CircRNA Circ_0120051 Inhibits the Fibrotic Phenotype of Myocardial Fibroblasts via Targeting miR-144-3p/IDH2 Axis / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effect of circular RNA circ_0120051 on the fibrotic phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts and the potential mechanism involved. MethodsThe expression of circ_0120051 and its host gene of solute carrier family 8 member A1（SLC8A1） mRNA in the myocardium of healthy organ donors （n=24） and heart failure （HF） patients （n=21） were assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （RT-qPCR） assay. RNA stability of circ_0120051 was identified by RNase R exonuclease digestion assay. The cytoplasmic and nuclear distribution of circ_0120051 in human cardiomyocyte AC16 was detected by RT-qPCR assay. The expression of fibrosis-related genes in mouse cardiac fibroblasts （mCFs） with adenovirus-mediated overexpression of circ_0120051 was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot assay， respectively. The effect of overexpression of circ_0120051 on the migration activity of mCFs was evaluated by wound-healing assay. RNA co-immunoprecipitation （RIP） was conducted to detect the interaction between circ_0120051 and miR-144-3p. The binding site of miR-144-3p in the 3'-UTR of isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 （Idh2） mRNA was identified by the dual luciferase reporter gene assay. ResultsCirc_0120051 was significantly up-regulated in the myocardium of HF patients， while the mRNA expression of its host gene SLC8A1 was not changed. Circ_0120051 was mainly located in the cytoplasm of human AC16 cells. Results of RNase R exonuclease digestion revealed that circ_0120051 possesses the characteristic stability of circular RNA compared to the linear SLC8A1 mRNA. Overexpression of circ_0120051 could inhibit the expression of fibrosis-related gene in mCFs and mCFs migration. RIP assay confirmed the specific interaction between circ_0120051 and miR-144-3p. Transfection of miR-144-3p mimic could efficiently promote the expression of fibrosis-related genes in mCFs and reverse the inhibitory effect of circ_0120051 on the fibrotic phenotype of mCFs. Results of the dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed the interaction between miR-144-3p and the 3'-UTR of Idh2. Transfection of miR-144-3p transcriptionally inhibited Idh2 expression， and overexpression of circ_0120051 enhanced IDH2 expression in mCFs. MiR-144-3p mimic and Idh2 small interfering RNA （siRNA） could consistently reverse the inhibitory effects of circ_0120051 on fibrosis-related genes expression in mCFs and mCFs migration. ConclusionsCirc_0120051 inhibits the fibrotic phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts via sponging miR-144-3p to enhance the target gene of IDH2 expression.

Effect of miR-141-5p/ZNF705A on adhesion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in chronic myeloid leukemia cell-derived exosomes / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of miR-141-5p/ZNF705A in chronic myeloid leukemia(CML)cell-derived exosome(Exo)on the adhesion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs). Methods The morphology and size of Exo in peripheral blood from CML patients and K562 cells were examined by electron microscopy and NTA particle size analysis. The expressions of Exo and BMSCs marker molecules and adhesion proteins in K562 cells were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot before and after transfection. The adhesion ability of BMSCs was detected by cell adhesion assay, and the cellular activity of BMSCs was examined using CCK-8. miR-141-5p binding to ZNF705A was detected by luciferase assay. Results qRT-PCR results showed that miR-141-5p expression was significantly reduced in both CML patients and K562 cell-derived Exo. qRT-PCR, Western blot and other results showed that BMSCs in CML patients had significantly reduced the expression of adhesion proteins CD44 and CXCL12, and were able to phagocytose K562 cell-derived Exo. Further, K562-derived Exo was found to reduce CD44 and CXCL12 expression and adhesion in Exo-promoted BMSCs compared with CD34+ cells. Meanwhile, the results of dual luciferase reporter assay verified that miR-141-5p targeted binding to ZNF705A. Finally, we found ZNF705A could be targeted by up-regulating miR-141-5p expression in Exo of K562 cells, which in turn inhibited the adhesion of BMSCs. Conclusions K562 cells down-regulate miR-141-5p expression in Exo and inhibit the adhesion function of BMSCs by targeting ZNF705A, thus regulating the bone marrow hematopoietic function in CML patients.

