and western blotting technology were used to explore the targeted regulation of miR-1 on bcl-2. The effect of miR-1 on the chemosensitivity of lung cancer cells was measured using the MTT assay. Results: Compared with human embryonic lung fibroblasts, Bcl-2 was highly expressed in the lung cancer cells, especially in H460 cells. After silencing Bcl-2 with siRNA, the sensitivity of the cells to cisplatin (CDDP) increased. Immunohistochemical results and prognostic analysis revealed that high Bcl-2 expression in lung cancer tissues was negatively correlated with prognosis of lung cancer patients; A dual luciferase reporter assay combined with western blotting confirmed that miR-1 can bind to the Bcl-23' UTR region and regulate its expression. Overexpression of miR-1 in lung cancer cells (H460 and A549) increased the sensitivity of these cells to CDDP. Conclusion: Bcl-2 is upregulated in lung cancer cells, which is negatively correlated with the patient prognosis. miR-1 affects the chemosensitivity of lung cancer cells by targeting Bcl-2. These data should provide a theoretical basis for refining the molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance in lung cancer.

miR-1 coordinately regulates lysosomal v-ATPase and biogenesis to impact proteotoxicity and muscle function during aging

Muscle function relies on the precise architecture of dynamic contractile elements, which must be fine-tuned to maintain motility throughout life. Muscle is also plastic, and remodeled in response to stress, growth, neural and metabolic inputs. The conserved muscle-enriched microRNA, miR-1, regulates distinct aspects of muscle development, but whether it plays a role during aging is unknown. Here we investigated Caenorhabditis elegans miR-1 in muscle function in response to proteostatic stress. mir-1 deletion improved mid-life muscle motility, pharyngeal pumping, and organismal longevity upon polyQ35 proteotoxic challenge. We identified multiple vacuolar ATPase subunits as subject to miR-1 control, and the regulatory subunit vha-13/ATP6V1A as a direct target downregulated via its 3'UTR to mediate miR-1 physiology. miR-1 further regulates nuclear localization of lysosomal biogenesis factor HLH-30/TFEB and lysosomal acidification. Our studies reveal that miR-1 coordinately regulates lysosomal v-ATPase and biogenesis to impact muscle function and health during aging.

Inhibition of circ_0081234 reduces prostate cancer tumor growth and metastasis via miR-1/MAP3K1 axis

INTRODUCTION

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are crucial regulators in tumor occurrence and progression, and circRNAs are enriched and stable in exosomes. This study aimed to explore the role and potential mechanism of cancer-derived exosomal circ_0081234 in prostate cancer (PCa).

METHODS

Exosomes were extracted using the ExoQuick Precipitation Kit. The levels of circ_0081234, miR-1 and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MAP 3K1) were examined using qRT-PCR or western blot. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated via transwell assay. The protein levels of N-cadherin, Vimentin and E-cadherin were detected by western blot. The interaction between miR-1 and circ_0081234 or MAP 3K1 was verified via dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay.

RESULTS

Circ_0081234 level was increased in PC a tissues with spinal metastasis (SM) in comparison to primary PCa tissues without SM. Exosomal circ_0081234 promoted the migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PCa cells. Knockdown of circ_0081234 blocked PCa cell progression via regulating miR-1. In addition, miR-1 overexpression suppressed PCa cell progression by repressing MAP 3K1. Moreover, circ_0081234 increased MAP 3K1 level via sponging miR-1. Depletion of circ_0081234 inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Exosomal circ_0081234 promoted migration, invasion and EMT of PCa cells by regulating the miR-1/MAP 3K1 axis.

Long non-coding RNA SENCR alleviates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammatory response by sponging miR-1

Background

Myocardial cell apoptosis is one of the main reasons for the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The role of smooth muscle and endothelial cell enriched migration/differentiation-associated lncRNA (SENCR) in the cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury and its potential mechanism were investigated in this study to provide a novel biomarker for the development of AMI.

Methods

The expression levels of SENCR in the serum of AMI patients and non-AMI patients with chest pain (control) were detected by qRT-PCR. The function of SENCR in the cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammatory response induced by H/R injury was evaluated by MTT, cell apoptosis, and ELISA assay, respectively. The mechanism underlying the function of SENCR was investigated with the luciferase reporter assay.

Results

SENCR was significantly downregulated in AMI compared with the control volunteers, which showed negative correlations with the cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) level of patients. The H/R injury-induced cell apoptosis and inflammatory response in cardiomyocytes, which were attenuated by the overexpression of SENCR. The expression of miR-1 was suppressed by the overexpression of SENCR, while the overexpression of miR-1 could alleviate the cell apoptosis, enhance cell viability, and attenuate inflammatory response in cardiomyocyte. SENCR reversed H/R-induced myocardial cell injury by regulating the expression of miR-1.

Conclusions

SENCR was correlated with the clinicopathological features of patients and was revealed to alleviate the cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammatory response induced by H/R injury via sponging miR-1.

miR-1/133a and miR-206/133b clusters overcome HGF induced gefitinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancers with EGFR sensitive mutations

It has been reported that clustered miRNAs can be transcribed coordinately and exhibit similar functions by regulating the same targets. miR-1/133a and miR-206/133b are well-characterized miRNA clusters. However, the effect of these clusters on EGFR-TKI resistance is not clear. In this study, we demonstrated that lentivirus-mediated HGF overexpression was able to induce gefitinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancers with EGFR sensitive mutations. miR-1/133a and miR-206/133b clusters could overcome HGF induced gefitinib resistance. Furthermore, the clusters were more effective than individual miRNA. Transcriptome RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis revealed that multiple pathways, including 'EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance' pathway, were involved in anti-resistance mechanisms of miR-1/133a and miR-206/133b clusters. Western blotting results confirmed the inhibitory effect of miRNA clusters on MET expression and downstream pathway activation. In conclusion, miR-1/133a and miR-206/133b clusters are able to exhibit the synergetic effect on overcoming HGF-induced gefitinib resistance in NSCLC and the mechanisms are through targeting multiple genes related to gefitinib resistance.

