miR-200b-3p accelerates progression of pituitary adenomas by negatively regulating expression of RECK

MicroRNA (miR)-200b-3p has been associated with many tumors, but its involvement in pituitary adenoma is unclear. This study investigated the molecular mechanism underlying miR-200b-3p regulation in pituitary adenomas to provide a theoretical basis for treatment. Bioinformatics was used to analyze pituitary adenoma-related genes and screen new targets related to RECK and miRNA. As well, the relationship between miR-200b-3p and RECK protein was verified using a double-luciferase reporter gene assay. The expression of miR-200b-3p in clinical samples was analyzed by in situ hybridization. Transfection of the miR-200b-3p inhibitor and small interfering-RECK (si-RECK) was verified by qPCR. GH3 cell viability and proliferation were detected using CCK8 and EdU assays. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and western blotting. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to detect cell migration and invasion. The effects of miR-200b-3p and RECK on GH3 cells were verified using salvage experiments. miR-200b-3p was highly expressed in pituitary tumor tissue. Inhibitors of miR-200b-3p inhibited cell proliferation promoted cell apoptosis, inhibited invasion and migration, and inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinases. Interestingly, miR-200b-3p negatively regulated RECK. The expression of RECK in pituitary adenoma tissues was lower than that in neighboring tissues. Si-RECK rescued the function of miR-200b-3p inhibitors in the above cellular behaviors, and miR-200b-3p accelerated the development of pituitary adenoma by negatively regulating RECK expression. In summary, this study investigated the molecular mechanism by which miR-200b-3p regulates the progression of pituitary adenoma through the negative regulation of RECK. The findings provide a new target for the treatment of pituitary adenoma.

Circulating myomiRNAs as biomarkers in patients with Cushing's syndrome

PURPOSE

Impairment of skeletal muscle mass and strength affects 40-70% of patients with active Cushing's syndrome (CS). Glucocorticoid excess sustains muscle atrophy and weakness, while muscle-specific microRNAs (myomiRs) level changes were associated with muscle organization and function perturbation. The aim of the current study is to explore changes in circulating myomiRs in CS patients compared to healthy controls and their involvement in IGFI/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway regulation in skeletal muscle.

METHODS

C2C12, mouse myocytes, were exposed to hydrocortisone (HC), and atrophy-related gene expression was investigated by RT-qPCR, WB and IF to assess HC-mediated atrophic signalling. miRNAs were evaluated in HC-treated C2C12 by PCR Arrays. MyomiRs significantly overexpressed in C2C12 were investigated in 37 CS patients and 24 healthy controls serum by RT-qPCR. The anti-anabolic role of circulating miRNAs significantly upregulated in CS patients was explored in C2C12 by investigating the IGFI/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway regulation.

RESULTS

HC induced higher expression of atrophy-related genes, miR-133a-3p, miR-122-5p and miR-200b-3p in C2C12 compared to untreated cells. Conversely, the anabolic IGFI/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling was reduced and this effect was mediated by miR-133a-3p. In CS patients miR-133a-3p and miR-200b-3p revealed higher circulating levels (p < 0.0001, respectively) compared to controls. ROC curves for miR-133a-3p (AUC 0.823, p < 0.0001) and miR-200b-3p (AUC 0.850, p < 0.0001) demonstrated that both myomiRs represent potential biomarkers to discriminate between CS and healthy subjects. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that circulating levels of miR-133a-3p are directly correlated with 24 h urinary-free cortisol level (r = 0.468, p = 0.004) in CS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

HC induces atrophic signals by miR-133a-3p overexpression in mouse myocytes and humans. Circulating miR-133a-3p is promising biomarkers of hypercortisolism.

Exosomal miR-200b-3p induce macrophage polarization by regulating transcriptional repressor ZEB1 in hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

Accumulating evidence has elucidated that the interaction between cancer cells and M2 macrophages plays an important role in the tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanism connecting tumor-derived exosomes, M2 polarization of macrophages, and liver metastasis remain unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to explore their influence on the tumor microenvironment of HCC.

METHODS

Transmission electron microscopy, nanometer particle testing, and special biomarker analysis were utilized to characterize exosomes, while the differential expression of microRNAs was evaluated using high-throughput sequencing technology. The functions of miR-200b-3p exosomes were confirmed using in vitro and in vivo assays. The interactions between microRNAs and ZEB1 as well as cancer cells and macrophages were measured using RNA pull-down and luciferase gene reporter assays.

RESULTS

Using in silico analysis, we identified high levels of miR-200b-3p exosome expression in patients with HCC, particularly with relapsed HCC. We demonstrated that HCC cell-derived miR-200b-3p exosomes were internalized by M0 macrophages and induced M2 polarization by downregulating ZEB1 and upregulating interleukin-4. As a result, the JAK/STAT signaling pathway was activated in M2 macrophages, leading to increased PIM1 and VEGFα expression. These cell factors accelerated the proliferation and metastasis of HCC, resulting in a feedback loop between HCC cells and M2 macrophages.

CONCLUSION

The study illustrates that HCC cell-derived miR-200b-3p exosomes facilitate the proliferation and polarization of macrophages by modulating cytokine secretion and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, leading to the metastasis of HCC. These findings demonstrate the existence of a novel feedback loop between cancer cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, presenting a new concept in cancer research.

Role of MEG3 in Cellular Physiology of Atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of the lncRNA MEG3 (MEG3) in opposing the biochemical processes thought to be involved in the development of atherosclerosis (AS).

METHODS

Thirty patients with AS and thirty healthy control subjects were enrolled in this study. The expression of MEG3, miR-200b-3p and ABCA1 was analyzed by RT-qPCR in the individuals and the macrophages-derived foam cells. Lipid accumulation was detected by oil red O staining. Cholesterol efflux was measured by ELISA assay in the foam cells. Expression of miR-200b-3p was identified by sequencing. Targeting relationships were determined by dual luciferase assay between MEG3 and miR-200b-3p, miR-200b-3p and ABCA1.

RESULTS

In the patients with AS, MEG3 and ABCA1 expression were decreased and miR-200b-3p expression was upregulated. Foam cells transfected with an expression vector (pcDNA3.1) containing MEG3 (pcDNA3.1-MEG3) induced decrease of lipid accumulation and increase of cholesterol efflux compared to cells transfected with control plasmid alone. Foam cells transfected by pcDNA3.1-MEG3 also showed decreased miR-200b-3p and increased ABCA1 expression. Interestingly, co-expression of miR-200b-3p partially prevented these effects of MEG3 expression.

CONCLUSION

Expression of MEG3 is downregulated in the patients with AS and foam cells. Overexpressed MEG3 may act as an anti-atherosclerotic factor by reducing lipid accumulation and accelerating cholesterol efflux through the miR-200b-3p/ABCA1 axis.

Microenvironment commits breast tumor ECs to dedifferentiation by micro-RNA-200-b-3p regulation and extracellular matrix remodeling

Introduction: Hypoxia shapes the tumor microenvironment, modulates distinct cell population activities, and activates pathological angiogenesis in cancer, where endothelial cells (ECs) are the most important players. This study aimed to evidence the influences of the tumor microenvironment on the global gene expression pattern characteristic for ECs and the distinct responses displayed by tumor-derived ECs in comparison to the healthy endothelium during endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and its regulation by miR-200-b-3p. Methodology: Immortalized lines of ECs from the same patient with breast cancer, healthy breast tissue (HBH.MEC), and primary tumor (HBCa.MEC) were used. The experiments were performed in normoxia and hypoxia for 48 h. By using the wound healing test, we investigated the migration abilities of ECs. Global gene expression analysis with NGS was carried out to detect new pathways altered in pathological ECs and find the most changed miRNAs. The validation of NGS data from RNA and miRNA was estimated by qPCRs. Mimic miR-200b-3p was used in HBH.MEC, and the targets VEGF, Bcl2, ROCK2, and SP1 were checked. Results: Hypoxia influences EC migration properties in wound healing assays. In hypoxia, healthy ECs migrate slower than they do in normoxia, as opposed to HBCa.MEC, where no decreased migration ability is induced by hypoxia due to EndMT features. NGS data identified this process to be altered in cancer ECs through extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. The deregulated genes, validated by qPCR, included SPP1, ITGB6, COL4A4, ADAMST2, LAMA1, GAS6, PECAM1, ELN, FBLN2, COL6A3, and COL9A3. NGS also identified collagens, laminins, fibronectins, and integrins, as being deregulated in tumor-derived ECs. Moreover, the analysis of the 10 most intensively modified miRNAs, when breast tumor-derived ECs were compared to healthy ECs, shed light on miR-200b-3p, which is strongly upregulated in HBCa.MECs when compared to HBH.MECs. Discussion and conclusion: The pathological ECs differed significantly, both phenotypically and functionally, from the normal corresponding tissue, thus influencing their microenvironment cross-talk. The gene expression profile confirms the EndMT phenotype of tumor-derived ECs and migratory properties acquisition. Moreover, it indicates the role of miR-200b-3p, that is, regulating EndMT in pathological ECs and silencing several angiogenic growth factors and their receptors by directly targeting their mRNA transcripts.