lncRNA NEAT1 promotes the expression of EZH2 in gastric cancer cells and improves cell proliferation and migration through inhibiting hsa-miR-450b-5p / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#目的：筛选果蝇Zeste基因增强子同源物2（EZH2）基因上游miRNA及lncRNA，分析其在胃癌细胞中的表达并验证其间的靶向关系，探讨它们对胃癌细胞增殖、迁移和凋亡的影响。方法：通过ENCORI、miRDB和Target Scan数据库查询并分析、筛选EZH2上游miRNA（has-miR-450b-5p），ENCORI数据库和DAINA数据库筛选has-miR-450b-5p上游lncRNA（lncRNA NEAT1），预测hsa-miR-450b-5p、lncRNA NEAT1与EZH2之间的结合位点，双荧光素酶报告基因实验验证hsa-miR-450b-5p与lncRNA NEAT1的结合关系。采用qPCR和WB法检测lncRNA NEAT1和EZH2在正常胃黏膜细胞（GES-1）与胃癌细胞（MGC-803、SGC-7901和MKN-28）中的表达量。按转染物的不同将MGC-803和SGC-7901细胞分为hsa-miR-450b-5p-mimic组、mimic-NC组、si-NEAT1组和si-NC组，转染36~48 h后qPCR法验证过表达及敲减效果；通过qPCR、WB法检测观察过表达hsa-miR-450b-5p对细胞中lncRNA NEAT1和EZH2 mRNA、蛋白表达的影响，以及敲减lncRNA NEAT1对hsa-miR-450b-5p和EZH2 mRNA表达的影响；CCK-8法、划痕愈合实验和流式细胞术分别检测敲减EZH2或敲减lncRNA NEAT1对细胞增殖、迁移和凋亡能力的影响。结果：生物信息学分析筛选获得EZH2上游miRNA和lncRNA为has-miR-450b-5p和lncRNA NEAT1，双荧光素酶报告基因实验验证了两者间存在靶向关系。lncRNA NEAT1和EZH2 mRNA、蛋白在胃癌细胞中均呈高表达（均P<0.05）。与mimic-NC组相比，hsa-miR-450b-5p-mimic组MGC-803、SGC-7901细胞中miR-450b-5p水平均显著升高，而EZH2 mRNA、蛋白和lncRNA NEAT1的表达量均显著降低（P<0.05或P<0.01）；与si-NC组相比，si-NEAT1组MGC-803、SGC-7901细胞中lncRNA NEAT1和EZH2 mRNA的表达量均显著降低（均P<0.01），SGC-7901细胞中hsa-miR-450b-5p表达量显著升高（P<0.05）。敲减EZH2或敲减lncRNA NEAT1后，MGC-803、SGC-7901细胞的增殖、迁移能力均显著降低（均P<0.01）。结论：lncRNA NEAT1 和EZH2在胃癌细胞中均呈高表达，lncRNA NEAT1可通过hsa-miR-450b-5p促进EZH2的表达并提高胃癌MGC-803和SGC-7901细胞的增殖和迁移能力。

Mechanism of miRNA Intervention in Osteoporosis and Intervention Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Osteoporosis （OP） is a skeletal metabolic disease characterized by bone loss and destruction of bone microstructure. Changes in estrogen levels are not the only pathogenic factors for the occurrence and development of OP. MicroRNA （miRNA） plays an important regulatory role in cells. The complementary sequences of miRNA and targeted mRNA combine to inhibit the expression of targeted mRNA through post-transcriptional regulation， forming a complex regulatory network. Research suggests that miRNA is closely related to the occurrence and development of various diseases， including inflammatory diseases， metabolic diseases， and cancer. Targeted mRNA participates in post-transcriptional gene expression regulation in OP， mainly regulating the balance among bone construction， bone resorption， and osteoblast differentiation. Therefore， miRNA-based gene therapy is a rapidly developing disease treatment strategy. Traditional Chinese medicine can improve bone metabolism by intervening in miRNA differential expression to target and regulate osteogenic/osteoclast differentiation. This article summarized the targeting effects of miRNAs in physiological and developmental processes such as bone cell proliferation， differentiation， survival， and apoptosis， reviewed and classified their mechanisms of action and targets， and sorted out the current treatment methods of traditional Chinese medicine for preventing and treating OP and drugs that exert bone protective functions through miRNAs. This review is expected to provide theoretical reference and research guidance for future research on OP treatment by regulating miRNA.

Effect of follicular fluid-derived exosomal mi RNAs on follicular dysplasia mediated via glycolysis of granulosa cells in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and its mechanism / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To evaluate the effect of follicular fluid(FF)exosomal miRNAs on follicular dysplasia in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)mediated by glycolysis pathway of granulosa cells(GCs),and to explore the mechanism. Methods Three PCOS infertile patients and three non-PCOS infertile patients were recruited. The baseline hormone levels of the two groups were measured before ovulation induction. The bilateral FF was obtained by puncture after short-acting and long-term ovulation induction,and the exosomes were collected by ultracentrifugation and identified by transmission electron microscopy. The total exosomal RNA was extracted by Trizol method to construct the library,which was compared to the reference genome GRCh38 for statistical analysis after miRNA sequencing and quality control processing. Clustering Profiler R package was used to implement GO annotation analysis and KEGG pathway analysis of the differentially expressed genes(DEGs),and Omnipath software for miRNAs interaction analysis. A total of 16 miRNA were randomly selected and detected by qPCR to verify the accuracy of the miRNA sequencing results. Results Compared with the non-PCOS group,luteinizing hormone(LH),anti-Muerian hormone(AMH),testosterone and antral follicle counts in PCOS group increased significantly(t = 2. 479 ～ 9. 163,each P < 0. 05). The exosomes of FF in both groups showed the cup-shaped vesicles with clear edge and light staining in the center,with the diameters of 100 — 150 nm and intact structure,and the concentration was about 8 × 1010particles/mL. A total of 928 miRNAs were detected by miRNA sequencing. Compared with the non-PCOS group,59 differentially expressed miRNA(DEmiRNA)were screened out in exosomes of POCS group,of which 31 were up-regulated and 28 were down-regulated. The differential trend of gene expression detected by qPCR was highly similar to that of miRNA sequencing. In FF exosomes of PCOS patients,the glycolysis efficiency and apoptosis of GCs were significantly changed by miRNA regulating mRNA. PKM,PFKL and HK2 were the key target genes for miRNA to regulate GCs glycolysis,and SLC2A1 was the key target gene for miRNA to regulate GCs apoptosis. Conclusion The miRNAs in FF exosomes of PCOS patients can weaken the glycolysis of GCs while accelerate the apoptosis,thus reducing the production of ATP and lactic acid,resulting in follicular dysplasia.