A Brief Review on the Biology and Effects of Cellular and Circulating microRNAs on Cardiac Remodeling after Infarction

Despite advances in diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment modalities, myocardial infarction (MI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Impaired cellular signaling after an MI causes maladaptive changes resulting in cardiac remodeling. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miR) along with other molecular components have been investigated for their involvement in cellular signaling in the pathogenesis of various cardiac conditions like MI. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression. They bind to complementary mRNAs and regulate the rate of protein synthesis by altering the stability of their targeted mRNAs. A single miRNA can modulate several cellular signaling pathways by targeting hundreds of mRNAs. This review focuses on the biogenesis and beneficial effects of cellular and circulating (exosomal) miRNAs on cardiac remodeling after an MI. Particularly, miR-1, -133, 135, and -29 that play an essential role in cardiac remodeling after an MI are described in detail. The limitations that will need to be addressed in the future for the further development of miRNA-based therapeutics for cardiovascular conditions will also be discussed.

Dual role of miR-1 in the development and function of sinoatrial cells

miR-1, the most abundant miRNA in the heart, modulates expression of several transcription factors and ion channels. Conditions affecting the heart rate, such as endurance training and cardiac diseases, show a concomitant miR-1 up- or down-regulation. Here, we investigated the role of miR-1 overexpression in the development and function of sinoatrial (SAN) cells using murine embryonic stem cells (mESC). We generated mESCs either overexpressing miR-1 and EGFP (miR1OE) or EGFP only (EM). SAN-like cells were selected from differentiating mESC using the CD166 marker. Gene expression and electrophysiological analysis were carried out on both early mES-derived cardiac progenitors and SAN-like cells and on beating neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVC) over-expressing miR-1. miR1OE cells increased significantly the proportion of CD166⁺ SAN precursors compared to EM cells (23% vs 12%) and the levels of the transcription factors TBX5 and TBX18, both involved in SAN development. miR1OE SAN-like cells were bradycardic (1,3 vs 2 Hz) compared to EM cells. In agreement with data on native SAN cells, EM SAN-like cardiomyocytes show two populations of cells expressing either slow- or fast-activating I_f currents; miR1OE SAN-like cells instead have only fast-activating I_f with a significantly reduced conductance. Western Blot and immunofluorescence analysis showed a reduced HCN4 signal in miR-1OE vs EM CD166+ precursors. Together these data point out to a specific down-regulation of the slow-activating HCN4 subunit by miR-1. Importantly, the rate and I_f alterations were independent of the developmental effects of miR-1, being similar in NRVC transiently overexpressing miR-1. In conclusion, we demonstrated a dual role of miR-1, during development it controls the proper development of sinoatrial-precursor, while in mature SAN-like cells it modulates the HCN4 pacemaker channel translation and thus the beating rate.

MicroRNA-1 Expression and Function in Hyalomma Anatolicum anatolicum (Acari: Ixodidae) Ticks

MicroRNAs act as mRNA post-transcriptional regulators, playing important roles in cell differentiation, transcriptional regulation, growth, and development. In this study, microRNA expression profiles of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum ticks at different developmental stages were detected by high-throughput sequencing and functionally assessed. In total, 2,585,169, 1,252,678, 1,558,217, and 1,155,283 unique reads were obtained from eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults, respectively, with 42, 46, 45, and 41 conserved microRNAs in these stages, respectively. Using eggs as a control, 48, 43, and 39 microRNAs were upregulated, and 3, 10, and 9 were downregulated in larvae, nymphs, and adults, respectively. MicroRNA-1 (miR-1) was expressed in high abundance throughout Ha. anatolicum development, with an average of nearly one million transcripts, and it is highly conserved among tick species. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) showed that miR-1 expression gradually increased with tick development, reaching the highest level at engorgement. Differential tissue expression was detected, with significantly higher levels in the salivary glands and epidermis than in the midgut. Inhibition assays showed no significant change in body weight or spawning time or amount between experimental and control groups, but there was a significant difference (p < 0.01) in engorgement time. With miR-1 inhibition, ticks displayed obvious deformities during later development. To more fully explain the microRNA mechanism of action, the miR-1 cluster was analyzed according to the target gene; members that jointly act on Hsp60 include miR-5, miR-994, miR-969, and miR-1011. Therefore, microRNAs are critical for normal tick development, and the primary structure of the mature sequence of miR-1 is highly conserved. Nonetheless, different developmental stages and tissues show different expression patterns, with a certain role in prolonging feeding. miR-1, together with other cluster members, regulates mRNA function and may be used as a molecular marker for species origin, evolution analysis, and internal reference gene selection.

Altered microRNA dynamics in acute coronary syndrome

Introduction

In the course of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) cardiomyocyte injury, activation and destruction of endothelial cells together with inflammation lead to miRNA expression alterations.

Aim

To assess levels of circulating cardiac-specific (miR-1) and endothelial-specific (miR-126) miRNAs in the acute phase of AMI and after a follow-up period.

Material and methods

Seventeen AMI patients (mean age: 64.24 ±13.83 years, mean left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF): 42.6 ±9.65%), treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention within the first 12 h, had plasma miRNAs isolated (quantitative real-time PCR, Exiqon) on admission and after 19.2 ±5.9 weeks. Measurements were also performed in a control group of healthy volunteers matched for age and sex.

Results

Concentrations of both miRNAs were significantly higher in AMI patients as compared to healthy controls: miR-1: 5.93 (3.15–14.92) vs. 1.46 (0.06–2.96), p = 0.04; miR-126: 4.5 (3.11–7.64) vs. 0.54 (0.36–0.99), p = 0.00003, respectively. Levels of both miRNAs significantly decreased after the follow-up period: miR-1: 5.93 (3.15–14.92) vs. 1.34 (0.04–2.34), p = 0.002; miR-126: 4.5 (3.11–7.64) vs. 1.18 (0.49–1.68), p = 0.0005). Moreover, miR-1 correlated positively with maximal troponin I concentration (r = 0.59, p = 0.02) and negatively with LVEF (r = –0.76, p = 0.0004).

Conclusions

In our study, miR-1 emerged as a marker of cardiomyocyte injury and loss of myocardial contractility, whereas dynamics of miR-126 concentration may reflect endothelial activation and damage in the most extreme stage of atherosclerosis, followed by angiogenesis in ischemic myocardium. However, to fully elucidate the role of miR-1 and miR-126 as biomarkers of AMI and future therapeutic targets, further research is required.

