MiR-216a-3p regulates the proliferation,apoptosis, migration,and invasion of lung cancer cells via targeting COPB2

ABSTRACT

Effect of miR-216a-3p on lung cancer hasn’t been investigated. Here, we explored its effects on lung cancer. MiR-216a-3p expression in lung cancer tissues and cells was detected by RT-qPCR. The target gene of miR-216a-3p was predicted by bioinformatics and confirmed by luciferase-reporter assay. After transfection, cell viability, migration, invasion, proliferation, and apoptosis were detected by MTT, scratch, transwell, colony formation, and flow cytometry. The expressions of COPB2 and apoptosis-related factors were detected by RT-qPCR or western blot. MiR-216a-3p was low-expressed and COPB2 was high-expressed in lung cancer tissues and cells. MiR-216a-3p targeted COPB2 and regulated its expression. MiR-216a-3p inhibited lung cancer cell viability, migration, invasion, and proliferation, while promoted apoptosis. Effect of miR-216a-3p on lung cancer was reversed by COPB2. MiR-216a-3p regulated proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells via targeting COPB2.     

Mir-378a-5p抑制鼻咽癌细胞系CNE-1 细胞增殖以及肿瘤生长的初步研究*

目的： MiR-378a-5p是一种被认为在多种肿瘤发生过程中具有抑制肿瘤生长的微小RNA。然而miR-378a-5p在鼻咽癌中的 作用尚未见报道。因此,本文旨在通过临床样本的miRNA 表达谱分析以及细胞学实验从而揭示miR-378a-5p在鼻咽癌肿瘤发生过程中的作用。方法与结果：我们通过生物信息学的方法获取了鼻咽癌临床样本中miR-378a-5p的表达信息并通过与正常组织的 对比发现miR-378a-5p在鼻咽癌肿瘤组织中表达水平显著降低（P<0.01）。其次,我们发现高表达miR-378a-5p的鼻咽癌CNE-1 细 胞增殖速度显著较对照组降低（约40%~50%）。克隆形成实验证实了瞬时转染miR-378a-5p的鼻咽癌CNE-1 细胞的克隆形成数 量显著减弱。我们通过将稳定表达miR-378a-5p的CNE-1 细胞注射到裸鼠体内形成移植瘤并记录肿瘤生长曲线,结果显示 miR-378a-5p高表达组的裸鼠移植瘤体积明显较对照组小约50%,肿瘤重量显著降低(对照组0.33 g,处理组0.15 g)。结论：本研究通过对临床样本的分析以及在细胞和动物水平的实验验证揭示了miR-378a-5p具有抑制鼻咽癌肿瘤细胞增殖和肿瘤生长的作用。     

LncRNA-ATB regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition progression in pulmonary fibrosis via sponging miR-29b-2-5p and miR-34c-3p

Dysregulation of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has been proved to play pivotal roles in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis. We have previously demonstrated the crucial function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ATB in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis-related EMT progression. However, the underlying molecular mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Here, we verified miR-29b-2-5p and miR-34c-3p as two vital downstream targets of lncRNA-ATB. As opposed to lncRNA-ATB, a significant reduction of both miR-29b-2-5p and miR-34c-3p was observed in lung epithelial cells treated with TGF-β1 and a murine silicosis model. Overexpression miR-29b-2-5p or miR-34c-3p inhibited EMT process and abrogated the pro-fibrotic effects of lncRNA-ATB in vitro. Further, the ectopic expression of miR-29b-2-5p and miR-34c-3p with chemotherapy attenuated silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vivo. Mechanistically, TGF-β1-induced lncRNA-ATB accelerated EMT as a sponge of miR-29b-2-5p and miR-34c-3p and shared miRNA response elements with MEKK2 and NOTCH2, thus relieving these two molecules from miRNA-mediated translational repression. Interestingly, the co-transfection of miR-29b-2-5p and miR-34c-3p showed a synergistic suppression effect on EMT in vitro. Furthermore, the co-expression of these two miRNAs by using adeno-associated virus (AAV) better alleviated silica-induced fibrogenesis than single miRNA. Approaches aiming at lncRNA-ATB and its downstream effectors may represent new effective therapeutic strategies in pulmonary fibrosis.     

MiR-517a-3p accelerates lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion through inhibiting FOXJ3 expression

Aims

Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) results in alterations of various biological processes (e.g., cell cycle, cell differentiation, and apoptosis) and cell transformation. Altered miRNAs expression was associated with lung carcinogenesis and tumor progression. This study aimed to investigate the function and underlying molecular events of miR-517a-3p on regulation of lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion.