Study on the effect and mechanism of the alcoholic extract from Scabiosa comosa against hepatic fibrosis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanism of the alcoholic extract from Scabiosa comosa against hepatic fibrosis （HF）. METHODS Intragastrical administration of carbon tetrachloride was given to induce HF model. By observing the pathological changes in liver tissue， mRNA and protein expressions of HF indexes [α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）， collagen type Ⅰ] and phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） pathway-related factors were detected， and the improvement effects and possible mechanism of low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose （50， 100， 200 mg/kg） of alcoholic extract from S. comosa on HF model rats were investigated. Drug-containing serum was prepared by intragastrical administration of alcoholic extract from S. comosa at a concentration of 1 800 mg/（kg·d） （calculated by the amount of raw material）. The effects of drug- containing serum of alcoholic extract from S. comosa on the expression of miRNA-21 were observed through the intervention of HSC-T6 cells with low， medium and high concentrations of drug-containing serum of alcoholic extract from S. comosa （diluted to 10%， 15%， 20%）. miRNA-21 mimics or inhibitors were used to transfect HSC-T6 cells， and the mRNA and protein expressions of factors related to the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were detected. RESULTS The results of in vivo experiments showed that low， medium and high doses of alcoholic extract from S. comosa significantly ameliorated the histopathological changes in liver tissue of HF rats， and the percentage of collagen was significantly reduced （P＜0.01）； mRNA and protein expressions of the indicators related to HF as well as PI3K and Akt were significantly reduced （P＜0.01）， and mRNA and protein expressions of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten （PTEN） were increased in liver tissue of rats （P＜0.01）. The results of in vitro experiments showed that drug-containing serum of alcoholic extract from S. comosa significantly inhibited the expression of miRNA-21 at low， medium and high concentrations （P＜0.01）； whereas after transfection with miRNA-21 mimics， it was found that miRNA-21 mimics significantly increased mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and Akt （P＜0.01）， while significantly decreased mRNA and protein expressions of PTEN （P＜0.01）； after transfection with miRNA-21 inhibitor， the changes of above indexes were opposite to the above results （P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS Alcoholic extracts of S. comosa may inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by affecting the expression of miRNA-21， so as to achieve the effect of anti-hepatic fibrosis.

Intervention Mechanism of Biejiajian Wan on Primary Liver Cancer by Regulating lncRNA SNHG5/miRNA-26a-5p/GSK-3β Signal Axis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Biejiajian Wan in the intervention of primary liver cancer based on long non-coding RNA SNHG5 （lncRNA SNHG5）/micro RNA-26a-5p （miRNA-26a-5p）/glycogen synthase kinase-3β （GSK-3β） signal axis. MethodDouble luciferase reporting assay was used to verify the targeted interaction between lncRNA SNHG5 and miRNA-26a-5p， miRNA-26a-5p， and GSK-3β in HepG2 cells. Nude-mouse transplanted tumor model of human HepG2 were established and randomly divided into model group， Biejiajian Wan low-dose group （0.5 g·kg-1）， medium-dose group （1.0 g·kg-1）， and high-dose group （2.0 g·kg-1）， and sorafenib group （100 mg·kg-1）， with 10 mice in each group. The mice were given intragastric administration of normal saline or drug for 28 days， and the tumor volume was measured at different time. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the histological changes of tumors. The nucleic acid levels of lncRNA SNHG5， miRNA-26a-5p， GSK-3β， and β-catenin mPNA in tumor tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The protein expression levels of GSK-3β and β-catenin in tumor tissue were detected by western blot. ResultCompared with the SNHG5-WT （wild type） + miRNA NC （negative control） group， the relative luciferase activities of the SNHG5-WT + miRNA-26a-5p mimic group were decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the GSK-3β-WT + miRNA NC group， the relative luciferase activity of the GSK-3β-WT + miRNA-26a-5p mimic group was decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the tumor volume of Biejiajian Wan low-dose， medium-dose， and high-dose groups was significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the cells in the tumor tissue of nude mice in each dose group of Biejiajian Wan were sparsely arranged with necrocytosis， which showed concentration-dependent changes. Compared with the model group， the expression levels of lncRNA SNHG5， GSK-3β， and β-catenin were decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the expression of miRNA-26a-5p was increased in each dose group of Biejiajian Wan （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the protein expression levels of GSK-3β and β-catenin were decreased in each dose group of Biejiajian Wan （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionBiejiajian Wan may affect the necrosis of liver cancer cells through lncRNA SNHG5/miRNA-26a-5p/GSK-3β signal axis and thus play an anti-tumor role. This research will provide more theoretical basis for the clinical application of Biejiajian Wan.