Expression and clinical significance of miR-1 and miR-133 in pre-diabetes

Pre-diabetes represents an intermediate state of altered glucose metabolism between normal glucose levels and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), and is considered a significant risk factor for the development of T2D and related complications. Early detection of pre-diabetes may allow for the use of timely and effective treatment strategies to prevent its progression. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) that reflect changes in diabetes-related tissues, including the pancreas, liver, skeletal and heart muscle, and adipose tissue are promising biomarkers of disease progression. In our previous study, it was demonstrated that the cardiac and skeletal muscle specific miR-1 and miR-133 are upregulated in the blood of patients with T2D and cardiovascular disease. Since both miRNAs have been shown to be implicated in insulin resistance, an important feature of pre-diabetes, we hypothesised that their expression may be increased prior to clinical diagnosis of T2D, and may thus serve as biomarkers for pre-diabetes. The expression levels of circulating miRNAs were evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR in whole blood samples from 55 subjects, including 28 pre-diabetes individuals with impaired fasting glucose (FG) and impaired glucose tolerance, and 27 healthy controls. The individuals with pre-diabetes exhibited significantly higher expression levels of miR-1 and miR-133 compared with the controls (P<0.05). Target prediction search revealed that both miR-1 and miR-133 target several pathways involved in the pathophysiology of diabetes. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that the two miRNAs were positively correlated with blood glucose parameters, including FG, 2-h oral glucose tolerance test and glycated haemoglobin A1c levels, as well as with insulin resistance (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the two miRNAs were significantly and directly associated with pre-diabetes, and this association remained significant after adjustment for several confounding variables (P<0.05). Moreover, linear regression analysis showed that the Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance was the only significant predictor to be significantly associated with both miRNAs (P<0.05). In discriminating pre-diabetes individuals from healthy controls, the area under the curves (AUCs) of the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) were 0.813 and 0.810 for miR-1 and miR-133 respectively (P<0.05). Despite the relatively small number of participants, the present study showed for the first time that circulating levels of miR-1 and miR-133 were increased in individuals with pre-diabetes, and they were associated with important features of pre-diabetes. Thus, they may serve as clinical biomarkers for the early-stages of T2D.

CircSKA3 Downregulates miR-1 Through Methylation in Glioblastoma to Promote Cancer Cell Proliferation

Background

Circular RNA circSKA3 plays an oncogenic role in breast cancer, while its role in glioblastoma (GBM) is unknown. This study aimed to explore the role of circSKA3 in GBM.

Methods

Differential expression of circSKA3 and miR-1 in GBM and adjacent non-cancer tissue samples were analyzed by RT-qPCR. GBM cells were transfected with circSKA3 expression vector or miR-1 mimic, followed by RT-qPCR to explore the potential crosstalk between them. Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was carried out to assess the role of circSKA3 in regulating the methylation of miR-1 gene. The role of circSKA3 and miR-1 in regulating GBM cell proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8 assay.

Results

We found that circSKA3 was upregulated in GBM and inversely correlated with miR-1 across GBM tissues. High expression levels of circSKA3 and low expression levels of miR-1 were significantly correlated with the poor survival of GBM patients. In GBM cells, overexpression of circSKA3 increased the methylation of miR-1 gene and decreased the expression of miR-1. CCK-8 assay showed that overexpression of circSKA3 reduced the inhibitory effects of miR-1 on cell proliferation.

Conclusion

Therefore, circSKA3 may downregulate miR-1 through methylation in GBM to promote cancer cell proliferation.

Suppression of tumor immune microenvironment via microRNA-1 after epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance acquirement in lung adenocarcinoma

Immunotherapy is considered one of the most important therapeutic strategies for patients with lung adenocarcinoma after the development of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) resistance. However, useful predictors of immunotherapy for these patients has not been examined well, although the status of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), including programmed death-ligand 1 expression and lymphocyte infiltration, has been generally known to provide predictive markers for the efficacy of immunotherapy. This study aimed to clarify novel predictors of immunotherapy following EGFR-TKI resistance in lung adenocarcinoma, especially regarding micro RNA (miRNA). We evaluated the correlation between EGFR-TKI resistance and lymphocyte infiltration, before and after acquiring EGFR-TKI resistance, in 21 cases of lung adenocarcinoma, and further explored this by in vitro studies, using miRNA PCR arrays. Subsequently, we transfected miRNA-1 (miR-1), the most variable miRNA in this array, into three kinds of lung cancer cells, and examined the effects of miR-1 on EGFR-TKI sensitivity, cytokine expression and lymphocyte migration. Histopathological examination demonstrated that infiltration levels of CD8-positive T cells were significantly decreased after development of EGFR-TKI resistance. In vitro studies revealed that miR-1 significantly inhibited EGFR-TKI effect and induction of cytokines, such as C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10, causing inhibition of monocyte migration. These results indicate that the upregulated miR-1 might suppress the TIME, following development of EGFR-TKI resistance. Therefore, miR-1 could be a clinically useful marker to predict therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma patients with EGFR-TKI resistance.

Muscle memory: myonuclear accretion, maintenance, morphology, and miRNA levels with training and detraining in adult mice

BACKGROUND

In the context of mass regulation, 'muscle memory' can be defined as long-lasting cellular adaptations to hypertrophic exercise training that persist during detraining-induced atrophy and may facilitate future adaptation. The cellular basis of muscle memory is not clearly defined but may be related to myonuclear number and/or epigenetic changes within muscle fibres.

METHODS

Utilizing progressive weighted wheel running (PoWeR), a novel murine exercise training model, we explored myonuclear dynamics and skeletal muscle miRNA levels with training and detraining utilizing immunohistochemistry, single fibre myonuclear analysis, and quantitative analysis of miRNAs. We also used a genetically inducible mouse model of fluorescent myonuclear labelling to study myonuclear adaptations early during exercise.

