lncRNA MEG3 modified epithelial-mesenchymal transition of ovarian cancer cells by sponging miR-219a-5p and regulating EGFR

This study was aimed to verify whether there existed any associations between long noncoding RNA MEG3/miR-219a-5p/EGFR axis and the development of ovarian cancer (OC). As a whole, we gathered 317 pairs of OC tissues and surgical marginal normal tissues and simultaneously acquired four OC cell lines (ie, A2780, Caov-3, OVCAR-3, and SKOV-3) and human normal ovarian surface epithelial cell line. Moreover, pcDNA3.1-MEG3, si-MEG3, miR-219a-5p mimic, miR-219a-5p inhibitor, pcDNA3.1-EGFR, and si-EGFR were, respectively, transfected into the OC cells, and their impacts on viability, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of OC cells were assessed via conduction of MTT assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry assay, transwell assay, and scratch assay. Ultimately, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to testify the targeted relationships among maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), miR-219a-5p, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR). It was indicated that underexpressed MEG3 and miR-219a-5p were significantly associated with unfavorable prognosis of patients with OC when compared with overexpressed MEG3 and miR-219a-5p (P < .05). In addition, the OC cells transfected with si-MEG3 or miR-219a-5p inhibitor exhibited stronger viability, proliferation, invasion, and migration than untreated cells (P < .05). Correspondingly, the apoptotic percentage of OC cells was reduced observably under treatments of si-MEG3 and miR-219a-5p inhibitor (P < .05). Moreover, MEG3 exerted modulatory effects on the expression of miR-219a-5p (P < .05), and there was a sponging relationship between them (P < .05). Finally, EGFR expression was modified by both MEG3 and miR-219a-5p significantly (P < .05), and raising EGFR expression could changeover the impacts of MEG3 and miR-219a-5p on the above-mentioned activity of OC cells (P < .05). Conclusively, MEG3 could serve as a promising biomarker for diagnosis and treatment of OC, considering its involvement with OC etiology via regulation of miR-219a-5p/EGFR axis.     

Effect of miR-499a-5p on damage of cardiomyocyte induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation via downregulating CD38 protein

The aim is to investigate the mechanism of miR-499a-5p on the damage of cardiomyocyte induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), apoptosis rate and the expression of miR-499a-5p and cluster of differentiation 38 (CD38) in hypoxia-reoxygenation model cells were detected by LDH Cytotoxicity Assay Kit, flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis, respectively. Apoptosis, the activity of LDH was detected after overexpression of miR-499a-5p or silencing of CD38 in H9c2 cells. The target relationship between miR-499a-5p and CD38 was verified by Targetscan online prediction and dual-luciferase assay. Apoptosis, the activity of LDH was detected after overexpression of miR-499a-5p and CD38. Apoptosis, the activity of LDH and the expression of CD38 were increased (P < .05) while expression of miR-499a-5p was decreased (P < .05) in hypoxia/reoxygenation model cells. Apoptosis and the activity of LDH in H9c2 cells after overexpression of miR-499a-5p or silence of CD38 were decreased (P < .05). The results of Targetscan online prediction and dual-luciferase assay indicated that CD38 was a potential target gene of miR-499a-5p. Overexpression of CD38 could reverse the inhibition of miR-499a-5p on LDH activity and apoptosis in H9c2 cells. miR-499a-5p could relief the injury of cardiomyocytes induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation via targeting CD38.     

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells repair severe acute pancreatitis by secreting miR-181a-5p to target PTEN/Akt/TGF-β1 signaling

