scholarly journals The role of vitamins and minerals in modulating the expression of microRNA

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma L. Beckett ◽  
Zoe Yates ◽  
Martin Veysey ◽  
Konsta Duesing ◽  
Mark Lucock
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Disease States ◽  
Regulatory Circuit ◽  
Non Coding Rna ◽  
Epigenetic Machinery ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Expression Potential

A growing number of studies in recent years have highlighted the importance of molecular nutrition as a potential determinant of health and disease. In particular, the ability of micronutrients to regulate the final expression of gene products via modulation of transcription and translation is now being recognised. Modulation of microRNA (miRNA) by nutrients is one pathway by which nutrition may mediate gene expression. miRNA, a class of non-coding RNA, can directly regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. In addition, miRNA are able to indirectly influence gene expression potential at the transcriptional level via modulation of the function of components of the epigenetic machinery (DNA methylation and histone modifications). These mechanisms interact to form a complex, bi-directional regulatory circuit modulating gene expression. Disease-specific miRNA profiles have been identified in multiple disease states, including those with known dietary risk factors. Therefore, the role that nutritional components, in particular, vitamins and minerals, play in the modulation of miRNA profiles, and consequently health and disease, is increasingly being investigated, and as such is a timely subject for review. The recently posited potential for viable exogenous miRNA to enter human blood circulation from food sources adds another interesting dimension to the potential for dietary miRNA to contribute to gene modulation.

scholarly journals Endospores and other lysis-resistant bacteria comprise a widely shared core community within the human microbiota

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean M. Kearney ◽  
Sean M. Gibbons ◽  
Mathilde Poyet ◽  
Thomas Gurry ◽  
Kevin Bullock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Fatty Acids ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Human Gut ◽  
Environmental Signals ◽  
Human Microbiota ◽  
Disease States ◽  
Culture Independent ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Over Time

AbstractEndospore-formers in the human microbiota are well adapted for host-to-host transmission, and an emerging consensus points to their role in determining health and disease states in the gut. The human gut, more than any other environment, encourages the maintenance of endospore formation, with recent culture-based work suggesting that over 50% of genera in the microbiome carry genes attributed to this trait. However, there has been limited work on the ecological role of endospores and other stress-resistant cellular states in the human gut. In fact, there is no data to indicate whether organisms with the genetic potential to form endospores actually form endosporesin situand how sporulation varies across individuals and over time. Here, we applied a culture-independent protocol to enrich for endospores and other stress-resistant cells in human feces to identify variation in these states across people and within an individual over time. We see that cells with resistant states are more likely than those without to be shared among multiple individuals, which suggests that these resistant states are particularly adapted for cross-host dissemination. Furthermore, we use untargeted fecal metabolomics in 24 individuals and within a person over time to show that these organisms respond to shared environmental signals, and in particular, dietary fatty acids, that likely mediate colonization of recently disturbed human guts.

The human cortical autonomic network and volitional exercise in health and disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (11) ◽  
pp. 1122-1130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baraa K. Al-Khazraji ◽  
J. Kevin Shoemaker
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Insular Cortex ◽  
Cardiovascular Control ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Disease States ◽  
Autonomic Activation ◽  
Imaging Research ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Cortical Regions

The autonomic nervous system elicits continuous beat-by-beat homeostatic adjustments to cardiovascular control. These modifications are mediated by sensory inputs (e.g., baroreceptors, metaboreceptors, pulmonary, thermoreceptors, and chemoreceptors afferents), integration at the brainstem control centres (i.e., medulla), and efferent autonomic neural outputs (e.g., spinal, preganglionic, and postganglionic pathways). However, extensive electrical stimulation and functional imaging research show that the brain’s higher cortical regions (e.g., insular cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex) partake in homeostatic regulation of the cardiovascular system at rest and during exercise. We now appreciate that these cortical areas form a network, namely the “cortical autonomic network” (CAN), which operate as part of a larger central autonomic network comprising 2-way communication of cortical and subcortical areas to exert autonomic influence. Interestingly, differential patterns of CAN activity and ensuing cardiovascular control are present in disease states, thereby highlighting the importance of considering the role of CAN as an integral aspect of cardiovascular regulation in health and disease. This review discusses current knowledge on human cortical autonomic activation during volitional exercise, and the role of exercise training on this activation in both health and disease.