RESULTS

In the soleus, oxidative type 2a fibres were larger after 2 months of PoWeR (P = 0.02), but muscle fibre size and myonuclear number did not return to untrained levels after 6 months of detraining. Soleus type 1 fibres were not larger after PoWeR but had significantly more myonuclei, as well as central nuclei (P < 0.0001), the latter from satellite cell-derived or resident myonuclei, appearing early during training and remaining with detraining. In the gastrocnemius muscle, oxidative type 2a fibres of the deep region were larger and contained more myonuclei after PoWeR (P < 0.003), both of which returned to untrained levels after detraining. In the gastrocnemius and plantaris, two muscles where myonuclear number was comparable with untrained levels after 6 months of detraining, myonuclei were significantly elongated with detraining (P < 0.0001). In the gastrocnemius, miR-1 was lower with training and remained lower after detraining (P < 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that (i) myonuclei gained during hypertrophy are lost with detraining across muscles, even in oxidative fibres; (ii) complete reversal of muscle adaptations, including myonuclear number, to untrained levels occurs within 6 months in the plantaris and gastrocnemius; (iii) the murine soleus is resistant to detraining; (iv) myonuclear accretion occurs early with wheel running and can be uncoupled from muscle fibre hypertrophy; (v) resident (non-satellite cell-derived) myonuclei can adopt a central location; (vi) myonuclei change shape with training and detraining; and (vii) miR-1 levels may reflect a memory of previous adaptation that facilitates future growth.

miR-1: A comprehensive review of its role in normal development and diverse disorders

MicroRNA-1 (miR-1) is a conserved miRNA with high expression in the muscle tissues. In humans, two discrete genes, MIRN1-1 and MIRN1-2 residing on a genomic region on 18q11.2 produce a single mature miRNA which has 21 nucleotides. miR-1 has a regulatory role on a number of genes including heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and Heart And Neural Crest Derivatives Expressed 2 (HAND2). miR-1 has critical roles in the physiological processes in the smooth and skeletal muscles as well as other tissues, thus being involved in the pathogenesis of a wide range of disorders. Moreover, dysregulation of miR-1 has been noted in diverse types of cancers including gastric, colorectal, breast, prostate and lung cancer. In the current review, we provide the summary of the data regarding the role of this miRNA in the normal development and the pathogenic processes.

Involvement of the MicroRNA-1-LITAF Axis in Gastric Cancer Cell Growth and Invasion

BACKGROUND/AIM

Lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha factor (LITAF) has been identified as a tumor suppressor in human cancers. Present study, we assessed biological role of LITAF in human gastric cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical impacts of LITAF expression were assessed in gastric cancer using public databases. The biological role of LITAF was assessed in gastric cancer cells using siLITAF transfection.

RESULTS

High LITAF expression was correlated well with worse prognosis, including pathological stage (p=0.034) and pathological T stage (p=0.047), as well as with shorter survival. Herein, we present a novel finding that miR-1-3p could inhibit LITAF expression by directly binding to the 3'-untranslated region of LITAF mRNA. Cell functional assays revealed that LITAF knockdown could significantly suppress gastric cancer growth and motility.

CONCLUSION

High LITAF expression resulting from low miR-1-3p expression is a biomarker for poor prognosis or therapeutic targets in gastric cancer.

The Changes of Heart miR-1 and miR-133 Expressions following Physiological Hypertrophy Due to Endurance Training

Objective

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in the development of the heart. Recent studies have shown that miR- 1 and miR-133 are key regulators of cardiac hypertrophy. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of an endurance training (ET) program on the expressions of these miRNAs and their transcriptional network.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, cardiac hypertrophy was induced by 14 weeks of ET for 1 hour per day, 6 days per week at 75% VO2 max). The rats (221 ± 23 g) in the experimental (n=7) and control (n=7) groups were anesthetized to evaluate heart morphology changes by echocardiography. Next, we evaluated expressions of miR-1 and miR-133, and heart and neural crest derivatives express 2 (Hand2), Mef2c, histone deacetylase 4 (Hdac4) and serum response factor (Srf) gene expressions by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Finally, the collected data were evaluated by the independent t test to determine differences between the groups

Results

The echocardiography result confirmed physiological hypertrophy in the experimental group that underwent ET as shown by the increased left ventricular weight/body surface area (LVW/BSA) (P=0.004), LVW/body weight (BW) (P=0.011), left ventricular diameter end-diastolic (LVDd) (P=0.003), and improvements in heart functional indexes such as fractional shortness (FS) (P=0.036) and stroke volume (SV) (P=0.002). There were significant increases in the expressions of miR-1 (P=0.001) and miR-133 (P=0.004). The expressions of Srf, Hdac4, and Hand2 genes significantly increased (P<0.001) in the experimental group Compared with the control group. The expression of Mef2c did not significantly change.

Conclusion

The expressions of miR-1 and miR-133 and their target genes appeared to be involved in physiological hypertrophy induced by ET in these rats.

Effects of fast-track anesthesia on miR-1 and neuropeptides in serum of patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Effects of fast-track anesthesia (FTA) on miR-1 and neuropeptides in serum of patients undergoing cardiac surgery were investigated. A total of 147 patients who underwent cardiac surgery at Jining No. 1 people's Hospital from August 2015 to July 2018 were selected. There were 72 patients who received the FTA technology during cardiac surgery in the intervention group, and 75 patients who received routine anesthesia during cardiac surgery in the control group. Venous blood was, respectively, collected before anesthesia (T0), 30 min after artery opening (T1), 60 min after artery opening (T2), and 180 min after artery opening (T3). Expression of serum miR-1 in patients at T0 to T3 were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Expression of neuropeptide indexes such as neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S100β protein (S100β), and amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in serum of patients in the two groups at T0 to T3 were detected by ELISA, and the correlation of expression of serum miR-1, serum NSE, S100β and Aβ was analyzed. There was no significant difference in the expression of serum miR-1 between the two groups at T0 (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of NSE, S100β and Aβ between the two groups at T0 (P>0.05). Expression of serum NSE, S100β and Aβ in both groups increased gradually, and expression of serum NSE, S100β and Aβ in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group at T1-T3 (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between expression of serum miR-1, serum NSE, S100β and Aβ (r=0.773, P<0.05; r=0.683, P<0.05; r=0.769, P<0.05). Application of the FTA technology in cardiac surgery can effectively reduce the level of serum miR-1 in patients undergoing surgical treatment and improve their neurological function.

Disease severity-related alterations of cardiac microRNAs in experimental pulmonary hypertension

Right ventricular (RV) failure is the primary cause of death in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We hypothesized that heart‐relevant microRNAs, that is myomiRs (miR‐1, miR‐133a, miR‐208, miR‐499) and miR‐214, can have a role in the right ventricle in the development of PAH. To mimic PAH, male Wistar rats were injected with monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/kg, s.c.); control group received vehicle. MCT rats were divided into two groups, based on the clinical presentation: MCT group terminated 4 weeks after MCT administration and prematurely terminated group (ptMCT) displaying signs of terminal disease. Myocardial damage genes and candidate microRNAs expressions were determined by RT‐qPCR. Reduced blood oxygen saturation, breathing disturbances, RV enlargement as well as elevated levels of markers of myocardial damage confirmed PH in MCT animals and were more pronounced in ptMCT. MyomiRs (miR‐1/miR‐133a/miR‐208a/miR‐499) were decreased and the expression of miR‐214 was increased only in ptMCT group (P < 0.05). The myomiRs negatively correlated with Fulton index as a measure of RV hypertrophy in MCT group (P < 0.05), whereas miR‐214 showed a positive correlation (P < 0.05). We conclude that the expression of determined microRNAs mirrored the disease severity and targeting their pathways might represent potential future therapeutic approach in PAH.