Astragalus polysaccharide ameliorates steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head by regulating miR-200b-3p-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via inhibiting SP1 expression : Astragalus polysaccharide regulates SONFH via SP1

BACKGROUND

Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is the necrosis of the femur bone caused by prolonged and massive use of corticosteroids. The present study probed into the significance of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) in SONFH progression.

METHODS

SONFH cell model was constructed using murine long bone osteocyte Y4 (MLO-Y4) cells and then treated with APS. mRNA microarray analysis selected differentially expressed genes between control group and SONFH group. RT-qPCR determined SP1 and miR-200b-3p expression. Levels of SP1, β-catenin, autophagy-related proteins (LC3II/LC3I, Beclin1, p62) and apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, C-caspase3, C-caspase9, Bcl-2) were tested by Western blot. ChIP and luciferase reporter assays confirmed relationship between SP1 and miR-200b-3p. Fluorescence intensity of LC3 in cells was detected by immunofluorescence. Flow cytometry assessed cell apoptosis. Osteonecrosis tissues from SONFH mice were examined by HE and TRAP staining.

RESULTS

APS induced autophagy and suppressed apoptosis in SONFH cell model. APS inhibited SP1 expression and SP1 overexpression reversed effects of APS on SONFH cell model. Mechanistically, SP1 targeted miR-200b-3p to inhibit Wnt/β-catenin pathway. MiR-200b-3p depletion rescued the promoting effect of SP1 on SONFH cell model by activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway. HE staining showed that APS treatment reduced the empty lacunae and alleviated inflammation in trabecular bone of SONFH mice. TRAP staining revealed decreased osteoclasts number in SONFH mice after APS treatment.

CONCLUSION

APS regulated osteocyte autophagy and apoptosis via SP1/miR-200b-3p axis and activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling, thereby alleviating SONFH, shedding new insights for therapy of SONFH.

miR-200b-3p antagomir inhibits neuronal apoptosis in oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model through regulating β-TrCP

BACKGROUND

Hypoxia-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) is a primary cause of morbidity and disability in survivors of preterm infants. We previously discovered that miR-200b-3p plays an important role in HIBD via targeting Slit2. This study was designed to identify novel targets of miR-200b-3p and investigate the relationship between miR-200b-3p and its downstream effectors.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Cultured primary rat hippocampal neurons were used in the model of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and RT-qPCR was utilized to detect the alterations of miR-200b-3p in these cells following the OGD. Our study found that the expression of miR-200b-3p was up-regulated in neurons post OGD. Bioinformatics analysis identified that β transducin repeat-containing protein (β-TrCP) is a target gene of miR-200b-3p, and our luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that miR-200b-3p can interact with β-TrCP mRNA. Hypoxia-ischemic brain damage was induced in three-day-old SD rats and inhibition of miR-200b-3p by injection of antagomir into bilateral lateral ventricles enhanced β-TrCP expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in rats' brains. TUNEL staining and CCK-8 assays found that the survival of hippocampal neurons in the miR-200b-3p antagomir group was improved significantly (p＜0.05), whereas apoptosis of neurons in the miR-200b-3p antagomir group was significantly decreased (p＜0.05), as compared with the OGD group. However, silencing of β-TrCP by β-TrCP siRNA impaired the neuroprotective effect of miR-200b-3p antagomir. H&E staining showed that miR-200b-3p attenuated the pathological changes in the hippocampal region of rats with HIBD.

CONCLUSION

Our study has demonstrated that β-TrCP is a target gene of miR-200b-3p and that inhibition of miR-200b-3p by antagomir attenuates hypoxia-ischemic brain damage via β-TrCP.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Serum miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p Expression Levels with Soluble ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in COVID-19 Patients

Background

The emergence and rapid global spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has presented a significant global health challenge. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects human host cells through the interaction of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), which serve as main regulators for viral entry. Specifically, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes are influenced by two microRNAs: miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p, respectively. The objective of this study was to explore the association between the serum levels of miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p and the presence of circulating ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in severe and non-severe cases of COVID-19.

Objectives

This study sought to examine the potential utility of microRNAs as biomarkers for assessing disease severity and progression. Additionally, the study aimed to elucidate the interplay between microRNAs and the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins, which play crucial roles in facilitating SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and infection.

Methods

This practical-foundational study involved the collection of samples from 61 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 and 31 healthy individuals. Subsequently, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was utilized to measure the concentrations of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the blood samples. Additionally, the expression levels of serum miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using GraphPad Prism software (version 8.02) and SPSS software (version 19.0), ensuring the accurate interpretation of results.

Results

The findings revealed significant increases in the peripheral blood concentrations of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in patients with non-severe COVID-19, compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). Similarly, patients with severe COVID-19 exhibited higher serum levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 than healthy subjects (P < 0.0001). Additionally, the serum levels of miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p were decreased in both non-severe and severe COVID-19 patients, compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Moreover, a decrease in the serum levels of both miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p was observed in patients with severe COVID-19, compared to those with non-severe cases (P < 0.001). Furthermore, this study identified a negative correlation between miR-200b-3p and ACE2 serum levels and between miR-214-3p and TMPRSS2 peripheral blood levels.

Conclusions

The above-mentioned findings suggest that miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p might be potential biomarkers for disease severity and prognosis in COVID-19 patients.

LINC01140 Hinders the Development of Breast Cancer Through Targeting miR-200b-3p to Downregulate DMD

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are frequently reported to be involved in breast cancer (BC) oncogenicity. The goal of this study was to probe lncRNA LINC01140's role and action mechanism in BC. Relative LINC01140, miR-200b-3p, and dystrophin (DMD) levels were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). DMD protein levels in BC cells were quantified using Western blotting, and the targeting relationships were validated by luciferase reporter assays and RNA immunoprecipitation experiments. The proliferative potential of the cells was evaluated using CCK-8 and colony formation tests, while the migratory and invasive abilities of the cells were assessed using scratch and transwell assays. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Nude mouse models have been established to allow the examination of tumor growth in vivo. Pronounced downregulation of LINC01140 and DMD, as well as upregulation of miR-200b-3p, was observed in BC. LINC01140 binds directly to miR-200b-3p to downregulate DMD expression. Ectopic LINC01140 expression not only limited tumor growth in vivo but also diminished the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of BC cells in vitro, however, it induced apoptosis in BC cells. Elevated miR-200b-3p expression stimulated the tumorigenic potential of BC cells and attenuated the suppressive effect of LINC01140 or DMD overexpression on BC cell malignancy, whereas DMD overexpression restricted the tumorigenic potential of BC cells. Overall, LINC01140 prevents BC development via the miR-200b-3p-DMD axis. These findings support the latent potential and usefulness of the LINC01140-miR-200b-3p-DMD network as a target for BC therapy.

miR-200b-3p/ERG/PTHrP axis mediates the inhibitory effect of ethanol on the differentiation of fetal cartilage into articular cartilage

PURPOSE

This study aims to further explore cartilage development in prenatal ethanol exposure (PEE) offspring at different times to explore the specific time points and mechanism of ethanol-induced fetal cartilage dysplasia.

METHODS

On gestational day (GD)14, GD17, and GD20, PEE fetal cartilage was evaluated by morphological analysis. RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of cartilage marker genes and their regulatory factors. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were used to explore the effect of ethanol on the differentiation of chondrocytes. Additionally, we used inhibitors, overexpression plasmids and a luciferase reporter assay on GD17 chondrocytes to verify the mechanism.