BackgroundSevere acute pancreatitis (SAP) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have shown obvious protective effect on SAP. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism. The objective of this study is to unravel the role and regulatory mechanism of miR-181a-5p in BMSCs-mediated pancreatic repair.MethodsBMSCs were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats and characterized by flow cytometry and Oil Red O staining. Sodium taurocholate- and caerulein-induced models were used as SAP models in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Pancreatic injury were evaluated by H&E and histopathological analysis, as well as by measuring levels of amylase, lipase and cytokines. qRT-PCR and western blotting were performed to detect the level of miR-181a-5p and the protein levels of PTEN/Akt, respectively. ELISA was conducted to detect the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, angiopoietin, IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β1. The apoptotic rate of AR42 J cells was quantitated by concurrent staining with Annexin-V-FITC and PI.ResultsBMSCs significantly attenuated pancreatic injury in SAP rats by reducing inflammatory infiltration and necrosis, and this effect was abolished by CXCR4 agonist AMD3100. ADM3100 exhibited more severe pancreatic injury and decreased miR-181a-5p levels in the pancreas and serum compared to SAP group. Overexpression of miR-181a-5p in BMSCs (BMSCs-miR-181a-5p) markedly potentiated the protective effect of BMSCs by reducing histological damage and levels of amylase and lipase. Moreover, BMSCs-miR-181a-5p dramatically reduced levels of angiopoietin, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, but induced the levels of IL-4 and IL-10. In caerulein-treated AR42 J cells, co-culturing of BMSCs-miR-181a-5p alleviated caerulein-induced increase of amylase and lipase, and apoptosis via PTEN/Akt/TGF-β1 signaling.ConclusionBMSCs alleviate SAP and reduce inflammatory responses and apoptosis by secreting miR-181a-5p to target PTEN/Akt/TGF-β1 signaling. Hence, BMSCs-miR-181a-5p could serve as potential therapeutic target for SAP.     

环状RNA circMRPS35通过miR-130a-3p/ZNRF3轴调节胃癌细胞的增殖、凋亡、迁移和侵袭

摘要 目的：探讨环状RNA MRPS35（circMRPS35）对胃癌（GC）细胞增殖、凋亡、迁移和侵袭的调控机制。方法：体外培养人GC细胞系（HGC-27、MGC-803、MKN45和AGS）和正常胃上皮GES-1细胞,实时荧光定量PCR（RT-qPCR）检测circMRPS35、miR-130a-3p和锌环指蛋白3（ZNRF3）mRNA表达。另取MGC-803细胞,分为对照组、pc-NC组、pc-circMRPS35组、pc-circMRPS35+miR-NC组、pc-circMRPS35+miR-130a-3p组,采用Lipofectamine 3000进行质粒转染。RT-qPCR检测circMRPS35、miR-130a-3p和ZNRF3 mRNA表达,Western blot检测ZNRF3蛋白表达,CCK-8法、流式细胞术检测细胞增殖与凋亡,划痕实验和Transwell小室实验检测细胞迁移与侵袭能力,裸鼠移植瘤实验探究circMRPS35对GC细胞体内生长的影响。双荧光素酶报告基因检测miR-130a-3p与circMRPS35或ZNRF3的靶标关系。结果：GC细胞系中circMRPS35和ZNRF3 mRNA呈低表达,miR-130a-3p呈高表达（均P＜0.05）。过表达circMRPS35可降低miR-130a-3p,上调ZNRF3 mRNA和蛋白水平,抑制细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭,并促进细胞凋亡（均P＜0.05）;circMRPS35过表达对GC细胞恶性行为和裸鼠移植瘤生长的抑制作用可被miR-130a-3p mimic逆转（P＜0.05）。双荧光素酶实验结果显示,过表达miR-130a-3p可降低circMRPS35-WT和ZNRF3-WT的荧光素酶活性（P＜0.05）。结论：circMRPS35可能通过miR-130a-3p/ZNRF3轴抑制GC细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭,并促进细胞凋亡。     

MicroRNA-19a-3p promotes rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes via targeting SOCS3

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic autoimmune disease and effective treatment for RA is still lacking. In this study, the regulatory role of miR-19a-3p in RA was investigated. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of human blood samples showed that the level of miR-19a-3p was significantly lower in the RA patients compared with that in healthy patients (P < 0.05). In RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RAFLS), miR-19a-3p and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) were also downregulated and upregulated, respectively, compared with those of normal FLS. Transfection of miR-19a-3p mimic in RAFLS inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. TargetScan identified SOCS3 as a target of miR-19a-3p, which was confirmed by dual-luciferase assay. Western blot indicated that SOCS3 protein level was significantly decreased after miR-19a-3p overexpression. Moreover, SOCS3 silencing through siRNA transfection also enhanced cell proliferation, meanwhile inhibiting RAFLS apoptosis. In addition, SOCS3 overexpression abrogated the effects of miR-19a-3p overexpression on cell proliferation and apoptosis, corroborating that SOCS3 acts as a downstream effector in the miR-19a-3p-mediated function of RAFLS. These findings suggest that miR-19a-3p plays an important role in RA, and the miR-19a-3p/SOCS3 axis may become a potential therapeutic target for RA.     