MiR-1/GOLPH3/Foxo1 Signaling Pathway Regulates Proliferation of Bladder Cancer

Objective:

To investigate role of microRNA-1/Golgi phosphoprotein 3/Foxo1 axis in bladder cancer.

Methods:

The expression of Golgi phosphoprotein 3 was determined in both bladder cancer tissues and cell lines using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Golgi phosphoprotein 3 was knocked down by small hairpin RNA. MicroRNA-1 was overexpressed or inhibited by microRNA-1 mimic or inhibitor. Cell viability and proliferation were determined by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) and colony-formation assay. Cell apoptosis and cycle was detected using flow cytometer. The expression of microRNA-1 and Golgi phosphoprotein 3 was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting was used to test the expression of Golgi phosphoprotein 3, Foxo1, p-Foxo1, AKT, p-AKT, p27, and CyclinD1. Binding between microRNA-1 and Golgi phosphoprotein 3 was confirmed by Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay.

Results:

MicroRNA-1 was downregulated in bladder cancer tissues, while Golgi phosphoprotein 3 was overexpressed in bladder cancer cells and tissues. In both bladder cancer 5637 and T24 cell lines, the cell viability and proliferation were dramatically reduced when Golgi phosphoprotein 3 was knocked down. The inhibition of Golgi phosphoprotein 3 remarkably promoted cell apoptosis and induced cell-cycle arrest, as well as decreased the expression of p-Foxo1, p-AKT, and CyclinD1 and increased the expression of p27. The overexpression of microRNA-1 significantly inhibited cell viability and proliferation, induced G-S cell-cycle arrest, and decreased the expression of Golgi phosphoprotein 3, p-Foxo1, and CyclinD1 and upregulated p27, while inhibition of microRNA-1 led to opposite results. Golgi phosphoprotein 3 was a direct target for microRNA-1.

Conclusion:

Overexpression of microRNA-1 inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell-cycle arrest of bladder cancer cells through targeting Golgi phosphoprotein 3 and regulation of Foxo1.

Exosomal miR-155-5p promotes proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting TP53INP1 expression

Exosomal microRNA (miRNA) secreted by tumor cells plays an important biological role in tumorigenesis and development. We aimed to explore the effects of exosomal miR-155-5p in gastric cancer (GC) and understand its mechanism of action in GC progression. We isolated exosomes from the human gastric mucosal epithelial cell line GES-1 and gastric cancer cell line AGS, and then identified them according to their surface markers by flow cytometry. Later, we detected the miR-155-5p expression levels in tissues and isolated exosomes using RT-qPCR. Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-155-5p directly binds to the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of tumor protein p53-induced nuclear protein 1 (TP53INP1) mRNA. We also investigated whether the miR-155-5p-rich exosomes caused changes in cell cycle, proliferation, and migration in AGS cells. In this study, we found that the levels of miR-155-5p were significantly increased in GC tissues and AGS cells, and that the TP53INP1 protein level was downregulated in GC tissues using IHC and IFC. TP53INP1 was found to be directly regulated by miR-155-5p following a dual luciferase-based reporter assay. After co-culturing with the isolated miR-155-5p-rich exosomes, the proliferation and migration capabilities of AGS cells were enhanced. Thus, our results reveal that exosomal miR-155-5p acts as an oncogene by targeting TP53INP1 mRNA in human gastric cancer.

Serum Level of miR-1 and miR-155 as Potential Biomarkers of Stress-Resilience of NET-KO and SWR/J Mice

In the present study, we used three strains of mice with various susceptibility to stress: mice with knock-out of the gene encoding norepinephrine transporter (NET-KO), which are well characterized as displaying a stress-resistant phenotype, as well as two strains of mice displaying two different stress-coping strategies, i.e., C57BL/6J (WT in the present study) and SWR/J. The procedure of restraint stress (RS, 4 h) was applied, and the following behavioral experiments (the forced swim test and sucrose preference test) indicated that NET-KO and SWR/J mice were less sensitive to RS than WT mice. Then, we aimed to find the miRNAs which changed in similar ways in the serum of NET-KO and SWR/J mice subjected to RS, being at the same time different from the miRNAs found in the serum of WT mice. Using Custom TaqMan Array MicroRNA Cards, with primers for majority of miRNAs expressed in the serum (based on a preliminary experiment using the TaqMan Array Rodent MicroRNA A + B Cards Set v3.0, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) allowed the identification of 21 such miRNAs. Our further analysis focused on miR-1 and miR-155 and their targets—these two miRNAs are involved in the regulation of BDNF expression and can be regarded as biomarkers of stress-resilience.

A Performance Evaluation of Liver and Skeletal Muscle-Specific miRNAs in Rat Plasma to Detect Drug-Induced Injury

Liver and skeletal muscle-specific microRNAs (miRNAs) are currently being evaluated as novel plasma biomarkers that may out-perform or add value to the conventional liver injury biomarkers alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and to the skeletal muscle injury biomarkers AST and creatine kinase (CK). A comprehensive evaluation was conducted to assess the relative performance of these miRNAs to detect and distinguish liver from muscle tissue injury. The performance of miR-122 and miR-192 for liver and miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, and miR-206 for skeletal muscle was compared with 10 enzymatic or protein biomarkers across 27 compounds causing specific types of tissue injury in rat. Receiver operator characteristic analyses were performed comparing the relative sensitivity and specificity of each of the biomarkers in individual animals with histopathology observations of necrosis and/or degeneration in various organs. All of the miRNAs outperformed ALT, AST, and/or CK in studies with either liver or skeletal muscle injury and demonstrated superior specificity in organs without type-specific injury (eg, liver biomarkers assessed with compounds that cause skeletal muscle injury). When additional protein biomarkers were included, glutamate dehydrogenase, arginase I, alpha-glutathione S-transferase for liver and skeletal troponin I, myosin light chain 3, fatty acid-binding protein 3, and creatine kinase M isoform for skeletal muscle, the miRNAs demonstrated equal or superior performance to the extended panel. Taken together, this comprehensive evaluation demonstrates that these novel miRNA toxicity biomarkers outperform and add value with respect to sensitivity and specificity over ALT, AST in monitoring the liver and over CK for monitoring skeletal muscle drug-induced injury.