Main methods

Transfected miR-517a-3p mimics or inhibitors into 95D and 95C cells respectively, the effects of miR-517a-3p on lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were detected. Bioinformatics software forecasted potential target genes of miR-517a-3p and dual luciferase reporter gene system and western blot verified whether miR-517a-3p regulates FOXJ3 expression directly.

Key findings

MiR-517a-3p was differentially expressed in lung cancer 95D and 95C cell lines that have different metastatic potential. Manipulation of miR-517a-3p expression changed lung cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion capacity. MiR-517a-3p directly regulated FOXJ3 expression by binding to FOXJ3 promoter.

Significance

This study demonstrated that miR-517a-3p promoted lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion by targeting of FOXJ3 expression.     

miR-21 regulates chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling

Chronic hypoxia causes pulmonary vascular remodeling leading to pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right ventricle (RV) hypertrophy. Aberrant expression of microRNA (miRNA) is closely associated with a number of pathophysiologic processes. However, the role of miRNAs in chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling and PH has not been well characterized. In this study, we found increased expression of miR-21 in distal small arteries in the lungs of hypoxia-exposed mice. Putative miR-21 targets, including bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR2), WWP1, SATB1, and YOD1, were downregulated in the lungs of hypoxia-exposed mice and in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) overexpressing miR-21. We found that sequestration of miR-21, either before or after hypoxia exposure, diminished chronic hypoxia-induced PH and attenuated hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling, likely through relieving the suppressed expression of miR-21 targets in the lungs of hypoxia-exposed mice. Overexpression of miR-21 enhanced, whereas downregulation of miR-21 diminished, the proliferation of human PASMCs in vitro and the expression of cell proliferation associated proteins, such as proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cyclin D1, and Bcl-xL. Our data suggest that miR-21 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling and also suggest that miR-21 is a potential target for novel therapeutics to treat chronic hypoxia associated pulmonary diseases.     

miR-34a-5p对三阴性乳腺癌细胞的影响及相关机制研究*

目的: 探讨miR-34a-5p在三阴性乳腺癌(triple negative breast cancer,TNBC)中的表达,分析miR-34a-5p对TNBC细胞增殖、凋亡、迁移的作用,对TNBC荷瘤小鼠肿瘤生长的影响以及在TNBC中对B7-H1表达的影响。方法: 利用RT-qPCR、Western blot分析TNBC细胞中miR-34a-5p、B7-H1的表达,并利用Kaplan-Meier分析二者的表达与TNBC患者的生存关系;将miR-34a-5p转染TNBC细胞,通过CCK-8、流式细胞术及划痕实验检测miR-34a-5p对TNBC细胞增殖、凋亡、迁移的影响;利用RT-qPCR、Western blot检测miR-34a-5p、B7-H1表达水平的变化,双荧光素酶基因报告验证miR-34a-5p与B7-H1的相互作用;利用RT-qPCR、Western blot、IHC检测miR-34a-5p对MDA-MB-231荷瘤小鼠miR-34a、B7-H1表达的影响。结果: TNBC细胞中miR-34a-5p呈低表达,B7-H1呈高表达,二者均与TNBC患者的不良预后有关,差距具有统计学意义(P<0.01);miR-34a-5p抑制TNBC细胞增殖、侵袭,促进细胞凋亡,并且在TNBC细胞中靶向抑制B7-H1;miR-34a-5p agomir在体内抑制MDA-MB-231成瘤裸鼠的肿瘤生长和B7-H1表达。结论: miR-34a-5p在TNBC发生、发展中发挥着重要作用,靶向miR-34a-5p/B7-H1可能成为TNBC患者新的分子治疗策略。     

载脂蛋白E对低氧诱导小鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞增殖的影响及其机制*

目的:探讨外源性载脂蛋白E(apoE)对低氧诱导小鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞(PASMCs)增殖的影响及其机制。方法:采用组织块贴壁法原代培养小鼠PASMCs,取对数生长期PASMCs,分常氧组、常氧+apoE组、低氧组和低氧+apoE组,常氧组培养条件为:21% O₂、5% CO₂,低氧组培养条件为:1% O₂、5% CO₂,外源性加apoE使终浓度为10 μg/ml,培养时间为48 h,重复三次。EdU掺入法检测细胞增殖情况,Western blot法检测apoE、增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)、蛋白激酶C(PKC)和磷酸化蛋白激酶C(p-PKC)蛋白的表达。结果:与常氧组比较,低氧组PASMCs增殖率提高64.7%,PCNA蛋白和p-PKC蛋白表达分别上调69.0%和120.0%,而apoE蛋白表达下调51.0%(P均＜0.05);与低氧组比较,低氧+apoE组PASMCs增殖率降低19.6%,PCNA蛋白和p-PKC蛋白表达分别下调19.8%和103.2%(P均＜0.05);各组间PKC蛋白表达无显著性差异,常氧组p-PKC蛋白表达与常氧+apoE组的相比也无显著性差异(P均＞0.05)。结论:apoE能抑制低氧诱导小鼠PASMCs增殖,其机制可能与阻碍PKC途径有关。     