MicroRNA-513a-5p mediates TNF-α and LPS induced apoptosis via downregulation of X-linked inhibitor of apoptotic protein in endothelial cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding small RNAs that have emerged as one of the central players of gene expression regulation. Endothelial cell apoptosis plays a fundamental role in the development of atherosclerosis. This study was designed to determine the effect of miR-513a-5p on apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were treated with tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and miR-513a-5p expression levels were determined. MiR-513a-5p target gene indentification, validation, and signalling pathways were investigated. Treatment of HUVECs with TNF-α and LPS up-regulated miR-513a-5p expressions more than 2-fold compared to control (P < 0.05). Inhibition of miR-513a-5p by antisense (AS) miR-513a-5p reversed TNF-α and LPS induced apoptosis (P < 0.01). Transfection of HUVECs with miR-513a-5p mimics also induced apoptosis (P < 0.01). Treatment of HUVECs with TNF-α and LPS attenuated X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) while increased caspase-3 expression, poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and p53 expression. These effects were reversed by inhibition of miR-513a-5p. Of those miR-513a-5p candidate target genes, we identified and validated XIAP as a miR-513a-5p target gene. Targeting of the XIAP 3′-untranslated region by miR-513a-5p using luciferase reporter assay resulted in attenuated luciferase activity. Transfection of HUVECs with AS miR-513a-5p increased XIAP protein expression while miR-513a-5p mimics attenuated XIAP expression. These results together suggest that miR-513a-5p mediates TNF-α and LPS induced apoptosis via downregulation of XIAP in HUVECs.     

circ_0001461靶向抑制miR-30a-5p对骨肉瘤细胞增殖和凋亡的影响

摘要 目的：探讨circ_0001461对骨肉瘤细胞增殖和凋亡的影响及调控机制。方法：采用实时荧光定量聚合酶反应（qRT-PCR）检测检测circ_0001461在骨肉瘤组织和细胞中的表达水平。在U2OS和HOS细胞中转染sh-NC和sh-circ_0001461后,采用CCK8检测细胞增殖情况,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡情况,qRT-PCR检测增殖相关分子Ki-67 mRNA的表达水平,Western Blot检测凋亡相关分子Cleaved-caspase-3蛋白的表达水平。采用双荧光素酶报告基因检测circ_0001461和miR-30a-5p的结合情况。结果：circ_0001461在骨肉瘤组织中的表达水平明显高于癌旁正常组织（P<0.05）,circ_0001461在骨肉瘤细胞U2OS和HOS中的表达水平均明显高于成骨细胞NHOst（P<0.05）。低表达circ_0001461能够抑制骨肉瘤细胞U2OS和HOS的增殖和增殖相关分子Ki-67的表达（P<0.05）;促进骨肉瘤细胞U2OS和HOS的凋亡和凋亡相关分子Cleaved-caspase-3蛋白的表达（P<0.05）。双荧光素酶结果显示circ_0001461能够靶向结合miR-30a-5p。低表达circ_0001461能够促进miR-30a-5p的表达（P<0.05）,circ_0001461和miR-30a-5p在骨肉瘤组织中的表达呈负相关（P<0.05）。在U2OS细胞中共转染sh-circ_0001461和miR-30a-5p mimics后能够进一步加强单独转染sh-circ_0001461对U2OS细胞增殖和凋亡的影响（P<0.05）;在HOS细胞中共转染sh-circ_0001461和miR-30a-5p inhibitors后能够逆转单独转染sh-circ_0001461对U2OS细胞增殖和凋亡的影响（P>0.05）。结论：circ_0001461在骨肉瘤组织和细胞中明显高表达,低表达circ_0001461能够靶向促进miR-30a-5p的表达进而抑制骨肉瘤细胞增殖和促进细胞凋亡。     

下调lncRNA MCF2L-AS1靶向miR-33b-5p抑制胃癌细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭并促进凋亡