MicroRNA-1 facilitates hypoxia-induced injury by targeting NOTCH3

Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy have been reported to be related to myocardial ischemia injury. MicroRNAs have attracted wide attention on regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy. miR-1 expression has been reported to be dysregulated in cardiac tissue or cells with hypoxia, while the exact roles as well as underlying mechanism remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the potential roles of miR-1 in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy in hypoxia-treated cardiac injury and explored the underlying mechanism using H9c2 cells. Results showed that hypoxic stimulation inhibited cell proliferation and the expression of miR-1 but promoted cell apoptosis in H9c2 cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-1 promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation and autophagy in H9c2 cells treated with hypoxia, while its knockdown played an opposite effect. In addition, bioinformatics, luciferase reporter, and RNA immunoprecipitation analyses indicated that NOTCH3 was a direct target of miR-1 and its upregulation reversed the effects of miR-1 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy in hypoxia-treated H9c2 cells. Taken together, our data suggested that miR-1 promoted hypoxia-induced injury by targeting NOTCH3, indicating novel therapeutic targets for treatment of myocardial ischemia injury.

IFNB/interferon-β regulates autophagy via a MIR1-TBC1D15-RAB7 pathway

Loss of IFNB/interferon-β in mice causes a Parkinson disease-like phenotype where many features, including SNCA/α-synuclein and MAPT/tau accumulation, can be attributed to a late-stage block in autophagic flux. Recently, we identified a mechanism that can explain this phenotype. We found that IFNB induces expression of Mir1, a microRNA that can reduce the levels of TBC1D15, a RAB GTPase-activating protein. Induction of this pathway decreases RAB7 activity and thereby stimulates macroautophagy/autophagy. The relevance of these key players is deeply conserved from humans to Caenorhabditis elegans, highlighting the importance of this ancient autophagy regulatory pathway.

Mutant ACTB mRNA 3'-UTR promotes hepatocellular carcinoma development by regulating miR-1 and miR-29a

In recent years, studies demonstrate that ACTB has been found to be associated with various tumors. Although ACTB is dysregulated in numerous cancer types, limited data are available on the potential function and mechanism of ACTB in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study evaluated the expression and biological roles of mutant ACTB mRNA 3'-UTR in HCC. Transcriptome sequence and qRT-PCR analysis determined that mutant ACTB mRNA '-UTR was high expression in tumor tissues. Luciferase reporter assay showed that the ACTB mRNA 3'-UTR mutations made it easier to interact with miR-1 and miR-29a. Moreover, mutant ACTB mRNA '-UTR regulated miR-1 and miR-29a degradation via AGO2. Furthermore, mutant ACTB mRNA 3'-UTR promoted hepatocellular carcinoma cells migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo by up-regulating miR-1 target gene MET and miR-29a target gene MCL1. In a word, our study demonstrates that 3'-UTR of ACTB plays a key role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying such a complex process.

miR-1/206 downregulates splicing factor Srsf9 to promote C2C12 differentiation

Background

Myogenesis is driven by specific changes in the transcriptome that occur during the different stages of muscle differentiation. In addition to controlled transcriptional transitions, several other post-transcriptional mechanisms direct muscle differentiation. Both alternative splicing and miRNA activity regulate gene expression and production of specialized protein isoforms. Importantly, disruption of either process often results in severe phenotypes as reported for several muscle diseases. Thus, broadening our understanding of the post-transcriptional pathways that operate in muscles will lay the foundation for future therapeutic interventions.

Methods

We employed bioinformatics analysis in concert with the well-established C2C12 cell system for predicting and validating novel miR-1 and miR-206 targets engaged in muscle differentiation. We used reporter gene assays to test direct miRNA targeting and studied C2C12 cells stably expressing one of the cDNA candidates fused to a heterologous, miRNA-resistant 3′ UTR. We monitored effects on differentiation by measuring fusion index, myotube area, and myogenic gene expression during time course differentiation experiments.

Results

Gene ontology analysis revealed a strongly enriched set of putative miR-1 and miR-206 targets associated with RNA metabolism. Notably, the expression levels of several candidates decreased during C2C12 differentiation. We discovered that the splicing factor Srsf9 is a direct target of both miRNAs during myogenesis. Persistent Srsf9 expression during differentiation impaired myotube formation and blunted induction of the early pro-differentiation factor myogenin as well as the late differentiation marker sarcomeric myosin, Myh8.

Conclusions

Our data uncover novel miR-1 and miR-206 cellular targets and establish a functional link between the splicing factor Srsf9 and myoblast differentiation. The finding that miRNA-mediated clearance of Srsf9 is a key myogenic event illustrates the coordinated and sophisticated interplay between the diverse components of the gene regulatory network.

miR-1 and miR-802 regulate mesenchymal-epithelial transition during kidney development by regulating Wnt-4/β-catenin signaling

OBJECTIVE

Mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) is an important part of kidney development. However, the role of microRNA (miRNA) in MET and the regulating mechanism is still not well known.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

qRT-PCR and western blot were performed to detect the expression of miR-1 and miR-802 and related protein expression. Luciferase reporter assay and western blot were used to identify the target of miR-1 and miR-802. Confocal microscopy was used to analyze the MET process.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that miR-1 expression was downregulated and miR-802 expression was upregulated during kidney development. And during the process, proteins levels of Wnt-4 and β-catenin changed significantly. In MDCK cells, overexpression of Wnt-4 inhibited the expression of β-catenin, and promote the MET, and overexpression of β-catenin inhibited MET. Further studies suggested that miR-1 and miR-802 regulated MET by binding to Wnt-4 and β-catenin mRNA, regulated the expression of Wnt-4 and β-catenin. In conclusion, miR-1 and miR-802 regulate MET during kidney development by regulating Wnt-4/β-catenin signaling.

Metoprolol protects against myocardial infarction by inhibiting miR-1 expression in rats

OBJECTIVES

Metoprolol is regarded as a first-line medicine for the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI). However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of miR-1 in the pharmacological function of metoprolol.