RESULTS

PEE significantly reduced cartilage matrix content and the expression of marker genes on GD17 and GD20 but had no effect on GD14. The inhibition of chondrogenic differentiation by PEE mainly occurred on GD14-17. Furthermore, the expression of miR-200b-3p was increased, while that of ERG and PTHrP was markedly reduced in PEE fetal cartilage. In vitro, ethanol (30-120 mM) inhibited the differentiation of BMSCs into chondrocytes in a concentration-dependent manner, accompanied by strong expression of miR-200b-3p and low expression of ERG and PTHrP. Moreover, PTHLH and ERG overexpressed, as well as a miR-200b-3p inhibitor reversed the inhibitory effect of ethanol on the differentiation of fetal chondrocytes. Furthermore, miR-200b-3p could target and negatively regulate ERG.

CONCLUSIONS

PEE can significantly inhibit the development of articular cartilage, especially during articular cartilage formation. The mechanism is related to the decreased differentiation of fetal cartilage into articular cartilage mediated by the miR-200b-3p/ERG/PTHrP axis.

Circ_0,007,331 Promotes the PTX Resistance and Progression of Breast Cancer via miR-200b-3p/ANLN

INTRODUCTION

The objective of our study was to explore the expression pattern of circular ribonucleic acid (RNA)_0,007,331 (circ_0,007,331) in breast cancer (BC) and its functional association with cellular paclitaxel (PTX) resistance and proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis.

METHODS

Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was applied to measure RNA expression. The PTX resistance of BC cells was analyzed by cell counting kit-8 assay. Flow cytometry was applied to assess cell cycle progression and cell apoptosis. Transwell assays were utilized to analyze cell migration and invasion abilities. Protein expression was determined by Western blot assay. The target relationship between microRNA-200b-3p (miR-200b-3p) and circ_0,007,331 or Anillin (ANLN) was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA-pull down assay. The in vivo role of circ_0,007,331 was analyzed using xenograft tumor model.

RESULTS

Circ_0,007,331 expression was elevated in PTX-resistant BC cell lines relative to parental BC cell lines. Circ_0,007,331 contributed to the PTX resistance, proliferation, migration, invasion and suppressed the apoptosis of BC cells. Circ_0,007,331 interacted with miR-200b-3p in BC cells. Circ_0,007,331 silencing-mediated effects in BC cells were largely overturned by the knockdown of miR-200b-3p. ANLN was a target of miR-200b-3p in BC cells. Circ_0,007,331 silencing reduced ANLN expression partly through upregulating miR-200b-3p in BC cells. miR-200b-3p overexpression-induced effects in BC cells were largely counteracted by the accumulation of ANLN. Circ_0,007,331 silencing aggravated PTX-mediated inhibitory effect on tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Circ_0,007,331 contributed to the PTX resistance, proliferation and motility and inhibited the apoptosis of BC cells through mediating miR-200b-3p/ANLN signaling.

LINC00667 Promotes Progression of Esophageal Cancer Cells by Regulating miR-200b-3p/SLC2A3 Axis

BACKGROUND

Recently, more and more evidence indicated that the long non-coding RNA was strictly related to the occurrence and progression of human cancers, including esophageal cancer (EC). We observed that LINC00667 was increased in EC, but the function of LINC00667 was unclear. Therefore, the function and potential molecular mechanism of LINC00667 in the progression of EC need to be further studied.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time PCR was used to investigate the levels of LINC00667, miR-200b-3p, and SLC2A3. The levels of protein involved in cell cycle, cell apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, as well as SLC2A3 were quantitatived by western blot. The role of LINC00667 in the proliferative, migratory and invasive capabilities of EC cells were measured by cell counting kit-8 assay, EdU assay, flow cytometry assay, wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. Interaction between LINC00667 and miR-200b-3p or miR-200b-3p and SLC2A3 were confirmed using a luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

In this work, we found that LINC00667 expression was up-regulated in EC cell lines, and LINC00667 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in EC cells. In addition, it showed that LINC00667 functioned as competitive endogenous RNA for miR-200b-3p by the DIANA-LncBase database. Moreover, we used targetscan online software to predict SLC2A3 as a target gene of miR-200b-3p. Subsequently, rescue experiments confirmed that knocking out SLC2A3 could reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-200b-3p on EC cells transfected with sh-LINC00667.

CONCLUSION

Herein, we revealed the novel mechanism of LINC00667 on regulating metastasis-related gene by sponge regulatory axis during EC metastasis. Our results demonstrated that LINC00667 plays a critical role in metastatic EC by mediating sponge regulatory axis miR-200b-3p/SLC2A3. To explore function of LINC00667/miR-200b-3p/SLC2A3 axis may provide an informative biomarker of malignancy and a highly selective anti-EC therapeutic target.

MiR-200b-3p is upregulated in the placental tissues from patients with preeclampsia and promotes the development of preeclampsia via targeting profilin 2

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy disorder affecting both maternal and fetal health. However, the pathogenesis of preeclampsia has not been fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the key microRNAs (miRNAs) in the development of preeclampsia. A high-throughput miRNA sequencing analysis for the placental tissues from patients with preeclampsia and healthy controls was conducted, followed by investigation of differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and functional enrichment analysis. Moreover, the expression of a key DEM, named miR-200b-3p, in the preeclampsia patients was validated, and the effects of miR-200b-3p overexpression on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of HTR8 trophoblast cells were investigated in vitro. Furthermore, the target gene of miR-200b-3p was investigated based on gene expression profile GSE177049 and miRWalk 2.0 database. The target relationship between miR-200b-3p and profilin 2 (PFN2) was investigated in vitro. A total of 12 DEMs including miR-200b-3p were identified between preeclampsia placental tissues and control placental tissues, which were significantly enriched in several pathways, such as cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and tight junction. Moreover, increased expression of miR-200b-3p was revealed in the placental tissues of preeclampsia patients, and overexpression of miR-200b-3p suppressed cell proliferation and migration but promoted apoptosis of trophoblast cells. Furthermore, PFN2 was confirmed as a target of miR-200b-3p, and overexpression of PFN2 reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-200b-3p overexpression on trophoblast cell migration. Our findings reveal that miR-200b-3p is upregulated in the placental tissues of patients with preeclampsia and promotes preeclampsia development via PFN2. miR-200b-3p may serve as a promising therapeutic target against preeclampsia.

Synthetic role of miR-200b-3p, ABCD2 score, and carotid ultrasound in the prediction of cerebral infarction in patients with transient ischemic attack

BACKGROUND

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a major risk factor for the occurrence of cerebral infarction (CI). This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the synthetic role of miR-200b-3p, ABCD² score, and carotid ultrasound for CI onset in patients with TIA.

METHODS

Expression of miR-200b-3p was detected by reverse transcription quantitative PCR and carotid stenosis degree was evaluated using carotid ultrasound examination. Association of miR-200b-3p with ABCD² scores and carotid stenosis degree was assessed using t-test and chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was used to judge the ability of miR-200b-3p, ABCD² score, and carotid ultrasound to predict the occurrence of CI. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of miR-200b-3p and the accuracy of miR-200b-3p, ABCD² score, and carotid ultrasound in predicting CI development.

RESULTS

Expression of serum miR-200b-3p was significantly increased in TIA patients compared with healthy controls, and had diagnostic value in TIA patients. Serum miR-200b-3p was significantly associated with dyslipidemia, ABCD² score, and carotid stenosis degree in TIA patients. ABCD² score, carotid stenosis degree, and serum miR-200b-3p were independently associated with CI onset, and the synthetic role of these three indicators had the best accuracy in the prediction of CI onset in TIA patients.

CONCLUSION

Serum miR-200b-3p expression was increased in TIA patients with considerable diagnostic value to screen TIA cases from healthy controls. Moreover, we speculated that the combination of miR-200b-3p, ABCD² score, and carotid stenosis degree by ultrasound may propose as an efficient predictive strategy for the prediction of CI in TIA patients.