3D-Structural Characterization of MicroRNA Expressed in Leprosy / Caracterização Estrutural em 3D de MicroRNAs Expressos na Hanseníase

Introduction: Hansen's disease, or leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), is a major public health problem in developing countries, and affecting the skin and peripheral nerves. However, M. leprae can also affect bone tissue, mucous membranes, liver, eyes, and testicles, producing a variety of clinical phenotypes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been expressed in the various clinical forms of leprosy and could potentially be used for its diagnosis. Objective: in silico design of the molecular structure of miRNAs expressed in leprosy. Methodology: we performed a nucleotide sequence search of 17 miRNAs expressed in leprosy, designing in silico the molecular structure of the following miRNAs: miRNA-26a, miRNA-27a, miRNA-27b, miRNA-29c, miRNA-34c, miRNA-92a-1, miRNA- 99a-2, miRNA-101-1, miRNA-101-2, miRNA-125b-1, miRNA-196b, miRNA-425-5p, miRNA-452, miRNA-455, miRNA-502, miRNA-539, and miRNA-660. We extracted the nucleotides were from the GenBank of National Center for Biotechnology Information genetic sequence database. We aligned the extracted sequences with the RNA Folding Form, and the three-dimensional molecular structure design was performed with the RNAComposer. Results: we demonstrate the nucleotide sequences, and molecular structure projection of miRNAs expressed in leprosy, and produces a tutorial on the molecular model of the 17 miRNAs expressed in leprosy through in silico projection processing of their molecular structures. Conclusion: we demonstrate in silico design of selected molecular structures of 17 miRNAs expressed in leprosy through computational biology.

Introdução: a doença de Hansen, ou hanseníase é causada pelo Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), é um grande problema de saúde pública nos países em desenvolvimento e afeta, a pele e os nervos periféricos. Entretanto, o M. leprae também pode comprometer o tecido ósseo, membranas mucosas, fígado, olhos e testículos, produzindo uma variedade de fenótipos clínicos. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) têm sido expressos nas várias formas clínicas da hanseníase e podem ser potencialmente utilizados para seu diagnóstico. Objetivo: objetivou-se com esse experimento modelar computacionalmente a estrutura molecular dos miRNAs expressos na hanseníase. Metodologia: realizou-se como metodologia uma pesquisa das sequências nucleotídicas de 17 miRNAs expressos na hanseníase, desenhando em modelo computacional a estrutura molecular dos seguintes miRNAs: miRNA-26a, miRNA-27a, miRNA-27b, miRNA- 29c, miRNA-34c, miRNA-92a-1, miRNA-99a-2, miRNA-101-1, miRNA-101-2, miRNA-125b-1, miRNA-196b, miRNA-425-5p, miRNA-452, miRNA-455, miRNA-502, miRNA-539, e miRNA-660. Extraiu-se os nucleotídeos do banco de dados do GenBank of National Center for Biotechnology Information . Alinhou-se as sequências extraídas com o RNA Folding Form, e o projeto da estrutura molecular tridimensional foi realizado com o RNAComposer. Resultados: demonstrou-se como resultados as sequências dos nucleotídeos e a projeção da estrutura molecular dos miRNAs expressos na hanseníase, e produzimos um tutorial sobre o modelo molecular dos 17 miRNAs expressos em hanseníase através do processamento de suas estruturas moleculares em projeção computacional. Conclusão: foi demonstrado computacionalmente o projeto de estruturas moleculares selecionadas de 17 miRNAs expressos em hanseníase através da biologia computacional.

Autophagic-Related anticancer effect of grapes extract and tomatoes extract: Ex-Vivo study

Cells undergo autophagy to save themselves from injury, but progressive autophagy can cause cell death. This study characterized and compared the effect of grape (resveratrol) and tomato (lycopene) extracts and their combination on modulating autophagy-related miRNA and its target gene in squamous cell carcinoma cell line. Docking analysis for extracts and selected genes was performed. Methyl Thiazol Tetrazolium assays were used to assess the cytotoxicity of extracts and their combination toward HEp-2 cells. qRT-PCR was used to quantify changes in gene expression. Data were statistically analyzed. miRNA-20a was identified as a potential effector in laryngeal cancer, and sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1) was its target gene. Docking analysis showed that resveratrol interacted with miRNA-20a and showed less affinity toward SQSTM1. Hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions were predicted. In contrast, lycopene showed less affinity toward miRNA-20a than resveratrol. Increasing doses of resveratrol, lycopene, and their combination induced a statistically significant reduction in mean percent viability and mean fold changes of miRNA-20a and SQSTM1 expression in treated HEp-2 cells. Pearson's correlation showed a statistically significant positive correlation between miRNA-20a and SQSTM1 (R=0.812, p≤0.001). Grape and tomato extracts and their combination display promising cytotoxicity against HEp-2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Both extracts reduce the expression of miRNA-20a and SQSTM1 with subsequent inhibition autophagy and promotion of apoptosis in HEp-2 cells.