细胞周期蛋白依赖性激酶在miR-193a5p调控卵巢癌细胞增殖及上皮细胞间充质转变中的作用*

目的: 探讨miR-193a-5p靶向CDK14并调控卵巢癌细胞OVAC的增殖和上皮间充质转变(EMT)的作用。方法: 通过TargetScanHuman分析miR-193a-5p与CDK14的匹配情况,通过荧光素酶报告系统检测miR-193a-5p靶向CDK14情况;在miR-193a-5p mimics过表达或者miR-193a-5p inhibitor基因沉默miR-193a-5p的情况下,采用免疫印迹检测CDK14,EMT相关蛋白质E-cadherin、vimentin、fibronectin和N-cadherin的表达量,采用CCK-8检测卵巢癌细胞OVAC增殖情况, MMT检测卵巢癌细胞OVAC的细胞活力。结果: miR-193a-5p靶向CDK14的3‘UTR;过表达miR-193a-5后, CDK14的表达下降,EMT相关蛋白质E-cadherin的表达上升,vimentin、fibronectin和N-cadherin的表达下降,卵巢癌细胞OVAC的增殖和细胞活力均增加;同时,基因沉默miR-193a-5p后, CDK14的表达上升,EMT相关蛋白质E-cadherin的表达下降,vimentin、fibronectin和N-cadherin的表达量上升,卵巢癌细胞OVAC的增殖和细胞活力均减少。结论: miR-193a-5p通过靶向CDK14的3‘UTR降低卵巢癌细胞OVAC的增殖、细胞活力和EMT。     

MiR-181a-5p is involved in the cardiomyocytes apoptosis induced by hypoxia–reoxygenation through regulating SIRT1

ABSTRACT

MiR-181a-5p’s mechanism in hypoxia–reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis has not been clarified. This study verified that SIRT1 was the target of miR-181a-5p. MiR-181a-5p expression was up-regulated or down-regulated in H/R-induced cardiomyocytes, and SIRT1 was transfected into cells alone or in combination with miR-181a-5p. Cell viability, apoptosis, levels of released lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as the Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase 3 levels in treated cells were tested. On the one hand, down-regulated miR-181a-5p promoted cell viability, reduced released LDH and MDA, and increased SOD level in H/R-induced cardiomyocytes. On the other hand, miR-181a-5p inhibited apoptosis and elevated Bcl-2 expression while decreasing the expressions of Bax and Caspase 3 in treated cells, but the effects of miR-181a-5p could be rescued by SIRT1. In conclusion, miR-181a-5p involved in H/R-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis through regulating SIRT1, which might become a novel direction for related diseases.     

Deregulated microRNAs in myotonic dystrophy type 2

Myotonic Dystrophy Type-2 (DM2) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by the expansion of a CCTG tetraplet repeat. It is a multisystemic disorder, affecting skeletal muscles, the heart, the eye, the central nervous system and the endocrine system. Since microRNA (miRNA) expression is disrupted in Myotonic Dystrophy Type-1 and many other myopathies, miRNAs deregulation was studied in skeletal muscle biopsies of 13 DM2 patients and 13 controls. Eleven miRNAs were deregulated: 9 displayed higher levels compared to controls (miR-34a-5p, miR-34b-3p, miR-34c-5p, miR-146b-5p, miR-208a, miR-221-3p and miR-381), while 4 were decreased (miR-125b-5p, miR-193a-3p, miR-193b-3p and miR-378a-3p). To explore the relevance of DM2 miRNA deregulation, the predicted interactions between miRNA and mRNA were investigated. Global gene expression was analyzed in DM2 and controls and bioinformatic analysis identified more than 1,000 miRNA/mRNA interactions. Pathway and function analysis highlighted the involvement of the miRNA-deregulated mRNAs in multiple aspects of DM2 pathophysiology. In conclusion, the observed miRNA dysregulations may contribute to DM2 pathogenetic mechanisms.     