MicroRNA-200b-3p restrains gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12/CXC chemokine receptor 7 axis

This study was conducted to investigate the impact of microRNA (miR)-200b-3p on viability, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer (GC) cells and its mechanism. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was conducted to measure miR-200b-3p expression in GC tissues and cells; besides, the relationship between miR-200b-3p expression and overall survival time (OS) was analyzed with OncomiR database; cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assay, flow cytometry, scratch healing assay, and Transwell assay were performed to detect the proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration, and invasion of GC cells; a lung metastasis model in nude mice was used to examine the effect of miR-200b-3p on the metastasis of GC cells in vivo; the interplay between miR-200b-3p and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) mRNA 3’ UTR was predicted by bioinformatics and verified with a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay; besides, the expression of CXCL12 and CXC chemokine receptor 7 (CXCR7) was probed by Western blot. It was found that miR-200b-3p expression was down-regulated in GC tissues, which was remarkably associated with the lymph node metastasis and decrease of differentiation of GC; transfection with miR-200b-3p mimics restrained the growth, migration, and invasion of GC cells in vitro, induced cell cycle arrest, and inhibited CXCL12 and CXCR7 expression levels; transfection of miR-200b-3p inhibitors worked oppositely in vitro and promoted lung metastasis in vivo. CXCL12 was confirmed as the downstream target of miR-200b-3p and was negatively modulated by miR-200b-3p. In conclusion, miR-200b-3p inhibited GC progression via regulating CXCL12/CXCR7 axis.

Overexpression of miR-200b-3p in Menstrual Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Endometriosis Women

The key relationship between Sampson's theory and the presence of mesenchymal stem cells in the menstrual flow (MenSCs), as well as the changes in post-transcriptional regulatory processes as actors in the etiopathogenesis of endometriosis, are poorly understood. No study to date has investigated the imbalance of miRNAs in MenSCs related to the disease. Thus, through literature and in silico analyses, we selected four predicted miRNAs as regulators of EGR1, SNAI1, NR4A1, NR4A2, ID1, LAMC3, and FOSB involved in pathways of apoptosis, angiogenesis, response to steroid hormones, migration, differentiation, and cell proliferation. These genes are frequently overexpressed in the endometriosis condition in our group studies. They were the trigger for the miRNAs search. Therefore, a case-control study was conducted with MenSCs of women with and without endometriosis (ten samples per group). Crossing information obtained from the STRING, PubMed, miRPathDB, miRWalk, and DIANA TOOLS databases, we chose to explore the expression of miR-21-5p, miR-100-5p, miR-143-3p, and miR-200b-3p by RT-qPCR. We found an upregulation of the miR-200b-3p in endometriosis MenSCs (P = 0.0207), with a 7.93-fold change (ratio of geometric means) compared to control. Overexpression of miR-200b has been associated with increased cell proliferation, stemness, and accentuated mesenchymal-epithelial transition process in eutopic endometrium of endometriosis. We believe that dysregulated miR-200b-3p may establish primary changes in the MenSCs, thus favoring tissue implantation at the ectopic site.

MicroRNA-200b-3p as a biomarker for diagnosis and survival prognosis of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome caused by acute paraquat poisoning

BACKGROUND

Acute paraquat poisoning-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) leads to the high mortality. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of microRNA-200b-3p (miR-200b-3p), an upstream inhibitor of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), in acute paraquat poisoning patients for the prediction of MODS and survival.

METHODS

This study enrolled 80 patients with MODS induced by paraquat and 94 healthy volunteers. The interaction between miR-200b-3p and HMGB1 was identified by luciferase reporter assay. miR-200b-3p levels were measured by quantitative real-time (QRT) PCR. High-mobility group box 1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of miR-200b-3p in screening MODS patients. The relationship between miR-200b-3p and the 28-day survival of MODS patients was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the prognostic value of miR-200b-3p. Correlation between miR-200b-3p and HMGB1 was confirmed by Pearson's correlation analysis.

RESULTS

miR-200b-3p directly target HMGB1. miR-200b-3p, decreased in MODS patients, had high diagnostic value to screen MODS patients from healthy controls. Additionally, serum miR-200b-3p was decreased in non-survivors, and patients with low miR-200b-3p level had poor 28-day survival. Serum miR-200b-3p could independently predict the survival prognosis. Moreover, serum HMGB1 level was increased in MODS patients, and was negatively correlated with miR-200b-3p level.

CONCLUSION

Decreased miR-200b-3p may function as a biomarker for the diagnosis and survival prognosis of MODS patients, and miR-200b-3p may be involved in the progression of acute paraquat-induced MODS via regulating inflammatory responses by targeting HMGB1.

Downregulation of Circular RNA PSEN1 ameliorates ferroptosis of the high glucose treated retinal pigment epithelial cells via miR-200b-3p/cofilin-2 axis

Ferroptosis is a form of programmed cell death that participates in the progression of numerous diseases. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are dysregulated in diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, the role of lncRNAs in DR-induced ferroptosis is unclear. Adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line-19 (ARPE19) cells were treated with a high concentration of glucose (high glucose, HG) to mimic DR in vitro. The intracellular contents of glutathione, malondialdehyde, and ferrous ions were analyzed using the corresponding kits. The MTT assay was performed to measure the cell survival rate, and cell death was determined using propidium iodide and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining assays. Western blotting was conducted to detect the protein levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, and TFR1. The targeting relationships were verified using luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. circ-PSEN1 was upregulated in HG-treated ARPE19 cells and showed high resistance to RNase R and Act D. Inhibition of circ-PSEN1 in ARPE19 cells ameliorated the ferroptosis induced by HG was ameliorated, as evidenced by changes in the ferroptosis-related biomarkers/genes and decreased cell death. Subsequently, circ-PSEN1 acted as a sponge for miR-200b-3p. Inhibition of miR-200b-3p partially reversed the effects of circ-PSEN1 on ferroptosis. Furthermore, cofilin-2 (CFL2) was the target gene of miR-200b-3p, and it abrogated the inhibitory effect of miR-200b-3p on ferroptosis. Taken together, the findings indicate that knockdown of circ-PSEN1 can mitigate ferroptosis of ARPE19 cells induced by HG via the miR-200b-3p/CFL2 axis.

miR-200b-3p alleviates TNF-α-induced apoptosis and inflammation of intestinal epithelial cells and ulcerative colitis progression in rats via negatively regulating KHDRBS1

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is difficult to be treated. miRNAs are a group of gene regulators. Study demonstrated that miR-200b-3p is involved in the development of UC, but the specific molecular mechanism is still unclear. A UC model was established by injecting acetic acid into rectum of rats, which were then treated with miR-200b-3p antagonists and agonists. Weight change, fecal viscosity and fecal bleeding were measured to determine disease activity index. The ratio of colon length to weight was measured. Colon lesions were detected by H&E staining. ELISA was used to detect the expression of TGF-β in colon tissues and IL-10/CRP in serum. Intestinal epithelial cells (NCM460) were treated by TNF-α to create an inflammatory environment. MRNA and protein levels of miR-200b-3p, KHDRBS1, IL-10, IL-6, IL-1β, TGF-β, Bcl-2, Bax and C-capase-3 were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. TargetScan database and dual-luciferase reporter assay were conducted to predict the targeting relationship between miR-200b-3p and KHDRBS1. MTT and flow cytometry were respectively performed to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis. MiR-200b-3p expression was inhibited, leading to increased disease activity index and colonic length-weight ratio, and aggravation of lesions of the UC rat model. Up-regulation of miR-200b-3p can relieve inflammation and apoptosis of immune cells in UC rats. MiR-200b-3p targeted KHDRBS1 and inhibited its expression. Moreover, KHDRBS1 reversed the effects of miR-200b-3p on apoptosis, proliferation and inflammation of intestinal epithelial cells. MiR-200b-3p alleviates UC by negatively regulating KHDRBS1.

LncRNA ORLNC1 Promotes Bone Marrow Mesenchyml Stem Cell Pyroptosis Induced by Advanced Glycation End Production by Targeting miR-200b-3p/Foxo3 Pathway

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are a type of adult stem cells that originate from the mesoderm and have important roles in the body because of their self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation potential. Now it has been proved that BMSCs are closely related to the development of osteoporosis (OP). There is growing evidence that lncRNAs are involved in regulating the pyroptosis of BMSCs. And advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) have been recognized as NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activators. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of lncRNA ORLNC1 (NONMMUT016106.2) on the pyroptosis of BMSCs under CML (Nε-(carboxymethyl) lysine, the most common AGEs) treatment and its specific molecular mechanisms. Our study revealed that CML treatment promoted pyroptosis of BMSCs and upregulated ORLNC1 expression. As a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-200b-3p, the level of ORLNC1 was negatively correlated with miR-200b-3p. Foxo3 was a target of miR-200b-3p and ORLNC1 promoted BMSCs pyroptosis induced by CML through targeting miR-200b-3p/Foxo3 pathway.