摘要 目的：探讨lncRNA MCF2L-AS1对胃癌细胞恶性生物学行为的影响及分子机制。方法：选取45例胃癌患者的癌组织及癌旁正常组织,或培养胃黏膜上皮细胞GES-1、胃癌细胞HGC-27,采用RT-qPCR检测MCF2L-AS1和miR-33b-5p的表达水平。采用双荧光素酶报告实验检测MCF2L-AS1和miR-33b-5p的靶向关系。将HGC-27细胞分为si-NC组、si-MCF2L-AS1组、mimic NC组、miR-33b-5p mimic组、si-MCF2L-AS1+inhibitor NC组、si-MCF2L-AS1+miR-33b-5p inhibitor组,分别转染si-NC、si-MCF2L-AS1、mimic NC、miR-33b-5p mimic或共转染si-MCF2L-AS1+inhibitor NC、si-MCF2L-AS1+miR-33b-5p inhibitor。采用MTT实验检测细胞增殖情况,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率,克隆形成实验检测细胞克隆形成数,Transwell实验检测迁移和侵袭细胞数。结果：与癌旁正常组织或GES-1细胞相比,胃癌组织或HGC-27细胞中MCF2L-AS1表达水平升高、miR-33b-5p表达水平降低,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。MCF2L-AS1可靶向调控miR-33b-5p。下调MCF2L-AS1或过表达miR-33b-5p,miR-33b-5p表达水平升高,HGC-27细胞凋亡率升高,但细胞增殖、克隆形成数、迁移和侵袭数均减少,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。抑制miR-33b-5p可减弱下调MCF2L-AS1对HGC-27细胞的生物学作用。结论：下调MCF2L-AS1通过上调miR-33b-5p抑制胃癌细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭并促进凋亡;MCF2L-AS1通过靶向调控miR-33b-5p表达进而参与胃癌细胞的恶性生物学行为。     

miR-27a-3p通过靶向Sema7A调控病毒性心肌炎心肌细胞损伤的机制研究

目的探讨微小RNA-27a-3p(miR-27a-3p)过表达对病毒性心肌炎(VMC)细胞损伤的影响及其可能的作用机制。方法原代培养大鼠心肌细胞,柯萨奇B3病毒(CVB3)感染心肌细胞建立VMC模型(CVB3组)。正常心肌细胞作为对照组,分别将miR-NC、miR-27a-3p mimics、si-NC,si-Sema7A分别转染至CVB3感染的心肌细胞,记为CVB3+miR-NC组、CVB3+miR-27a-3p组、CVB3+si-NC组、CVB3+si-Sema7A组。分别将miR-27a-3p mimics与pcDNA,miR-27a-3p mimics与pcDNA-Sema7A共转染至CVB3感染的心肌细胞,记为CVB3+miR-27a-3p+pcDNA组、CVB3+miR-27a-3p+pcDNA-Sema7A组。采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(qRT-PCR)与Western blot法分别检测细胞中miR-27a-3p、信号蛋白7A(Sema7A)的表达水平;流式细胞术检测miR-27a-3p过表达或干扰Sema7A表达后心肌细胞的凋亡率;酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)法检测细胞中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1(IL-1)的含量;双荧光素酶报告基因验证miR-27a-3p与Sema7A的靶向关系;Western blot检测B淋巴细胞瘤-2相关蛋白(Bax)、活化的含半胱氨酸的天冬氨酸蛋白水解酶3(cleaved caspase-3)、B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2)蛋白表达。两组间比较采用独立样本t检验。结果与对照组比较,CVB3组miR-27a-3p的表达水平(1.01±0.09比0.42±0.04)降低,Sema7A的mRNA和蛋白表达水平(1.02±0.09比2.15±0.21、0.43±0.04比0.94±0.09)升高,TNF-α、IL-1水平[(403.56±38.16)pg/mL比(1156.48±63.59)pg/mL>(29.45±3.54)pg/mL比(136.57±12.47)pg/mL]升高,细胞凋亡率[(5.36±0.54)%比(24.58±2.14)%]升高,Bax、cleaved caspase-3的表达水平升高,Bcl-2的表达水平降低(P均<0.05);与CVB3+miR-NC组比较,CVB3+miR-27a-3p组TNF-α,IL-1水平[(1187.69±71.42)pg/mL比(516.28±48.31)pg/mL、(147.25±14.05)pg/mL比(43.68±5.02)pg/mL]和细胞凋亡率[(26.38±2.55)%比(10.24±1.15)%]降低,Bax、cleaved caspase-3表达水平降低,Bcl-2表达水平升高(P均<0.05);双荧光素酶报告实验证实miR-27a-3p可靶向调控Sema7A的表达;Sema7A过表达可逆转miR-27a-3p过表达对CVB3诱导的VMC细胞损伤的作用。结论miR-27a-3p过表达可降低VMC细胞中炎症因子的表达及抑制细胞凋亡从而减轻心肌损伤,其作用机制可能与靶向调控Sema7A的表达有关。     