Las células se someten a autofagia para salvarse de lesiones, pero la autofagia progresiva puede provocar la muerte celular. Este estudio caracterizó y comparó el efecto de los extractos de uva (resveratrol) y tomate (licopeno) y su combinación en la modulación de miARN relacionado con la autofagia y su gen diana en la línea celular de carcinoma de células escamosas. Se realizó análisis de acoplamiento para extractos y genes seleccionados. Se utilizaron ensayos de metil tiazol tetrazolio para evaluar la citotoxicidad de los extractos y su combinación frente a las células HEp-2. qRT-PCR se utilizó para cuantificar los cambios en la expresión génica. Los datos fueron analizados estadísticamente. El miARN-20a se identificó como un efector potencial en el cáncer de laringe y el secuenciasoma-1 (SQSTM1) fue su gen diana. El análisis de acoplamiento mostró que el resveratrol interactuaba con miRNA-20a y mostraba menos afinidad hacia SQSTM1. Se predijeron enlaces de hidrógeno e interacciones hidrofóbicas. Por el contrario, el licopeno mostró menos afinidad hacia el miARN-20a que el resveratrol. El aumento de las dosis de resveratrol, licopeno y su combinación indujo una reducción estadísticamente significativa en el porcentaje medio de viabilidad y los cambios medios en la expresión de miRNA- 20a y SQSTM1 en las células HEp-2 tratadas. La correlación de Pearson mostró una correlación positiva estadísticamente significativa entre miRNA-20a y SQSTM1 (R=0,812, p≤0,001). Los extractos de uva y tomate y su combinación muestran una citotoxicidad prometedora contra las células HEp-2 de forma dependiente de la dosis y el tiempo. Ambos extractos reducen la expresión de miRNA-20a y SQSTM1 con la posterior inhibición de la autofagia y promoción de la apoptosis en células HEp-2.

Unveiling the role of osteoblastic micro RNAs in the skeleton: from biological functions to therapeutic potential / Rol de los micro-ARN osteoblásticos en el esqueleto: desde las funciones biológicas al potencial terapéutico

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that play critical roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation. They function by binding to target messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, leading to their degradation or inhibiting their translation into proteins. In the context of skeletal diseases, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and bone metastasis, there is growing evidence osteoblastic miRNAs, are involved in the regulation of bone formation and maintenance.Osteoblasts are bone-forming cells responsible for synthesizing and depositing the extracellular matrix, which ultimately mineralizes to form bone tissue. Osteoblastic miRNAs modulate various aspects of osteoblast function, including proliferation, differentiation, mineralization, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of these miRNAs can disrupt the balance between bone formation and resorption, leading to skeletal diseases.The therapeutic implications of targeting osteoblastic miRNAs in skeletal diseases are significant. Modulating the expression levels of specific miRNAs holds promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies to enhance bone formation, prevent bone loss, and promote bone regeneration. Potential therapeutic approaches include the use of synthetic miRNA mimics to restore miRNA expression in diseases associated with miRNA downregulation or the use of anti-miRNA oligonucleotides to inhibit miRNA function in diseases associated with miRNA upregulation.miRNA-based therapies are still in the early stages of development, and further research is needed to fully understand the complexity of miRNA networks. Additionally, the delivery of miRNAs to specific target tissues and cells remains a challenge that needs to be addressed for effective clinical translation. Nonetheless, targeting osteoblastic miRNAs represents a promising avenue for future therapeutic interventions in skeletal diseases. (AU)

Los micro-ARNs (miARNss) son pequeños ARN no codificantes que desempeñan un papel fundamental en la regulación génica postranscripcional. Ejercen su función al unir-se a moléculas de ARN mensajero (ARNm), promoviendo su degradación e inhibiendo su traducción en proteínas. En el contexto de las enfermedades esqueléticas, como la osteoporosis, la osteoartritis y la metástasis ósea existe evidencia de que los miARNs osteoblásticos están involucrados en la regulación de la formación y del mantenimiento óseo. Los osteoblastos son células formadoras de hueso responsables de sintetizar y depositar la matriz extracelular, que finalmente se mineraliza para formar el hueso. Los miARNs derivados de osteoblastos modulan varios aspectos de la función de estas células, incluida la proliferación, diferenciación, mineralización y la apoptosis. La desregulación de estos miARNs puede alterar el equilibrio entre la formación y la resorción ósea, lo que lleva a enfermedades óseas. Las implicaciones terapéuticas de los miARNs osteoblásticos en enfermedades esqueléticas son significativas. La modulación de los niveles de expresión de miARNs específicos es prometedora para desarrollar nuevas estrate-gias terapéuticas a fin de mejorar la formación, prevenir la pérdida y promover la regeneración ósea. Los enfoques terapéuticos potenciales incluyen el uso de miméticos de miARNs para restaurar la expresión de miARNs o el uso de oligonucleótidos anti-miARNs para inhibir su función. Las terapias basadas en miARNs aún se encuentran en las primeras etapas de desarrollo. La administración de miARNs a las células y los tejidos específicos sigue siendo un desafío para lograr una aplicación clínica eficaz. (AU)