Connecting Cholesterol Efflux Factors to Lung Cancer Biology and Therapeutics

Cholesterol is a foundational molecule of biology. There is a long-standing interest in understanding how cholesterol metabolism is intertwined with cancer biology. In this review, we focus on the known connections between lung cancer and molecules mediating cholesterol efflux. A major take-home lesson is that the roles of many cholesterol efflux factors remain underexplored. It is our hope that this article would motivate others to investigate how cholesterol efflux factors contribute to lung cancer biology.

LncRNA XIST promotes liver cancer progression by acting as a molecular sponge of miR-200b-3p to regulate ZEB1/2 expression

Objective

To evaluate the predictive value of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) for survival, and determine the involvement of miRNA(miR)-200b-3p and zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox (ZEB) 1/2 in the pro-tumor effect of lncRNA XIST in liver cancer.

Methods

We evaluated lncRNA XIST expression in liver cancer tissues and cell lines by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and analyzed the correlation between its expression and overall survival of liver cancer patients by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Its effects on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were analyzed by Cell-Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays. The association between lncRNA XIST and miR-200b-3p, and the effects of lncRNA XIST on ZEB1/2 expression were explored using luciferase reporter assays, real-time PCR, and western blotting.

Results

The lncRNA XIST was significantly upregulated in liver cancer, and increased lncRNA XIST expression was associated with a poor prognosis. The lncRNA XIST promoted liver cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, and acted as a molecular sponge for miR-200b-3p, and also regulated the expression of ZEB1/2 via miR-200b-3p.

Conclusion

The lncRNA XIST is an oncogenic lncRNA that promotes liver cancer metastasis, and its pro-metastatic phenotype can be partially attributed to the lncRNA XIST/miR-200b-3p/ZEB1/2 signaling axis.

Baicalin attenuates LPS-induced alveolar type II epithelial cell A549 injury by attenuation of the FSTL1 signaling pathway via increasing miR-200b-3p expression

In China, baicalin is the main active component of Scutellaria baicalensis, which has been used in the treatment of inflammation-related diseases, such as inflammation-induced acute lung injury. However, its specific mechanism remains unclear. This study examined the protective effect of baicalin on LPS-induced inflammation injury of alveolar epithelial cell line A549 and explored its protective mechanism. Compared with the LPS-induced group, the proliferation inhibition rates of alveolar type II epithelial cell line A549 intervened by different concentrations of baicalin decreased significantly, as did the levels of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, prostaglandin 2 and TNF-α in the supernatant. The expression levels of inflammatory proteins inducible NO synthase (iNOS), NF-κB65, phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK1/2), and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK1) significantly decreased, as did the protein expression of follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1). In contrast, expression of miR-200b-3p significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggested that baicalin could significantly inhibit the expression of inflammation-related proteins and improve LPS-induced inflammatory injury in alveolar type II epithelial cells. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of ERK/JNK inflammatory pathway activation by increasing the expression of miR-200b-3p. Thus, FSTL1 is the regulatory target of miR-200b-3p.

NEAT1/miR-200b-3p/SMAD2 axis promotes progression of melanoma

Melanoma is a skin malignancy with a high mutation frequency of genetic alterations. MicroRNA (miR)-200b-3p is involved in various cancers, while in melanoma its bio-function remains unknown. In this study, we found that miR-200b-3p was down-regulated in melanoma tissues and cell lines compared to benign nevus cells. Overexpression of miR-200b-3p significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of melanoma cells. According to bioinformatics analysis and sequencing data, we supposed that SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2) was the target gene and nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) was the upstream long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) of miR-200b-3p. These predictions were verified by western blotting and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). Luciferase reporter assays revealed that NEAT1 up-regulated SMAD2 by directly sponging miR-200b-3p. In vitro and in vivo, we demonstrated that both NEAT1 and SMAD2 could promote the proliferation and invasion of melanoma cells, and these effects were reversed by up-regulating miR-200b-3p. In addition, NEAT1/miR-200b-3p/SMAD2 axis promoted melanoma progression by activating EMT signaling pathway and immune responses. Taken together, the NEAT1/miR-200b-3p/SMAD2 signaling pathway promotes melanoma via activation of EMT, cell invasion and is related with immune responses, which provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets for melanoma.

The fibrotic microenvironment promotes the metastatic seeding of tumor cells into the lungs via mediating the ZEB1-AS1/miR-200b-3p/ZEB1 signaling

Fibrotic microenvironment has been reported to have a pro-metastasis effect on tumor cells, but the mechanism remains unclear. The current study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism by which the fibrotic microenvironment affects tumor cells. A tumor metastasis model was established by injecting tumor cells containing GFP into mice with pulmonary fibrosis. Lung tissues and fibroblasts were harvested, and conditioned medium (CM) were collected from fibrotic lungs and fibroblasts. Hematoxylin & eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were used to detect pulmonary metastasis and FSP1 expression, respectively. Bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter assay proved that the target genes of ZEB1-AS1 and miR-200b-3p were miR-200b-3p and ZEB1, respectively. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expressions of GFP, ZEB1-AS1, and miR-200b-3p. Transwell assay, Annexin V/PI assay, and colorimetry were performed to examine the effects of CM, ZEB1-AS1, miR-200b-3p, and ZEB1 on cell invasion, apoptosis, and the activity level of caspase-3/-9. Pulmonary metastasis was promoted and the expressions of FSP1 and GFP were increased in mice with pulmonary fibrosis. CM enhanced the invasion and inhibited the apoptosis of tumor cells. SiZEB1-AS1 and siZEB1 inhibited the invasion and apoptosis of tumor cells, while miR-200b-3p inhibitor had the opposite effect of SiZEB1-AS1 and siZEB1, and further reversed the effect of siZEB1 on tumor cell invasion and apoptosis. SiZEB1-AS1 reversed the effects of both miR-200b-3p inhibitor and miR-200b-3p inhibitor+siZEB1 on tumor cell invasion and apoptosis. Fibrotic microenvironment promoted the metastatic seeding of tumor cells into the lungs via mediating the ZEB1-AS1/miR-200b-3p/ZEB1 signaling.

LncRNA-SNHG29 inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell calcification by downregulating miR-200b-3p to activate the α-Klotho/FGFR1/FGF23 axis

BACKGROUND

Vascular calcification (VC) is characterized by mineral accumulation on the walls of arteries and veins, which is a pathological process commonly found in elderly individuals and patients with atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes. Emerging evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in VC. However, the role of SNHG29 is less clear.

METHODS

The expression of SNHG29, miR-200b-3p, α-Klotho, FGFR1 and FGF23 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was quantified by qRT-PCR and western blot assays. β-GP was used to construct an in vitro calcification model, followed by MTT assay to detect cell viability. Calcification was determined by alizarin red S staining and quantified by calcification assay. ALP activity was investigated by ALP staining. The interactions among SNHG29, miR-200b-3p and α-Klotho were verified by luciferase assay.

RESULTS

In the in vitro calcification model, SNHG29 was downregulated, while miR-200b-3p was upregulated. SNHG29 overexpression and miR-200b-3p knockdown significantly suppressed osteoblast-related factors (RUNX2 and BMP2), accompanied by activation of the α-Klotho/FGFR1/FGF23 axis, further inhibiting the formation of calcified nodules. Moreover, miR-200b-3p overexpression and α-Klotho knockdown reversed the SNHG29 overexpression-induced inhibitory effects on calcified VSMCs.

CONCLUSION

Our study is the first to demonstrate that SNHG29 could inhibit VSMC calcification by downregulating miR-200b-3p to activate the α-Klotho/FGFR1/FGF23 axis, suggesting SNHG29 as a novel therapeutic target for VC-associated diseases.

The Role of miR-375-3p and miR-200b-3p in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Deregulated microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles and their contribution to carcinogenesis have been observed in virtually all types of human cancer. However, their role in the pathogenesis of rare mesenchymal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is not well defined, yet. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of two miRNAs strongly downregulated in GIST—miR-375-3p and miR-200b-3p—in the pathogenesis of GIST. To achieve this, miRNA mimics were transfected into GIST-T1 cells and changes in the potential target gene mRNA and protein expression, as well as alterations in cell viability, migration, apoptotic cell counts and direct miRNA–target interaction, were evaluated. Results revealed that overexpression of miR-375-3p downregulated the expression of KIT mRNA and protein by direct binding to KIT 3′UTR, reduced GIST cell viability and migration rates. MiR-200b-3p lowered expression of ETV1 protein, directly targeted and lowered expression of EGFR mRNA and protein, and negatively affected cell migration rates. To conclude, the present study identified that miR-375-3p and miR-200b-3p have a tumor-suppressive role in GIST.