Interfering histone deacetylase 4 inhibits the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells via regulating MEG3/miR-125a-5p/IRF1

In this study, we investigated the role ofhistone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) and MEG3/miR-125a-5p/interferonregulatoryfactor 1 (IRF1) on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMCs)proliferation. Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB was used toinduce the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. The expressionsof MEG3, miR-125a-5p, HDAC4 and IRF1in VSMCs were detectedby qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. ChIP assay was usedto determine the relationship between MEG3 and HDAC4. Doubleluciferase reporter assay was used to test the regulation betweenmiR-125-5p and IRF1. Results showed that PDGF-BB decreasedthe expression of MEG3 and IRF1, while increased the expressionof miR-125a-5p and HDAC4. In addition, HDAC4 knockdowninhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs via upregulatingMEG3 and downregulating miR-125a-5p. MiR-125a-5p inhibitorcould repress the proliferation and migration of VSMCs andalleviate intimal hyperplasia (IH) by directly upregulating IRF1expression. These results suggested that HDAC4 interferenceinhibited PDGF-BB-induced VSMCs proliferation via regulatingMEG3/miR-125a-5p/IRF1 axis, and then alleviated IH.     

GW501516对低氧条件下肺动脉平滑肌细胞增殖的作用及其机制*

目的: 观察过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体δ(PPARδ)激动剂GW501516对低氧原代大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞(PASMCs)增殖的影响,并探讨其可能机制,为低氧肺血管重构的防治寻找新靶点。方法: 对照组PASMCs采用21%氧气培养,低氧组采用 3％氧气诱导PASMCs增殖,通过不同浓度的GW501516(10、30、100 nmol/L)低氧条件下孵育PASMCs 12、24、48 h筛选GW501516抑制低氧PASMCs增殖的最适浓度;选择100 nmol/L GW501516和(或)蛋白激酶B(AKT)激动剂SC79在低氧条件下孵育PASMCs 24 h,探讨GW501516抑制PASMCs增殖可能机制,通过CCK-8与BrdU试剂盒检测细胞增殖与DNA的合成,流式细胞仪分析细胞周期,实时定量PCR(RT-PCR)检测细胞周期蛋白(Cyclin)D1,细胞周期蛋白激酶抑制蛋白p27(p27)mRNA的表达,Western blot检测PPARδ、总的和磷酸化蛋白激酶B(AKT)与糖原合酶激酶3β(GSK3β)的表达。结果: 与低氧组相比,不同浓度的GW501516(10、30、100 nmol/L)干预12、24、48 h后能够抑制低氧条件下PASMCs增殖与DNA的合成,且100 nmol/L GW501516抑制作用最强(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);与对照组相比,100 nmol/L GW501516干预PASMCs 24 h能够显著上调PPARδ的表达,而低氧可显著下调PPARδ的表达(P＜0.01);与低氧组相比,100 nmol/L GW501516干预24 h后能够显著抑制PASMCs增殖与DNA的合成(P＜0.01),增加处于G0/G1期的PASMCs比例,明显减少S期和G2/M期的PASMCs比例(P＜0.05 或P＜0.01),显著抑制Cyclin D1 mRNA的表达并促进p27 mRNA的表达(P＜ 0.01),显著抑制AKT与GSK3β磷酸化(P＜0.01),而与100 nmol/L GW501516低氧组相比,AKT激动剂SC79能够逆转100 nmol/L GW501516 上述作用(P＜0.05或P＜0.01)。结论: GW501516通过抑制AKT/GSK3β信号通路抑制低氧条件下PASMCs增殖。     

MicroRNA-27a-3p inhibits lung and skin fibrosis of systemic sclerosis by negatively regulating SPP1

ObjectiveTo investigate the role and mechanism of microRNAs (miRNAs) in fibrotic processes involved in the pathology of systemic sclerosis (SSc).MethodsR language and bioinformatics methods were used to identify differential miRNAs and mRNAs and analyze their biological functions. Transfection experiments were performed to evaluate the function and regulatory mechanism of miR-27a-3p in vitro. Levels of fibrosis-related genes, SPP1 and cell proliferation were assessed.ResultsMiR-27a-3p is reduced both in SSc lung and skin tissues. Overexpression of miR-27a-3p significantly inhibited fibrosis-related genes expression and protein abundance and cell proliferation, whereas inhibition of miR-27a-3p significantly enhanced these phenomena. Moreover, miR-27a-3p exerts its anti-fibrosis effect by negatively regulating SPP1 and ERK signal, more prominent in fibroblasts.ConclusionsOur findings show that miR-27a-3p regulates a common mechanism in the process of SSc skin and lung fibrosis. MiR-27a-3p/SPP1/ERK1/2 axis may be an important target for delaying the progression of SSc fibrosis.     