The Salivary miRNome: A Promising Biomarker of Disease

MicroRNA ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Tomei ◽  
Harshitha Shobha Manjunath ◽  
Selvasankar Murugesan ◽  
Souhaila Al Khodor
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Circulating Mirnas ◽  
Disease Pathogenesis ◽  
Technical Aspects ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs ranging from 18-24 nucleotides also known to regulate the human genome mainly at the post-transcriptional level. MiRNAs were shown to play an important role in most biological processes such as apoptosis and in the pathogenesis of many diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Recent developments of advanced molecular high-throughput technologies have enhanced our knowledge of miRNAs. MiRNAs can now be discovered, interrogated, and quantified in various body fluids, and hence can serve as diagnostic and therapeutic markers for many diseases. While most studies use blood as a sample source to measure circulating miRNAs as possible biomarkers for disease pathogenesis, fewer studies have assessed the role of salivary miRNAs in health and disease. This review aims at providing an overview of the current knowledge of the salivary miRNome, addressing the technical aspects of saliva sampling and highlighting the applicability of miRNA screening to clinical practice.

Biopsychosocial pathways to mental health and disease across the lifespan: The emerging role of epigenetics

2020 ◽  
pp. 190-206
Author(s):  
Charlotte A.M. Cecil
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Regulate Gene Expression ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Regulate Gene ◽  
Epigenetic Processes

The biopsychosocial (BPS) model of psychiatry has had a major impact on our modern conceptualization of mental illness as a complex, multi-determined phenomenon. Yet, interdisciplinary BPS work remains the exception, rather than the rule in psychiatry. It has been suggested that this may stem in part from a failure of the BPS model to clearly delineate the mechanisms through which biological, psychological, and social factors co-act in the development of mental illness. This chapter discusses how epigenetic processes that regulate gene expression, such as DNA methylation, are fast emerging as a candidate mechanism for BPS interactions, with potentially widespread implications for the way that psychiatric disorders are understood, assessed, and, perhaps in future, even treated.

scholarly journals Pituitary transcription factor Prop-1 stimulates porcine pituitary glycoprotein hormone α subunit gene expression

2006 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 341-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takanobu Sato ◽  
Kousuke Kitahara ◽  
Takao Susa ◽  
Takako Kato ◽  
Yukio Kato
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Gh3 Cells ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Β Subunit ◽  
Glycoprotein Hormone ◽  
Α Subunit

Recently, we have reported that a Prophet of Pit-1 homeodomain factor, Prop-1, is a novel transcription factor for the porcine follicle-stimulating hormone β subunit (FSHβ) gene. This study subsequently aimed to examine the role of Prop-1 in the gene expression of two other porcine gonadotropin subunits, pituitary glycoprotein hormone α subunit (αGSU), and luteinizing hormone β subunit (LHβ). A series of deletion mutants of the porcine αGSU (up to −1059 bp) and LHβ (up to −1277 bp) promoters were constructed in the reporter vector, fused with the secreted alkaline phosphatase gene (pSEAP2-Basic). Transient transfection studies using GH3 cells were carried out to estimate the activation of the porcine αGSU and LHβ promoters by Prop-1, which was found to activate the αGSU promoter of −1059/+12 bp up to 11.7-fold but not the LHβ promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and DNase I footprinting analysis revealed that Prop-1 binds to six positions, −1038/−1026, −942/−928, −495/−479, −338/−326, −153/−146, and −131/−124 bp, that comprise the A/T cluster. Oligonucleotides of six Prop-1 binding sites were directly connected to the minimum promoter of αGSU, fused in the pSEAP2-Basic vector, followed by transfecting GH3 cells to determine the cis-acting activity. Finally, we concluded that at least five Prop-1 binding sites are the cis-acting elements for αGSU gene expression. The present results revealed a notable feature of the proximal region, where three Prop-1-binding sites are close to and/or overlap the pituitary glycoprotein hormone basal element, GATA-binding element, and junctional regulatory element. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the role of Prop-1 in the regulation of αGSU gene expression. These results, taken together with our previous finding that Prop-1 is a transcription factor for FSHβ gene, confirm that Prop-1 modulates the synthesis of FSH at the transcriptional level. On the other hand, the defects of Prop-1 are known to cause dwarfism and combined pituitary hormone deficiency accompanying hypogonadism. Accordingly, the present observations provide a novel view to understand the hypogonadism caused by Prop-1 defects at the molecular level through the regulatory mechanism of αGSU and FSHβ gene expressions.