Inhibiting autophagy by miR-19a-3p/PTEN regulation protected retinal pigment epithelial cells from hyperglycemic damage

ObjectiveThe catabolic process of autophagy is arousing the attention of researchers studying diabetic retinopathy (DR), but the role and molecular mechanism of autophagy in DR are still unclear.MethodsAn in vivo diabetic rat model and in vitro hyperglycemic-exposed retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell cultures were established to mimic early DR. Transmission electron microscopy and mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus transfection were applied for autophagic flux analysis. MicroRNA (miR)-19a-3p, members of the phosphate and tensin homolog (PTEN)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, and the autophagy-related proteins light chain (LC)3II/I and p62 were detected. Annexin V, transwell, Cell Counting Kit-8, fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran monolayer permeability assay, and transepithelial electrical resistance were performed to evaluate the effects of regulating autophagy on RPE cells under the DR condition.ResultsAutophagy was aberrantly activated in DR as evidenced by autophagosome accumulation. Further mechanistic experiments revealed that DR induced PTEN expression, thus inhibiting Akt/mTOR phosphorylation and stimulating aberrant autophagy and apoptosis. Notably, these events could be reversed by miR-19a-3p directly targeting PTEN. Downregulation of autophagy by miR-19a-3p overexpression, PTEN knockdown, or 3-methyladenine (3-MA) treatment inhibited autophagosome formation and thus effectively ameliorated hyperglycemia-induced RPE cell apoptosis, increased migration, inhibited viability, and enhanced monolayer permeability under the DR condition.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that upregulation of miR-19a-3p inhibits aberrant autophagy by directly targeting PTEN, thus protecting RPE cells against DR damage. miR-19a-3p may represent a novel therapeutic target for inducing protective autophagy in early DR.     

过表达MicroRNA-21通过PTEN/PI3K/AKT信号通路调控人退变髓核细胞自噬的研究

目的:探讨过表达mi R-21通过PTEN/PI3K/AKT通路对人退变髓核细胞自噬的影响。方法:构建稳定过表达mi R-21 mimic人退变髓核细胞,转染无意义序列作为mi R-21 mimic control组,采用RT-qPCR检测转染效率;利用MDC荧光染色法观察细胞自噬泡;Western-Blot检测细胞自噬相关蛋白LC3和P62的表达以及PTEN/PI3K/AKT信号通路中关键蛋白PTEN、PI3K及AKT的表达水平。结果:RT-qPCR结果表明mi R-21 mimic转染成功且效率较高,与mi R-21 mimic control组及空白细胞对照组相比,差异显著(P0.05)。荧光显微镜观察MDC染色情况,mi R-21 mimic组的细胞中几乎没有发现自噬体,而mi R-21 mimic control组以及空白对照组细胞中自噬体均较多,与前者相比差异均明显,具有统计学意义(P0.05)。mi R-21 mimic组细胞中LC3-II/LC3-I表达量的比值均显著低于mi R-21 mimic control组及空白对照组细胞(P0.05);而P62在mi R-21 mimic组细胞中表达量显著高于mi R-21 mimic control组及空白细胞对照组,具有统计学意义(P0.05)。mi R-21 mimic组中PTEN蛋白的表达水平较低,与另外两组相比具有统计学意义(P0.05);磷酸化的PI3K(p-PI3K)和AKT(p-Akt)在mi R-21 mimic组中均明显高于mi R-21 mimic control组和空白细胞对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:mi R-21可以通过靶向沉默PTEN,促进PI3K和AKT发生磷酸化,进而使PTEN/PI3K/AKT信号通路被激活,最终抑制人椎间盘退变髓核细胞的自噬。     