The immunogenic involvement of miRNA-492 in mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in pediatric patients

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the role of miRNA-492 in the progression of mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection in pediatric patients. Methods: Forty-six children admitted to the present study's hospital and diagnosed with mycoplasma pneumonia were recruited as the study group from March 2018 to August 2019, and 40 healthy children were selected as the control group. Results: The expression levels of miRNA-492, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-18 in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between miRNA-492 and most of the immune-correlated indicators in the study group, except for IL-6, IL-18 and HMGB1. Meanwhile, overexpression of miRNA-492 increased IL-6 secretion in PMA-activated monocytes (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The present study's results suggested that miRNA-492 might play a role in the pathogenesis of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children by regulating the secretion of immune-inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and IL-18 in the mononuclear macrophages.

miR-21, miR-221, and miR-222 upregulation in lung cancer promotes metastasis by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our research was to observe the effects of miR-21, miR-221, and miR-222, as well as their target genes on oxidative stress, lung cancer formation, and metastasis. METHODS: Positron emission tomography/computed tomography, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and/or endobronchial ultrasonography were performed on a total of 69 lung cancer patients to detect the presence or absence of metastasis, and the patients were classified based on the types of cancer. Total RNA and miRNA were isolated from the obtained biopsy samples. The quantitative analysis of hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-222-3p, and hsa-miR-221-3p and their target genes was performed by the RT-qPCR method. In determining oxidative stress, total antioxidant status and total oxidant status in tissue and total thiol and native thiol in blood were determined spectrophotometrically. OSI and disulfide were calculated. RESULTS: We discovered that the metastasis group had higher levels of hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-221-3p, and hsa-miR-222-3p (p<0.05). While TIMP3, PTEN, and apoptotic genes decreased in metastasis, anti-apoptotic genes increased (p<0.05). In addition, while oxidative stress decreased in the metastasis group, no change was found in the serum (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that upregulation of hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-221-3p, and hsa-miR-222-3p effectively contributes to both proliferation and invasion by influencing oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis.

MicroRNA-218-5p accelerates malignant behaviors of breast cancer through LRIG1

Abstract Objective: MicroRNAs play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of cancers. MiRNA-218-5p may act as either an oncogene or a tumor suppressor, but its role in the pathogenesis of Breast Cancer (BC) remains unclear. Methods: Infiltrative breast ductal carcinoma as well as corresponding adjacent normal samples were collected from 30 patients. Mimics and inhibitors of miRNA-218-5p or corresponding negative controls were transfected into BC cells. miRNA-218-5p expression was detected by quantitative PCR. The effects of miRNA-218-5p on the malignant behaviors of BC were assessed. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to evaluate the binding of miRNA-218-5p to LRIG1. Results: BC tissues showed higher miRNA-218-5p expression as compared to the adjacent normal tissues. Ectopic miRNA-218-5p expression accelerated the cell cycle, cell growth and migration of BC, while repressed cell apoptosis. Interestingly, ectopic miRNA-218-5p expression down-regulated LRIG1 expression, and miRNA-218-5p could bind to LRIG1. Also, our study indicated that miRNA-218-5p up-regulated ErbB2 and EGFR expression by targeting LRIG1, suggesting that the LRIG1-mediated signaling pathway contributed to the pro-tumor effects of miRNA-218-5p on BC. Conclusion: MiRNA-218-5p up-regulates ErbB2 and EGFR expression by suppressing LRIG1 expression, thus promoting the malignant behaviors of BC. miRNA-218-5p may exert a pro-tumor effect on BC and serve as a therapeutic target for BC treatment.

Abnormal expression of miRNA-122 in cerebral infarction and related mechanism of regulating vascular endothelial cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting CCNG1