METHODS

In vivo MI model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation. The effects of metoprolol on infarct size and cardiac dysfunction were determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and cardiac echocardiography, respectively. In vitro oxidative stress cardiomyocyte model was established by H₂ O₂ treatment. The effect of metoprolol on the expression of miR-1 and connexin43 (Cx43) was quantified by real-time PCR and western blot, respectively. The intercellular communication was evaluated by lucifer yellow dye diffusion.

KEY FINDINGS

Left anterior descending ligation-induced MI injury was markedly attenuated by metoprolol as shown by reduced infarct size and better cardiac function. Metoprolol reversed the up-regulation of miR-1 and down-regulation of Cx43 in MI heart. Moreover, in H₂ O₂ -stimulated cardiomyocytes, overexpression of miR-1 abolished the effects of metoprolol on Cx43 up-regulation and increased intercellular communication, indicating that miR-1 may be a necessary mediator for the cardiac protective function of metoprolol.

CONCLUSIONS

Metoprolol relieves MI injury via suppression miR-1, thus increasing its target protein Cx43 and improving intercellular communication.

Mitochondrial Damage Mediated by miR-1 Overexpression in Cancer Stem Cells

It is well known that cells rely on mitochondrial respiration for survival. However, the effect of microRNAs (miRNAs) on mitochondria of cells has not been extensively explored. Our results indicated that the overexpression of a miRNA (miR-1) could destroy mitochondria of cancer stem cells. miR-1 was downregulated in melanoma stem cells (MSCs) and breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) compared with cancer non-stem cells. However, the upregulation of miR-1 in cancer non-stem cells did not induce mitochondrial damage. miR-1 overexpression caused mitochondrial damage of cancer stem cells by directly targeting the 3′ UTRs of MINOS1 (mitochondrial inner membrane organizing system 1) and GPD2 (glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 2) genes and interacting with LRPPRC (leucine-rich pentatricopeptide-repeat containing) protein, a protein localized in mitochondria. MINOS1, GPD2, and LRPPRC in mitochondria were required for mitochondrial inner membrane. The results of in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that miR-1 overexpression induced mitophagy of cancer stem cells. Therefore, our study contributed novel insights into the mechanism of miRNA-mediated regulation of mitochondria morphology of cancer stem cells.

Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 functions as miR-1 sponge to regulate Connexin 43-mediated ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is the major cause for several deteriorate bone and joint diseases. Its development is a highly organized dynamic process as modulated by various physiological and pathophysiological factors. Both long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and small non-coding RNAs (miRNAs) have been postulated to involve into almost all the biological conditions. Here, we applied high through-put transcriptome screening to unveil lncRNAs highly regulated under OPLL condition. siRNA assay in combination with western blot and quantitative PCR deciphered the lncRNA and miRNA functions in OPLL and their underlying mechanism. Here we identified an lncRNA, named Metastasis Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1) engaged into the development of OPLL by indirectly targeting Connexin 43 (Cx43) gene. As previously reported, Cx43 is one of the main proteins contributing to OPLL partially through enhancing inflammatory signaling. On top of that, we provided another regulatory layer that MALAT1 served as the upstream effector governing the transcription of Cx43 gene. Perturbation of MALAT1 significantly inhibited Cx43 expression, inflammation, and osteogenesis. Mechanistically, in silico analysis and experimental validation both confirmed that microRNA-1 (miR-1) was the mediator connecting MALAT1-Cx43 axis: overexpression of miR-1 diminished Cx43 expression and OPLL process; meanwhile, MALAT1 acted as miR-1 sponge to inhibit its suppressive transcription effect on downstream ossification related genes. Knock-down of MALAT1 released sequestered miR-1, which repressed Cx43 expression and associated OPLL. Likewise, induced OPLL caused by overexpression of MALAT1 can be ameliorated by enhanced miR-1 function, knock-down of Cx43 or inhibition of inflammation. More importantly, further validation using patient ligament samples from non-OPLL and OPLL individuals identified MALAT1-miR-1-Cx43 regulatory axis. Collectively, we found a novel mechanism through lncRNA-miRNA interaction that provides more insights into understanding the development of OPLL.

Vitamin B1 and B12 mitigates neuron apoptosis in cerebral palsy by augmenting BDNF expression through MALAT1/miR-1 axis

Through the roles of vitamin B1 and B12 in neuroprotection and in improving cerebral palsy symptoms have been previously noticed, the action mechanism is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of vitamin B1 and B12 on neuron injury in cerebral palsy and to clarify the mechanism of vitamin B1 and B12 inhibiting neurons apoptosis, and to focus on the role of lncRNA MALAT1 in this process. In order to investigate the effect of vitamin B1 and B12 on neurons injury in vivo and on neuron apoptosis in vitro, we, respectively, introduced vitamin B1 and B12 into cerebral palsy rat and in apoptosis-induced N2A neurons by Oxygen Glucose Deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). Our results demonstrated that vitamin B1 and B12 treatment improved the motor and memory functions and ameliorated the neurons injury in cerebral palsy rats. OGD/R treatment repressed the expression of MALAT1 and BDNF and the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt, and enhanced the miR-1 expression, which were all reversed by vitamin B1 and B12 treatment in N2A neurons. Vitamin B1 and B12 inhibited miR-1 expression through MALAT1, promoted BDNF expression and activated PI3K/Akt signaling through the MALAT1/miR-1 axis. Vitamin B1 and B12 suppressed neuron apoptosis by up-regulating BDNF via MALAT1/miR-1 pathway. MALAT1 interference abolished the neuroprotective effect of vitamin B1 and B12 in cerebral palsy rats. Collectively, vitamin B1 and B12 up-regulates BDNF and its downstream PI3K/Akt signaling through MALAT1/miR-1 axis, thus suppressing neuron apoptosis and mitigating nerve injury in cerebral palsy rats.