Inflammatory Breast Carcinoma: Elevated microRNA miR-181b-5p and Reduced miR-200b-3p, miR-200c-3p, and miR-203a-3p Expression as Potential Biomarkers with Diagnostic Value

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare yet aggressive breast cancer variant, associated with a poor prognosis. The major challenge for IBC is misdiagnosis due to the lack of molecular biomarkers. We profiled dysregulated expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in primary samples of IBC and non-IBC tumors using human breast cancer miRNA PCR array. We discovered that 28 miRNAs were dysregulated (10 were upregulated, while 18 were underexpressed) in IBC vs. non-IBC tumors. We identified 128 hub genes, which are putative targets of the differentially expressed miRNAs and modulate important cancer biological processes. Furthermore, our qPCR analysis independently verified a significantly upregulated expression of miR-181b-5p, whereas a significant downregulation of miR-200b-3p, miR-200c-3p, and miR-203a-3p was detected in IBC tumors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves implied that the four miRNAs individually had a diagnostic accuracy in discriminating patients with IBC from non-IBC and that miR-203a-3p had the highest diagnostic value with an AUC of 0.821. Interestingly, a combination of miR-181b-5p, miR-200b-3p, and miR-200c-3p robustly improved the diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.897. Intriguingly, qPCR revealed that the expression of zinc finger E box-binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) mRNA, the putative target of miR-200b-3p, miR-200c-3p, and miR-203a-3p, was upregulated in IBC tumors. Overall, this study identified a set of miRNAs serving as potential biomarkers with diagnostic relevance for IBC.

Novel role of ASH1L histone methyltransferase in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the most aggressive human malignancies, with an average life expectancy of ∼6 months from the time of diagnosis. The genetic and epigenetic changes that underlie this malignancy are incompletely understood. We found that ASH1-like histone lysine methyltransferase (ASH1L) is overexpressed in ATC relative to the much less aggressive and more common differentiated thyroid cancer. This increased expression was due at least in part to reduced levels of microRNA-200b-3p (miR-200b-3p), which represses ASH1L expression, in ATC. Genetic knockout of ASH1L protein expression in ATC cell lines decreased cell growth both in culture and in mouse xenografts. RNA-Seq analysis of ASH1L knockout versus WT ATC cell lines revealed that ASH1L is involved in the regulation of numerous cancer-related genes and gene sets. The pro-oncogenic long noncoding RNA colon cancer-associated transcript 1 (CCAT1) was one of the most highly (approximately 68-fold) down-regulated transcripts in ASH1L knockout cells. Therefore, we investigated CCAT1 as a potential mediator of the growth-inducing activity of ASH1L. Supporting this hypothesis, CCAT1 knockdown in ATC cells decreased their growth rate, and ChIP-Seq data indicated that CCAT1 is likely a direct target of ASH1L's histone methyltransferase activity. These results indicate that ASH1L contributes to the aggressiveness of ATC and suggest that ASH1L, along with its upstream regulator miR-200b-3p and its downstream mediator CCAT1, represents a potential therapeutic target in ATC.

MiR-200b-3p Functions as an Oncogene by Targeting ABCA1 in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the microRNA-200b-3p expression in lung adenocarcinoma and the possible functional associations of microRNA-200b-3p with cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Methods:

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of microRNA-200b-3p in lung adenocarcinoma samples and in the human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines A549 and H1299. A549 and H1299 cells were transfected with either a microRNA-200b-3p mimic or a negative control microRNA or either an empty vector or an adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A-1 overexpression vector. A Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was employed to assess the ability of cell proliferation. Transwell assays and transwell-Matrigel invasion assay were, respectively, utilized to assess the capacity of migration and invasion in A549 and H1299 cells.

Results:

The results showed that microRNA-200b-3p expression was significantly upregulated in tumor tissues compared with that in adjacent normal tissues. Overexpression of microRNA-200b-3p promoted lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation and metastasis. Furthermore, adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A-1 was a direct target of microRNA-200b-3p, and this binding was verified by luciferase reporter analysis. Overexpression of adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A-1 obviously suppressed lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Lung adenocarcinoma cell phenotypes induced by microRNA-200b-3p overexpression could be partially remitted by the co-overexpression of microRNA-200b-3p and adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A-1.

Conclusion:

This study first identified that microRNA-200b-3p is upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma cells and associated with cell proliferation and metastasis. MicroRNA-200b-3p promoted lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation and metastasis by suppressing adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A-1. MicroRNA-200b-3p may function as a novel molecular marker and therapeutic target for lung adenocarcinoma treatment.

miR-200b-3p mitigates oxaliplatin resistance via targeting TUBB3 in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Numerous abnormally expressed miRs have been reported involved in oxaliplatin (L-OHP) resistance of colorectal cancer (CRC). The present study aimed to investigate whether miR-200b-3p could regulate L-OHP resistance via targeting TUBB3 in CRC cells.

METHODS

L-OHP resistant HT29 and HCT116 cells were exposed to escalating concentrations of L-OHP up to 30 μm. The effect of miR-200b-3p on L-OHP resistant CRC cells was then evaluated using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. CRC cell apoptosis was detected using Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. Bioinformatics algorithms and luciferase reporter assays were also performed to investigate whether TUBB3 was a direct target of miR-200b-3p.

RESULTS

miR-200b-3p declined in L-OHP resistant CRC tissues and cell lines, and the overexpression of miR-200b-3p elevated the L-OHP sensitivity in L-OHP resistant HT29 and HCT116 cells. In addition, we determined the potential mechanisms underlying miR-200b-3p-mediated reversal of L-OHP resistance by mediating its downstream target TUBB3, and the overexpression of miR-200b-3p could induce migration and growth inhibition and apoptosis in L-OHP resistant HT29 and HCT116 cells by silencing βIII-tubulin protein expression. However, the overexpression of TUBB3 reversed miR-200b-3p mimic-induced migration, as well as growth inhibition and apoptosis, in L-OHP resistant CRC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-200b-3p improved L-OHP resistance and induced growth inhibition and cell apoptosis in L-OHP resistant CRC cells, and the underlying mechanism was mediated, at least partially, through the suppression of βIII-tubulin protein expression.

MAGP2, a Component of Extracellular Matrix, Is Upregulated in Colorectal Cancer and Negatively Modulated by miR-200b-3p

Background:

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide, but its mechanism has not been clarified clearly. Microfibrial-associated glycoprotein 2 is mainly located in extracellular matrix, and its role in colorectal cancer is obscure.

Methods:

Immunohistochemical staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to compare the expression level of microfibrial-associated glycoprotein 2 in colorectal cancer tissues and adjacent tissues. Western blot was used to detect the expression of microfibrial-associated glycoprotein 2 in colorectal cancer cell lines and normal colonic epithelium cell line. Kaplan-Meier analysis and χ² test were applied to evaluate the potential of microfibrial-associated glycoprotein 2 to function as cancer biomarker. Lentiviral transduction was used to induce microfibrial-associated glycoprotein 2 overexpression in HCT116 cells and NCM460 cells, followed by detecting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to investigate the changes in downstream genes after microfibrial-associated glycoprotein 2 overexpression. Luciferase assay was conducted to validate whether miR-200b-3p can directly target microfibrial-associated glycoprotein 2.

Results:

We validated that microfibrial-associated glycoprotein 2 was upregulated in colorectal cancer samples and cells. We also demonstrated its upregulation was associated with several clinicopathologic features such as Dukes stage (P = .048), differentiation status (P = .034), and local lymphatic metastasis (P = .036) of patients with colorectal cancer, and its high expression indicated shorter overall survival of the patients. Microfibrial-associated glycoprotein 2 overexpression remarkably promoted cell proliferation and metastasis via regulating the downstream genes of Notch, including hes family bHLH transcription factor 1 (HES1), Slug, Snail, matrix metalloproteinase 2, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and Kruppel-like factor 4. We also identified miR-200b-3p as a posttranscriptional regulator of microfibrial-associated glycoprotein 2, which partly explain the high expression mechanism of microfibrial-associated glycoprotein 2 in cancer tissues. Conclusion: Microfibrial-associated glycoprotein 2, negatively modulated by miR-200b-3p, is an oncogene of colorectal cancer associated with patients’ prognosis. It may function as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.