Abstract Objective: To analyze the value of serum miRNA-122 expression in the diagnosis, severity, and prognosis of Acute Cerebral Infarction (ACI) and the correlation mechanism of serum miRNA-122 on the proliferation and apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells in ACI. Method: A total of 60 patients with ACI who were admitted to the emergency department of the Taizhou People's Hospital from January 1, 2019, to December 30, 2019, and 30 healthy controls during the same period were selected. General clinical data of all patients at admission were collected. Including age, sex, medical history, and inflammatory factors (C-Reactive Protein [CRP], Interleukin-6 [IL-6], Procalcitonin [PCT], Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipid carrier protein [NGAL]). The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission and short-term prognosis (the Modified Rankin Score [mRS]) score at 3 months after onset were recorded. The expression level of miRNA-122 in the serum of patients with ACI and normal controls was detected by reverse-transcription quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-QPCR), and the correlation between the expression level of miRNA-122 in the serum of patients with ACI and the level of inflammatory factors, NIHSS and mRS scores were analyzed. The expression levels of miRNA-122 in the serum of patients with ACI, normal people, and Human Umbilical cord Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) cultured in a blank control group were detected by RT-QPCR and statistically analyzed. MTT and flow cytometry was used to compare the proliferation and apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells in the miRNA-122 mimics and inhibitors transfection groups and the corresponding negative control group. The mRNA and protein levels of apoptosis-related factors Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and angiogenesis-related proteins Hes1, Notch1, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGF), and CCNG1 were detected by RT-QPCR and Western blot. Bioinformatics methods predicted CCNG1 to be the target of miRNA-122, and the direct targeting relationship between CCNG1 and miRNA-122 was verified by a dual-luciferase reporting assay. Result: Serum miRNA-122 expression in patients with ACI was significantly higher than that in healthy controls, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.929, 95% Confidence Interval of 0.875‒0.983, and an optimal cut-off value of 1.397. The expression levels of CRP, IL-6, and NGAL in patients with ACI were higher than those in healthy control groups, p < 0.05; miRNA-122 was positively correlated with CPR, IL-6, NIHSS score, and mRS score. At 48h and 72h, the proliferation rate of HUVECs cells in the miRNA-122 mimics group decreased and the apoptosis rate increased. Cell proliferation rate increased, and apoptosis rate decreased significantly in the groups transfected with miRNA-122 inhibitors. The mRNA and protein levels of pro-apoptotic factors Bax and caspase-3 were significantly increased in the miRNA-122 mimics transfection group, while those of anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 were significantly decreased compared to those of the control group. The expression of Bax and Caspase-3 decreased, and the expression of anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 increased in the transfected miRNA-122 inhibitors group. mRNA expression levels of Hes1, Notch1, VEGF, and CCNG1 in the miRNA-122 mimic transfected group were significantly decreased, while mRNA expression levels in the miRNA-122 inhibitors transfected group were significantly increased. Bioinformatics showed that there was a miRNA-122 binding site in the 3′UTR region of CCNG1, and dual luciferase assay confirmed that CCNG1 was the target of miRNA-122.

Porcine skeletal muscle development regulated by MicroRNA: a review / 生物工程学报

The growth and development of skeletal muscle is an important factor affecting pork production and quality, which is elaborately regulated by many genetic and nutritional factors. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a non-coding RNA with a length of about 22 nt, which binds to the 3'UTR sequence of the mRNA of the target genes, and consequently regulates its post-transcriptional expression level. In recent years, a large number of studies have shown that miRNAs are involved in various life processes such as growth and development, reproduction, and diseases. The role of miRNAs in the regulation of porcine skeletal muscle development was reviewed, with the hope to provide a reference for the genetic improvement of pigs.

Research progress on sRNA regulation of mosquito metabolic detoxification enzyme gene expression / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: With the development of molecular biology, non-coding sRNA has been found to play an important regulatory role in gene expression and protein activity, affecting various biological pathways including mosquito resistance against insecticides. Understanding the molecular regulatory mechanisms of drug resistance is essential for controlling mosquitoes, , of which metabolic resistance being the most critical mechanism, mainly referring to the high expression of metabolic detoxification enzyme-related genes (especially the cytochrome P450 enzyme system) in mosquitoes. On the basis of verification of insecticide resistance-related genes, further research on the correlation between sRNA and mosquito resistance-related genes provides new ideas and directions for further exploring the mechanism of mosquito resistance. The study of mosquito metabolic resistance mechanism is of great significance for the control of vector mosquitoes, drug resistance monitoring and novel insecticide development. This article reviews the progress of research on the resistance genes, sRNAs biosynthesis, genes involved in regulating mosquito metabolic detoxification enzymes and their applications.