LncRNA MEG3 negatively modified osteosarcoma development through regulation of miR-361-5p and FoxM1

This study was aimed to figure out whether long noncoding RNA MEG3/miR-361-5p/FoxM1 signaling would contribute to improved proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells. We altogether collected 204 pairs of osteosarcoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues, and obtained four human osteosarcoma cell lines. Then pcDNA3.1-MEG3, si-MEG3, miR-361-5p mimic, miR-361-5p inhibitor, pcDNA3.1-FoxM1, si-FoxM1, and negative control (NC) were, respectively, transfected into the osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, real time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to determine the mRNA expressions of maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) and miR-361-5p, and western blot analysis was applied for determining the FoxM1 expression. Besides, dual luciferase reporter gene assay was adopted to verify if MEG3 can be directly targeted by miR-361-5p. Finally, 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, and transwell assay were conducted to investigate the influence of MEG3, miR-361-5p, and FoxM1 expressions on the viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. MEG3 and miR-361-5p were observed to be significantly downregulated within both osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines, whereas FoxM1 was upregulated in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines (p < 0.05). MEG3 directly bound to miR-361-5p, and significantly upgraded its expression (p < 0.05). The upregulated MEG3 and miR-361-5p or the downregulated FoxM1 appeared to substantially inhibit proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells (p < 0.05). Finally, the proliferation, migration, invasion, and motility of osteosarcoma cells within the miR-NC + pcDNA3.1-FoxM1 group and pcDNA + pcDNA-FoxM1 group were markedly promoted when compared with the miR-361-5p mimic group and pcDNA3.1-MEG3 group (p < 0.05). The MEG3/miR-361-5p/FoxM1 axis could potentially serve as therapeutic targets or diagnostic biomarkers for osteosarcoma.     

Overexpression of miR-19a and miR-20a in iPS-MSCs preserves renal function of chronic kidney disease with acute ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rat

This study tested the hypothesis that therapy with double overexpression of miR-19a-3p and miR-20a-5p (miR^DOE) to human inducible pluripotent stem cell–derived mesenchymal stem cells (iPS-MSCs) was superior to iPS-MSCs alone for preserving renal function in rat with pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD), followed by ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. In vitro study demonstrated that the protein expressions of oxidative stress (NOX-1/NOX-2/NOX4/oxidized protein/p22phox), inflammatory downstream signalling (TLR2&4/MyD88/TRAF6/IKK-ß/p-NFκB/IL-1ß/IL-6/MMP-9) and cell apoptosis/death signalling (cleaved caspase-3/mitochondrial Bax/p-ERKs/p-JNK/p-p38) at time-points of 24-hour/48-hour cell cultures were significantly increased in p-Cresol-treated NRK-52E cells than in the control that was significantly reversed by miR-19a-3p-transfected iPS-MSC (all P < .001). Animals were categorized into group 1 (sham-operated control), group 2 (CKD-IR), group 3 (CKD-IR + oligo-miR^DOE of iPS-MSCs/6.0 ×10⁵/intra-renal artery transfusion/3 hours after IR procedure), group 4 (CKD-IR + iPS-MSCs) and group 5 (CKD-IR + miR^DOE of iPS-MSCs/6.0 ×10^5/intra-renal artery transfusion/3 hour after IR procedure). By day 35, the creatinine/BUN levels were lowest in group 1, highest in group 2 and significantly lower in group 5 than in groups 3 and 4 (all P < .0001) but they showed no difference between the latter two groups. The protein expressions of oxidative stress, inflammatory downstream signalling and cell apoptosis/death signalling exhibited an identical pattern of creatinine level among the five groups (all P < .00001). Also, the microscopic findings demonstrated that the kidney injury score/fibrotic area/number of inflammatory cells (CD14+/CD68+) exhibited an identical pattern of creatine level (all P < .0001). The miR^DOE of iPS-MSCs was superior to iPS-MSCs for preserving the residual kidney function and architecture in CKD-IR rat.     