Telmisartan cardioprotects from the ischaemic/hypoxic damage through a miR-1-dependent pathway

The aim of this study was to investigate whether telmisartan protects the heart from the ischaemia/reperfusion damage through a local microRNA‐1 modulation. Studies on the myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury in vivo and on the cardiomyocyte hypoxia/reoxygenation damage in vitro were done. In vivo, male Sprague‐Dawley rats administered for 3 weeks with telmisartan 12 mg/kg/d by gastric gavage underwent ischaemia/reperfusion of the left descending coronary artery. In these rats, infarct size measurement, ELISA, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse transcriptase real‐time polymerase chain reaction showed that expressions of connexin 43, potassium voltage‐gated channel subfamily Q member 1 and the protein Bcl‐2 were significantly increased by telmisartan in the reperfused myocardium, paralleled by microRNA‐1 down‐regulation. In vitro, the transfection of cardiomyocytes with microRNA‐1 reduced the expressions of connexin 43, potassium voltage‐gated channel subfamily Q member 1 and Bcl‐2 in the cells. Telmisartan (50 µmol/L) 60 minutes before hypoxia/reoxygenation, while not affecting the levels of miR‐1 in transfected cells in normoxic condition, almost abolished the increment of miR‐1 induced by the hypoxia/reoxygenation to transfected cells. All together, telmisartan cardioprotected against the myocardial damage through the microRNA‐1 modulation, and consequent modifications of its downstream target connexin 43, potassium voltage‐gated channel subfamily Q member 1 and Bcl‐2.

miR-1, miR-499 and miR-208 are sensitive markers to diagnose sudden death due to early acute myocardial infarction

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are strongly up-regulated under pathological stress and in a wide range of diseases. In recent years, miRNAs are under investigation for their potential use as biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases. We investigate whether specific cardio-miRNAs are overexpressed in heart samples from subjects deceased for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or sudden cardiac death (SCD), and whether miRNA could help differentiate between them. Forty four cases of death due to cardiovascular disease were selected, respectively, 19 cases categorized as AMI and 25 as SCD. Eighteen cases of traumatic death without pathological cardiac involvement were selected as control. Immunohistochemical investigation was performed for CD15, IL-15, Cx43, MCP-1, tryptase, troponin C and troponin I. Reverse transcription and quantitative real-time PCR were performed for miR-1, miR-133, miR-208 and miR-499. In AMI group, stronger immunoreaction for the CD15, IL-15 and MCP-1 antibodies was detectable compared with SCD and control. Cx43 showed a negative reaction with respect to the other groups. Real-time PCR results showed a down-regulation of all miRNAs in the AMI group compared with SCD and control. The selected miRNAs presented high accuracy in discriminating SCD from AMI (miR-1 and miR-499) and AMI from control (miR-208) representing a potential aid for both clinicians and pathologists for differential diagnosis.

The expression and regulation of miR-1 in goat skeletal muscle and satellite cell during muscle growth and development

MicroRNA-1 (miR-1) has been shown to play an important role in muscle growth and development, however, it was mainly discovered in model animals. To explore the function and mechanism of miR-1 in goat, we firstly explored the expression profile of miR-1 in goat tissues and cells. Furthermore, the target gene of miR-1 was predicted, and the relationship between miR-1 and one of its target genes, histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4), was analyzed through double luciferase reporter assay, real-time PCR, and western blot. It was found that the miR-1 is most abundantly expressed in goat heart and skeletal muscle tissue. Meanwhile, the expression of miR-1 showed an increasing tendency from new-born goats to the 7-month-old goats, and then its expression decreases as the goats mature further. In addition, the expression levels of miR-1 decreased in goat skeletal muscle satellite cells with the algebraic increasing of cells. At last, the results showed that HDAC4 is a target gene of miR-1 in goat, and miR-1 can inhibit the post-transcriptional expression of HDAC4, but had no significant influence on the mRNA level of HDAC4. It was hypothesized that miR-1 promotes muscle development by inhibiting the post-transcriptional expression of HDAC4 in goat.

microRNA-messenger RNA regulatory network of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and the identification of miR-1 as a biomarker of patient survival

Emerging evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in tumor carcinogenesis and progression by targeting gene expression. The goal of this study was to comprehensively analyze the vital functional miRNAs and their target genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and to explore the clinical significance and mechanisms of miR-1 in ESCC. First, the miRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles of ESCC were determined with microarray technology. Using an integrated analysis of miRNAs and their target genes with multistep bioinformatics methods, the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in ESCC was constructed. Next, miR-1 expression in 292 ESCC patients and its relationship with clinicopathological features and prognosis were detected by in situ hybridization. Furthermore, the biological functions of miR-1 were determined with in vitro and in vivo functional experiments. Finally, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and luciferase reporter assays were performed to verify the target genes of miR-1. In this study, 67 miRNAs and 2992 genes were significantly differentially expressed in ESCC tissues compared with their expression in adjacent normal tissues, and an miRNA-mRNA regulatory network comprising 59 miRNAs and 162 target mRNAs was identified. Low miR-1 expression was correlated with pathological T stage, lymph node metastasis, vessel invasion, and poor clinical outcome. miR-1 suppressed ESCC cell proliferation and invasion and promoted ESCC cell apoptosis. Fibronectin 1 (FN1) was verified as a direct target of miR-1. Taken together, the present results suggest that miR-1 may be a valuable prognostic predictor for ESCC, and the miR-1/FN1 axis may be a therapeutic target.

MiR-1/133 attenuates cardiomyocyte apoptosis and electrical remodeling in mice with viral myocarditis

BACKGROUND

The role of miR-1 and miR-133 in regulating the expression of potassium and calcium ion channels, and mediating cardiomyocyte apoptosis in mice with viral myocarditis (VMC) is investigated herein.

METHODS

Male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into groups: control group, VMC group, VMC + miR-1/133 mimics group, or VMC + miR-1/133 negative control (NC) group. VMC was induced with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3). MiR-1/133 mimics ameliorated cardiac dysfunction in VMC mice and was compared to the VMC+NC group.

RESULTS

Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed a well-arranged myocardium without inflammatory cell infiltration in the myocardial matrix of the control group. However, in the VMC and VMC+NC groups, the myocardium was disorganized and swollen with necrosis, and the myocardial matrix was infiltrated with inflammatory cells. These changes were alleviated by miR-1/133 mimics. TUNEL staining revealed decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the VMC + miR-1/133 mimics group compared with the VMC group. In addition, miR-1/133 mimics up-regulated the expression of miR-1 and miR-133, the potassium channel genes Kcnd2 and Kcnj2, as well as Bcl-2, and down-regulated the expression of the potassium channel suppressor gene Irx5, L-type calcium channel subunit gene a1c (Cacna1c), Bax, and caspase-9 in the myocardium of VMC mice. MiR-1/133 also up-regulated the protein levels of Kv4.2 and Kir2.1, and down-regulated the expression of CaV1.2 in the myocardium of VMC mice.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-1 and miR-133 decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis by mediating the expression of apoptosis-related genes in the hearts of VMC mice.