Salidroside Regulates the miRNA-1343-3p/MAP3K6/MMP24 Signaling Molecules to Inhibit Proliferation and Invasion of Gastric Cancer Cells / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate the role of salidroside in regulating the miR-1343-3p/MAP3K6 （mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 6）/MMP24 （membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase 24） signaling pathway to inhibit gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration. MethodsHuman gastric cancer cells （MGC-803） were divided into several groups based on different salidroside concentrations： a control group （0 μmol/mL）， a low-dose group （6 μmol/mL）， a medium-dose group （12 μmol/mL）， and a high-dose group （24 μmol/mL）. The anti proliferative effects of salidroside on human gastric cancer cells were evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Clonogenic assay was used to examine the effects of salidroside drugs on the clonogenic ability of human gastric cancer cells. Transwell assay was performed to detect the effect of salidroside on the invasive ability of human gastric cancer cells. Cell scratch assay was performed to detect the effect of salidroside on the migration ability of human gastric cancer cells. The miRNA expression profile was analyzed by using RNA-seq in cancer cells for 24 h after salidroside treatment. The differentially expressed miRNAs were clustered and their target genes were predicted. Gene Ontology （GO） and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） were used to analyze and predict the functions of these target genes， and the interaction networks were established. Immunocytofluorescence was used to detect the expression of target proteins， and the transcription of candidate genes was detected by q-PCR. ResultsCCK-8 cytotoxicity experiments showed that salidroside inhibited the proliferation of MGC-803 cells （P < 0.01）. Cell cloning experiments showed that salidroside reduced the clonal formation capacity of MGC-803 cells （P < 0.000 1）. Cell invasion experiments showed that salidroside reduced the MGC-803 cell invasion capacity （P < 0.000 1）. Cell scratch experiments showed that salidroside reduced the cell migration capacity （P < 0.000 1）. RNA-seq findings showed that the expression of 44 miRNAs changed significantly after salidroside treatment in cancer cells （P < 0.05）. Bioinformatic analysis showed that there were 1 384 target mRNAs corresponding to the differentially expressed miRNAs， and the expression of the tumor suppressor miR-1343-3p was significantly upregulated after salidroside treatment （P < 0.01），and resulted in down-regulated transcription of MAP3K6 and MMP24 genes which are related to the proliferation and migration of cancer cells （P < 0.05）. Immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated that salidroside reduced protein expression levels in MAP3K6 and MMP24 genes （P < 0.000 1）. q-PCR experiments showed that salidroside reduced the mRNA expression level of MAP3K6 and MMP24 genes （P < 0.000 1）， while miRNA expression in miR-1343-3p gene was upregulated （P < 0.000 1）. ConclusionSalidroside regulates the miRNA-1343-3p/MAP3K6/MMP24 signaling molecules to inhibit proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells.

Mechanism of lncRNA-miRNA-related Signaling Pathways in Gastric Cancer and Chinese Medicine Intervention： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Gastric cancer （GC） is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive system， with high morbidity and mortality. Early clinical symptoms of GC are not obvious， and most of them have entered the advanced stage after discovery， which greatly reduces the clinical cure rate and affects the quality of life of patients， and the prognosis is very poor. In recent years， with the continuous exploration in the field of bioinformatics， it has been found that micro-RNA （miRNA） and long non-coding RNA （lncRNA） exist as non-coding RNA （ncRNA） without translation ability， and regulate the expression levels of related signal proteins by acting on a certain target， thereby activating or inhibiting a certain signaling pathway， which plays an important role in assisting diagnosis， guiding clinical medication， and judging prognosis in the progress of GC. Chinese medicine is easily accepted by patients because of its good curative effect and less side effects. In the present basic studies， with the interaction mechanism between miRNA， lncRNA and signaling pathways as the breakthrough point， various studies on the regulation of related signaling molecules and signaling pathways by Chinese medicine have been carried out. A large number of experimental data have proved that the development of GC is closely related to the interaction of miRNA， lncRNA， and related signaling pathways， and Chinese medicine， with multi-target， multi-mechanism， and multi-pathway characteristics， affects various signaling molecules and signaling pathways and intervenes in the progress of GC cells. This paper reviewed the basic research on lncRNA， miRNA molecules， and main signaling pathways involved in the occurrence and development of GC， and summarized specific molecular mechanisms of Chinese medicine in the regulation of each signaling pathway， hoping to provide references for modern research of Chinese medicine in the intervention of GC progress at the molecular level.

Lipid nanomaterials-based RNA therapy and cancer treatment

We summarize the most important advances in RNA delivery and nanomedicine. We describe lipid nanoparticle-based RNA therapeutics and the impacts on the development of novel drugs. The fundamental properties of the key RNA members are described. We introduced recent advances in the nanoparticles to deliver RNA to defined targets, with a focus on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). We review recent advances in biomedical therapy based on RNA drug delivery and state-of-the-art RNA application platforms, including the treatment of different types of cancer. This review presents an overview of current LNPs based RNA therapies in cancer treatment and provides deep insight into the development of future nanomedicines sophisticatedly combining the unparalleled functions of RNA therapeutics and nanotechnology.

miR-34b-3p Inhibition of eIF4E Causes Post-stroke Depression in Adult Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a serious and common complication of stroke, which seriously affects the rehabilitation of stroke patients. To date, the pathogenesis of PSD is unclear and effective treatments remain unavailable. Here, we established a mouse model of PSD through photothrombosis-induced focal ischemia. By using a combination of brain imaging, transcriptome sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis, we found that the hippocampus of PSD mice had a significantly lower metabolic level than other brain regions. RNA sequencing revealed a significant reduction of miR34b-3p, which was expressed in hippocampal neurons and inhibited the translation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). Furthermore, silencing eIF4E inactivated microglia, inhibited neuroinflammation, and abolished the depression-like behaviors in PSD mice. Together, our data demonstrated that insufficient miR34b-3p after stroke cannot inhibit eIF4E translation, which causes PSD by the activation of microglia in the hippocampus. Therefore, miR34b-3p and eIF4E may serve as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of PSD.