MicroRNA-99a-5p suppresses breast cancer progression and cell-cycle pathway through downregulating CDC25A

In this study, we aimed to explore the association between miR-99a-5p and CDC25A in breast cancer and the regulatory mechanisms of miR-99a-5p on breast cancer. The expressions of messenger RNA and microRNAs in breast cancer tissues and adjacent tissues were analyzed by the Cancer Genome Atlas microarray analysis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted to find out the expression levels of miR-99a-5p and CDC25A. The expression levels of proteins (CDC25A, ki67, cyclin D1, p21, BAX, BCL-2, BCL-XL, MMP2, and MMP9) were determined by Western blot analysis. The relationship between miR-99a-5p and CDC25A was predicted and verified by bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase assay. After transfection, cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of breast cancer tissues were, respectively, observed by cell counting kit-8 assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry (FCM). Furthermore, the relationship among miR-99a-5p, CDC25A, and cell-cycle progression was determined by FCM assay. The nude mouse transplantation tumor experiment was performed to verify the influence of miR-99a-5p on breast cancer cell in vivo. The expression of miR-99a-5p in breast cancer tissues and cells was significantly downregulated, whereas CDC25A expression was upregulated. MiR-99a-5p targeted CDC25A and suppressed its expression in breast cancer cells. Overexpression of miR-99a-5p and decreased expression of CDC25A could suppress breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion and facilitate apoptosis. Cell-cycle progression was significantly activated by downregulated miR-99a-5p and upregulated CDC25A. Moreover, miR-99a-5p overexpression repressed the expressions of CDC25A, marker ki67, and Cyclin D1 proteins, whereas it upregulated the expression of p21 protein. MicroRNA-99a-5p suppresses breast cancer progression and cell-cycle pathway through downregulating CDC25A.     

Role of microRNA-195 in cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury

This study aims to investigate microRNA-195 (miR-195) expression in myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury and the roles of miR-195 in cardiomyocyte apoptosis though targeting Bcl-2. A mouse model of I/R injury was established. MiR-195 expression levels were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), and the cardiomyocyte apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. After cardiomyocytes isolated from neonatal rats and transfected with miR-195 mimic or inhibitor, the hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury model was established. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated using flow cytometry. Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA expressions were detected by RT-PCR. Bcl-2, Bax and cytochrome c (Cyt-c) protein levels were determined by Western blot. Caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities were assessed by luciferase assay. Compared with the sham group, miR-195 expression levels and rate of cardiomyocyte apoptosis increased significantly in I/R group (both P<0.05). Compared to H/R + negative control (NC) group, rate of cardiomyocyte apoptosis increased in H/R + miR-195 mimic group while decreased in H/R + miR-195 inhibitor group (both P<0.05). MiR-195 knockdown alleviated the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05). MiR-195 overexpression decreased Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression, increased BaxmRNA and protein expression, Cyt-c protein expression and caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities (all P<0.05). While, downregulated MiR-195 increased Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression, decreased Bax mRNA and protein expression, Cyt-c protein expression and caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities (all P<0.05). Our study identified that miR-195 expression was upregulated in myocardial I/R injury, and miR-195 overexpression may promote cardiomyocyte apoptosis by targeting Bcl-2 and inducing mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.     

Retracted: Effects of microRNA-494 on proliferation,migration, invasion,and apoptosis of medulloblastoma cells by mediating c-myc through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most prevalent brain tumor that occurs during childhood and originates from cerebellar granule cell precursors. Based on recent studies, the differential expression of several microRNAs is involved in MB, while the role of microRNA-494 (miR-494) in MB remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate the regulative role of miR-494 in MB cells via the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway by mediating c-myc. In the current study, MB cells were collected and transfected with miR-494 mimic, miR-494 inhibitor, siRNA- c-myc, and miR-494 inhibitor + siRNA-c-myc. The expressions of miR-494, c-myc, p38 MAPK, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), interleukin-6 (IL-6), metadherin (MTDH), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and survivin were determined. Cell proliferation, cell-cycle distribution, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were evaluated. The results revealed that there was a poor expression of miR-494 and high expression of c-myc in MB tissues. C-myc was determined as the target gene of miR-494. In response to miR-494 mimic, MB cells were found to have increased Bax and PTEN expressions, as well as cell number in G1 phase and cell apoptosis and decreased c-myc, p38 MAPK, Bcl-2, MTDH, IL-6, and survivin expression and cell number count in the S phase, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that the upregulation of miR-494 results in the suppression of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while it promotes apoptosis of MB cells through the negative mediation of c-myc, which in turn inactivates the p38 MAPK pathway.     