Transcriptional regulation of PRKAR2B by miR-200b-3p/200c-3p and XBP1 in human prostate cancer

The cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-activated protein kinase A (PKA) pathway is profoundly implicated in Prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Previously, we showed that PRKAR2B, the type II-beta regulatory subunit of PKA, is highly expressed in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and can induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling in PCa cells. However, the molecular mechanism of dysregulated PRKAR2B expression pattern is still largely unknown. In this study, we found that the mutation, copy number alteration, and methylation status of PRKAR2B gene have no correlation with its expression level in PCa. Then, we identified two microRNAs (miR-200b-3p and miR-200c-3p) to be critical regulators of PRKAR2B expression in PCa. Notably, miR-200b-3p and miR-200c-3p expression were significantly downregulated in metastatic CRPC and negatively correlated with the expression level of PRKAR2B in PCa tissues. Moreover, we characterized X-Box Binding Protein 1 (XBP1) as a key transcription factor responsible for PRKAR2B expression in PCa. Importantly, miR-200b-3p/200c-3p or XBP1 knockdown inhibited PCa cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis and these inhibitory roles could be largely restored by PRKAR2B, suggesting that PRKAR2B is a functional mediator of miR-200b-3p, miR-200c-3p, and XBP1 in PCa. Collectively, our study firstly identified miR-200b-3p/200c-3p and XBP1 as the critical upstream regulators of PRKAR2B in PCa and provided novel insights to PRKAR2B-driven PCa progression.

Inhibition of miR-200b-3p alleviates hypoxia-ischemic brain damage via targeting Slit2 in neonatal rats

BACKGROUND

Brain damage in premature infants often occurs in very low birth weight infants (VLBW) as a result of hypoxia-ischemia and can lead to cognitive impairment and movement disorders. Many miRNAs have been demonstrated to participate in hypoxia-ischemic brain damage (HIBD). This study was designed to investigate the roles of miR-200b-3p in brain damage of neonatal rats induced by hypoxia-ischemia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Three-day-old SD rats were used to establish the model of hypoxia-ischemic brain injury mimicking premature infants. RT-qPCR showed that miR-200b-3p was up-regulated in rat brains at the early stage following hypoxia-ischemic treatment. Bioinformatics analysis identified that Slit2 is a target gene of miR-200b-3p and luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that miR-200b-3p can interact with and target Slit2 mRNA. Inhibition of miR-200b-3p by antagomir increased Slit2 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in rat brains. TUNEL assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed decreased numbers of apoptotic neurons in the hypoxia-ischemia-treated animals as a result of administration of miR-200b-3p antagomir. Administration of miR-200b-3p antagomir attenuated spatial and learning memory loss in the animals induced by hypoxia-ischemia as compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

Our study has demonstrated that Slit2 is a target gene of miR-200b-3p and that the hypoxia-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats was alleviated by inhibiting miR-200b-3p via Slit2. miR-200b-3p may be a potential therapeutic target of HIBD for further investigation.

Long noncoding RNA lnc-ABCA12-3 promotes cell migration, invasion, and proliferation by regulating fibronectin 1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in human cancers, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We previously demonstrated that a novel lncRNA, lnc-ABCA12-3, was overexpressed in ESCC tissues. However, the exact function of lnc-ABCA12-3 is unknown. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the expression of lnc-ABCA12-3 in ESCC and to explore the potential mechanism of lnc-ABCA12-3 in cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. We showed that lnc-ABCA12-3 was upregulated in ESCC tumor tissues and cell lines. The increased expression of lnc-ABCA12-3 was positively associated with advanced tumor-node-metastasis stages and poor prognosis. The knockdown of lnc-ABCA12-3 inhibited the cell migration, invasion, and proliferation abilities of KYSE-510 and Eca-109 cells. We also found that fibronectin 1 (FN1) was upregulated in ESCC tumor tissues. The expression of FN1 messenger RNA was positively correlated with the expression of lnc-ABCA12-3 in ESCC tumor tissues. After lnc-ABCA12-3 knockdown, the expression of FN1 was downregulated. In addition, the overexpression of FN1 restored the abilities of cell migration, invasion and proliferation in Eca-109 cells. Further studies indicated that lnc-ABCA12-3 acted as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-200b-3p to regulate FN1 expression. In conclusion, these results suggest that lnc-ABCA12-3 is a novel oncogene in tumorigenesis and that its high expression is related to a poor prognosis for patients with ESCC. lnc-ABCA12-3 promotes cell migration, invasion, and proliferation via the regulation of FN1 in ESCC. Our data suggest that lnc-ABCA12-3 might serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ESCC.

Microarray profiling analysis identifies the mechanism of miR-200b-3p/mRNA-CD36 affecting diabetic cardiomyopathy via peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Current study focused on the influence of miR-200b-3p on cardiocyte apoptosis of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) by regulating CD36 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) signaling pathway.

METHODS

Bioinformatic analysis was used to analyze differentially expressed microRNA (miRNAs), messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and activated pathways in DCM. And then quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to verify expression of miR-200b-3p and CD36 in DCM model rats and glucose treated H9c2 cell line. Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the transcriptional regulation of agomiR-200b-3p and investigate the relationship between miR-200b-3p and CD36. Flow cytometry was performed to assess cardiocyte apoptosis in different interference conditions. Echocardiography was used to illustrate the ejection fraction rate and fraction shortening rate of DCM model rats. Next, hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining assay was carried out to reveal structures of cardiocyte tissues with transfection in different conditions. Masson trichrome staining was used to evaluate myocardial fibrosis. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression levels of PPAR-γ signaling-related protein PPAR-γ and Bcl-2.

RESULTS

miR-200b-3p was low-expressed while CD36 was overexpressed in DCM. AgomiR-200b-3p could inhibit the expression of CD36 to regulate cardiocyte apoptosis in DCM. CD36 activated PPAR-γ signaling pathway in DCM. Silencing CD36 or GW9662 treatment protect rat against DCM.

CONCLUSION

miR-200b-3p targeted CD36 to regulate cardiocyte apoptosis of DCM by activating PPAR-γ signaling pathway.

Fibronectin-1 modulated by the long noncoding RNA OIP5-AS1/miR-200b-3p axis contributes to doxorubicin resistance of osteosarcoma cells

Chemoresistance has been an obstacle in the further improvement of 5-year survival rates of osteosarcoma (OS) patients, but the underlying mechanism of chemo-resistance remains unclear. A comprehensive analysis of mRNAs and noncoding RNAs related to OS chemo-resistance could help solve this problem. In the current study, we first identified that fibronectin-1 (FN1), screened by microarray analysis in three paired chemo-resistant and chemo-sensitive OS cell lines, was significantly upregulated in the chemo-resistant OS cell lines and tissues and was related to unfavourable prognosis. Further functional assays revealed that FN1 inhibition greatly increased the sensitivity of OS cells to doxorubicin in vitro and in vivo, whereas FN1 overexpression had the opposite effect. Moreover, mechanistic investigation demonstrated, by a series of assays that included luciferase reporter gene, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down and rescue assays, that FN1 expression was regulated by the oncogenic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) OIP5-AS1 through sponging miR-200b-3p. Thus, these results indicated the role and potential application of the lncRNA OIP5-AS1/miR-200b-3p/FN1 regulatory pathway as a promising target in treatment of OS chemo-resistance.