Role of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation

Abstract

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a vascular remodeling disease characterized by enhanced proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and suppressed apoptosis. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a potent mitogen involved in cell proliferation and migration. PDGF-BB induces the proliferation and migration of PASMCs and has been proposed to be a key mediator in the progression of PAH. Previous studies have shown that PDGF and its receptor are substantially elevated in lung tissues and PASMCs isolated from patients and animals with PAH, but the underlying mechanisms are still poorly manifested. MAP kinases, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase1/2 (JNK1/2), and p38 are the key intracellular signals for stimuli-induced cell proliferation, survival, and apoptosis. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine whether PDGF-BB on cell proliferation process is mediated through the MAP kinases pathway in human PASMCs (HPASMCs). Our results showed PDGF-BB-induced proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Cyclin A and Cyclin E expression in a concentration-dependent manner. The expression levels of phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK) was upregulated with 20?ng/ml PDGF-BB treatment, while PDGF-BB could not increase phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and p-38 (p-p38) expression. The effects of PDGF-BB on cell proliferation and survival were weakened after the administration of antagonist of the JNK pathway or si-JNK. In addition, PDGF-BB protected against the loss of mitochondrial membrane potentials evoked by serum deprivation (SD) in a JNK-dependent manner. These results suggest that PDGF-BB promotes HPASMCs proliferation and survival, which is likely to be mediated via the JNK pathway.     

MiR-133a-3p inhibits scar formation in scalded mice and suppresses the proliferation and migration of scar derived-fibroblasts by targeting connective tissue growth factor

Excessive scar formation post burn injury can cause great pain to the patients. MiR-133a-3p has been demonstrated to be anti-fibrotic in some fibrosis-related diseases. However, its possible role in scar formation has not been elucidated yet. In present study, the effect of miR-133a-3p on scar formation was investigated in a scalded model of mice. Moreover, the function of miR-133a-3p on proliferation and migration of scar-derived fibroblasts (SFs) was studied in vitro. It was found that miR-133a-3p was dramatically downregulated in scar tissue of scalded mice. Upregulation of miR-133a-3p by miR-133a-3p agomir obviously inhibited the scar formation in scalded mice. Histological staining showed that upregulation of miR-133a-3p attenuated the excessive deposition of collagen in scar tissue of scalded mice. In vitro study showed that upregulation of miR-133a-3p effectively suppressed the proliferation and migration of SFs. Besides, upregulation of miR-133a-3p attenuated the protein levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen I, indicating that miR-133a-3p could suppress the activation of SFs. The expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a critical mediator in cell proliferation, migration and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis, was also downregulated by the upregulation of miR-133a-3p. Luciferase reporter assay validated that CTGF was directly targeted by miR-133a-3p. In addition, overexpression of CTGF abolished the effect of miR-133a-3p on inhibiting the proliferation, migration and activation of SFs, indicating that miR-133a-3p functioned by targeting CTGF. Therefore, miR-133a-3p might be a promising target for treating pathological scars.     

miR-34a-5p functions as a tumor suppressor in head and neck squamous cell cancer progression by targeting Flotillin-2

While a number of therapeutic advances have been made in recent years, the overall survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) remains poor. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key drivers of oncogenic progression, with miR-34a-5p downregulation having been observed in many different tumor types. Here, we assessed the link between miR-34a-5p and HNSCC progression and the mechanistic basis for this relationship. Levels of miR-34a-5p in HNSCC tumors and cell lines were assessed via qPCR, after which we explored the functional importance of this miRNA in this oncogenic setting. Through luciferase reporter assays, the ability of miR-34a-5p to regulate flotillin-2 (FLOT-2) was further clarified. Overall, these analyses revealed that HNSCC tumors and cells exhibited marked miR-34a-5p downregulation that was linked to the progression of this tumor type. At a functional level, miR-34a-5p constrained the proliferation, migratory/invasive activity, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition induction in HNSCC cells. At the mechanistic level, miR-34a-5p was found to suppress FLOT-2 expression and to activate the MEK/ERK1/2 pathway. Overall, these results suggest that miR-34a-5p can function as a tumor suppressor miRNA in HNSCC owing to its ability to target FLOT-2, highlighting the promise of targeting this regulatory axis to treat HNSCC.