miR-145-5p affects the differentiation of gastric cancer by targeting KLF5 directly

Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) takes part in the pathologic processes of many types of cancer; however, its expression and roles in the biological behavior of gastric cancer remain unknown. TargetScan suggested that miR-145-5p is the predicted effective and conserved microRNA (miRNA) that binds to KLF5 through its 3′-untranslated region (UTR). We investigated the expression of KLF5 and miR-145-5p messenger RNA (mRNA) in gastric cancer and then analyzed its role in the biological behavior of gastric cancer cells. Our results indicated that KLF5 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in 39.7% of the gastric cancer cases and was increased compared with that of the corresponding noncancerous normal mucosa (0.01 < p < 0.05). The poorly differentiated subtype showed positive KLF5 expression, whereas the differentiated subtype showed negative KLF5 expression (p < 0.05). Dual-luciferase reporter assay suggested KLF5 3′-UTR was the direct target of miR-145-5p. Compared with the differentiated gastric cancer, miR-145-5p was downregulated in undifferentiated gastric cancer (p < 0.05). The downregulation of KLF5 expression and differentiation of MGC-803 and BGC-823 caused by siKLF5 or miR-145-5p mimic transfection. Our results indicated that miR-145-5p/KLF5 3′-UTR affected the differentiation of gastric cancer. miR-145-5p was able to promote gastric cancer differentiation by targeting KLF5 3′-UTR directly. Our data suggest a novel mechanism for cancer differentiation and a new facet to the role of miR-145-5p/KLF5 in gastric cancer.     

长非编码RNA ILF3-AS1通过调控miR-130a-3p/PTEN轴抑制宫颈癌细胞的增殖

ILF3反义RNA 1（ILF3 antisense RNA 1,ILF3-AS1）是一条定位于染色体19p13.2的lncRNA,它是白介素增强子结合因子3 (interleukin enhancer binding factor 3,ILF3)的反义RNA。ILF3-AS1在多种肿瘤发生发展中发挥关键作用,但其在宫颈癌中的作用尚无研究探讨。本文利用TCGA及GTEx数据库进行生物信息学分析提示,ILF3-AS1在宫颈癌组织中低表达（P<0.001）并与良好预后相关（P=0.045）。qRT-PCR结果显示,ILF3-AS1在宫颈癌组织及SiHa、HeLa、CaSki宫颈癌细胞系中表达较对照组均呈下降趋势。过表达ILF3-AS1可明显抑制宫颈癌细胞增殖活力及促进宫颈癌细胞凋亡。Star Base v3.0数据库分析提示,ILF3-AS1可靶向吸附miR-130a-3p;而miR-130a-3p可靶向结合PTEN。qRT-PCR检测显示,miR-130a-3p在宫颈癌中的表达量明显高于正常宫颈组织（P<0.01）。荧光素酶报告基因结果显示,ILF3-AS1可以与miR-130a-3p 特异性结合（P<0.01）。HeLa细胞过表达ILF3-AS1后,miR-130a-3p表达量明显下调（P<0.01）;在过表达ILF3-AS1细胞中,同时转染miR-130a-3p mimics,能部分逆转LF3-AS1对于细胞增殖的抑制作用（P<0.001）。HeLa细胞在过表达ILF3-AS1后,磷酸酶及张力蛋白同源物基因(phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten,PTEN) mRNA（P<0.001）及蛋白质（P<0.001）表达量显著升高;当同时转染miR-130a-3p mimics,PTEN的 mRNA（P<0.001)及蛋白质（P<0.001）的表达升高被明显抑制。综上,ILF3-AS1可以作为miR-130a-3p的吸附海绵靶向调控PTEN表达,从而抑制宫颈癌细胞的增殖。