Disruption of the c-Myc/miR-200b-3p/PRDX2 regulatory loop enhances tumor metastasis and chemotherapeutic resistance in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Metastasis is a major threat to colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. We have reported that peroxiredoxin-2 (PRDX2) is associated with CRC invasion and metastasis. However, the mechanisms regulating PRDX2 expression remain unclear. We investigate whether microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate PRDX2 expression in CRC progression.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to measure microRNA-200b-3p (miR-200b-3p) expression. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect c-Myc and PRDX2 protein levels in CRC tissue samples (n = 97). Western blot was used to quantify PRDX2, c-Myc, AKT2/GSK3β pathway-associated proteins and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins in CRC cells. Luciferase reporter assays were used to analyze the interaction between miR-200b-3p and 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) of PRDX2 mRNA and AKT2 mRNA as well as c-Myc and the miR-200b-3p promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was used to evaluate binding of c-Myc to the miR-200b-3p promoter. Invasive assay and metastatic model were used to assess invasive and metastatic capacities of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, drug-induced apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

We found that miR-200b-3p was significantly downregulated, whereas c-Myc and PRDX2 were upregulated in metastatic CRC cells and CRC tissues compared to their counterparts. An inverse correlation existed between c-Myc and miR-200b-3p, and between miR-200b-3p and PRDX2. We also found that PRDX2 was a target of miR-200b-3p. Importantly, overexpression of nontargetable PRDX2 eliminated the suppressive effects of miR-200b-3p on proliferation, invasion, EMT, chemotherapeutic resistance and metastasis of CRC cells. Moreover, c-Myc bound to the promoter of miR-200b-3p and repressed its transcription. In turn, miR-200b-3p disrupted the stability of c-Myc protein by inducing c-Myc protein threonine 58 (T58) phosphorylation and serine 62 (S62) dephosphorylation via AKT2/GSK3β pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal that the c-Myc/miR-200b/PRDX2 loop regulates CRC progression and its disruption enhances tumor metastasis and chemotherapeutic resistance in CRC.

Effect of the interaction between MiR-200b-3p and DNMT3A on cartilage cells of osteoarthritis patients

The aim of this research is to explore the effect of miR-200b-3p targeting DNMT3A on the proliferation and apoptosis of osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage cells. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to analyse the expression of miR-200b-3p, DNMT3A, MMP1, MMP3, MMP9, MMP13 and COL II in normal and OA cartilage tissues. The dual-luciferase reporter assay and Western blot assay were conducted to confirm the targeting relationship between miR-200b-3p and DNMT3A. We also constructed eukaryotic expression vector to overexpress miR-200b-3p and DNMT3A. We detected the expression level of MMPs and COL II in stable transfected cartilage cells using RT-PCR and Western blot. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using the MTS, pellet culture and Hoechst 33342 staining method. Finally, we explored the effect of miR-200b-3p targeting DNMT3A on the proliferation and apoptosis of OA cartilage cells. The results of RT-PCR indicated that both miR-200b-3p and COL II were down-regulated in OA cartilage tissues, while the expression of DNMT3A and MMPs was up-regulated in OA cartilage tissues. The expressions of DNMT3A, MMPs and COL II detected by Western blot showed the same trend of the results of RT-PCR. The dual-luciferase reporter assay and Western blot assay confirmed the targeting relationship between miR-200b-3p and DNMT3A. In overexpressed miR-200b-3p cartilage cells, DNMT3A and MMPs were significantly down-regulated, COL II was significantly up-regulated, cell viability was enhanced and apoptosis rate was decreased (P < 0.05). In overexpressed DNM3T cartilage cells, MMPs were significantly up-regulated, COL II was significantly down-regulated, cell viability was weakened and apoptosis rate was increased (P < 0.05). MiR-200b-3p inhibited the secretion of MMPs, promoted the synthesis of COL II and enhanced the growth and proliferation of OA cartilage cells through inhibiting the expression of DNMT3A.

The microRNAs miR-200b-3p and miR-429-5p target the LIMK1/CFL1 pathway to inhibit growth and motility of breast cancer cells

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has the worst prognosis of all subtypes of breast cancer (BC), with limited options for conventional therapy and no targeted therapies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression. In this study, we aimed to determine whether two members of the miR-200 family, miR-200b-3p and miR-429-5p, are involved in BC cell proliferation and motility and to elucidate their target genes and pathways. We performed a meta-analysis that reveals down-regulated expression of miR-200b-3p and miR-429-5p in BC tissues and cell lines, consistent with a lower expression of miR-200b-3p and miR-429-5p in MDA-MB-231 and HCC1937 cells than in MCF-7 and MCF-10 cells. Overexpression of miR-200b-3p and miR-429-5p significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TNBC cells; suppressed the expression of markers for proliferation and metastasis in TNBC cells. We next demonstrated that LIM domain kinase 1 (LIMK1) is a direct target gene of miR-200b-3p and miR-429-5p. Inhibition of LIMK1 reduced the expression and phosphorylation of cofilin 1 (CFL1), which polymerizes and depolymerizes F-actin and G-actin to reorganize cellular actin cytoskeleton. In addition, transfection with mimics for miR-200b-3p and miR-429-5p arrested G2/M and G0/G1 cell cycles respectively, suppressed the expression of the cell cycle–related complexes, cyclin D1/CDK4/CDK6 and cyclin E1/CDK2, in TNBC cells. In conclusion, miR-200b-3p and miR-429-5p suppress proliferation, migration, and invasion in TNBC cells, via the LIMK1/CFL1 pathway. These results provide insight into how specific miRNAs regulate TNBC progression and suggest that the LIMK1/CFL1 pathway is a therapeutic target for treating TNBC.

miR-200b-3p in plasma is a potential diagnostic biomarker in oral squamous cell carcinoma

CONTEXT

Circulating MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as novel biomarkers for tumour.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the diagnostic potential of plasma miR-200b-3p in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

miR-200b-3p was detected by qRT-PCR in paired pre-operative and post-operative plasmas from 80 OSCC patients and 80 healthy controls.

RESULTS

Plasma miR-200b-3p was significantly upregulated in OSCC, and it was higher in WHO II/III grade than WHO I grade. The AUC of miR-200b-3p for OSCC was 0.9173. miR-200b-3p was significantly downregulated after surgery. High miR-200b-3p expression was associated with poor prognosis.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Plasma miR-200b-3p could be a potential diagnostic biomarker for OSCC.

TIMP4 expression is regulated by miR-200b-3p in prostate cancer cells

In prostate cancer TIMP4 expression level fluctuates with tumor progression. The mechanism and factors influencing its expression remain unclear. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis on regulation of TIMP4 by microRNA-200b-3p. The levels of TIMP4 and miR-200b-3p expression were determined by real time PCR in 27 prostate carcinomas and eight benign prostatic hyperplasia samples. We found that miR-200b-3p positively correlated with TIMP4 expression in cancer samples (r = 0.46; p < 0.02). Moreover, mean miR-200b-3p level and TIMP4 expression were both higher in cancer tissues compared to benign prostatic hyperplasia samples (p > 0.05). Next, to test probable mechanisms of the regulation androgen-sensitive human prostate adenocarcinoma cells (LNCaP) were transfected with synthetic-miR-200b-3p or its synthetic antagonist. Modulation of miR-200b-3p in LNCaP cells had an impact on TIMP4 expression confirming the observation made in analyzed clinical samples. Two targets of miR-200b-3p: ZEB1 and ETS1 were investigated subsequently as potential regulators of TIMP4, however, no effect of their modulation on TIMP4 expression in LNCaP cells was found. Concluding, miR-200b-3p mediates regulation of TIMP4 expression in prostate cancer but exact mechanism needs to be investigated.

A novel miR-200b-3p/p38IP pair regulates monocyte/macrophage differentiation

Monocyte/macrophage differentiation represents a major branch of hematopoiesis and is a central event in the immune response, but the molecular mechanisms underlying are not fully delineated. Here we show that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) interacting protein (p38IP) is downregulated during monocyte/macrophage differentiation in vitro. Overexpression of p38IP halted monocyte/macrophage differentiation, whereas forward knockdown of p38IP by RNA interference induced G1/S arrest and promoted monocyte differentiation into macrophages and the maturation of macrophages as well. Moreover, we found that miR-200b-3p was upregulated during monocyte/macrophage differentiation and mediated the downregulation of p38IP by binding to the 3′ untranslated terminal region of p38IP mRNA. Overexpression of a miR-200b-3p mimic resembled the effect of p38IP knockdown, whereas a miR-200b-3p inhibitor blocked monocyte/macrophage differentiation by enhancing p38IP expression. Further western blotting analysis revealed that p38IP downregulation enhanced the activity of p38 MAPK and the subsequent accumulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, thus promoting G1/S arrest and monocyte/macrophage differentiation. Moreover, the decline of GCN5 acetyltransferase caused by p38IP downregulation was required but was not sufficient for monocyte/macrophage differentiation. This study demonstrated a new role for p38IP and a novel miR-200b-3p/p38IP pair in the regulation of monocyte/macrophage differentiation.