scholarly journals Polyphenols as Modulators of Aquaporin Family in Health and Disease

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Fiorentini ◽  
Laura Zambonin ◽  
Francesco Vieceli Dalla Sega ◽  
Silvana Hrelia
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Water Channel ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Major Function ◽  
Cell Plasma ◽  
Original Analysis ◽  
Health And Disease

Polyphenols are bioactive molecules widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, cereals, and beverages. Polyphenols in food sources are extensively studied for their role in the maintenance of human health and in the protection against development of chronic/degenerative diseases. Polyphenols act mainly as antioxidant molecules, protecting cell constituents against oxidative damage. The enormous number of polyphenolic compounds leads to huge different mechanisms of action not fully understood. Recently, some evidence is emerging about the role of polyphenols, such as curcumin, pinocembrin, resveratrol, and quercetin, in modulating the activity of some aquaporin (AQP) isoforms. AQPs are integral, small hydrophobic water channel proteins, extensively expressed in many organs and tissues, whose major function is to facilitate the transport of water or glycerol over cell plasma membranes. Here we summarize AQP physiological functions and report emerging evidence on the implication of these proteins in a number of pathophysiological processes. In particular, this review offers an overview about the role of AQPs in brain, eye, skin diseases, and metabolic syndrome, focusing on the ability of polyphenols to modulate AQP expression. This original analysis can contribute to elucidating some peculiar effects exerted by polyphenols and can lead to the development of an innovative potential preventive/therapeutic strategy.

scholarly journals An improved CRISPR/dCas9 interference tool for neuronal gene suppression

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corey G. Duke ◽  
Svitlana V. Bach ◽  
Jasmin S. Revanna ◽  
Faraz A. Sultan ◽  
Nicholas T. Southern ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Transcriptional Repression ◽  
Expression System ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Gene Promoters ◽  
Disease States ◽  
Transcriptional Inhibition ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Neuronal Systems ◽  
And Function

The expression of genetic material governs brain development, differentiation, and function, and targeted manipulation of gene expression is required to understand contributions of gene function to health and disease states. Although recent improvements in CRISPR/dCas9 interference (CRISPRi) technology have enabled targeted transcriptional repression at selected genomic sites, integrating these techniques for use in non-dividing neuronal systems remains challenging. Previously, we optimized a dual lentivirus expression system to express CRISPR-based activation machinery in post-mitotic neurons. Here we used a similar strategy to adapt an improved dCas9-KRAB-MeCP2 repression system for robust transcriptional inhibition in neurons. We find that lentiviral delivery of a dCas9-KRAB-MeCP2 construct driven by the neuron-selective promoter human synapsin 1 enabled transgene expression in primary rat neurons. Next, we demonstrate transcriptional repression using CRISPR sgRNAs targeting diverse gene promoters, and show superiority of this system in neurons compared to existing RNA interference methods for robust transcript specific manipulation at the complex Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) gene. Our findings advance this improved CRISPRi technology for use in neuronal systems for the first time, potentially enabling improved ability to manipulate gene expression states in the nervous system.

scholarly journals MiR-147: Functions and Implications in Inflammation and Diseases

MicroRNA ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling Lin ◽  
Kebin Hu
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorder ◽  
Mrna Translation ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Regulate Gene Expression ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
Regulate Gene

: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (19~25 nucleotides) that regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level through repression of mRNA translation or mRNA decay. miR-147, which was initially discovered in mouse spleen and macrophages, has been shown to correlate with coronary atherogenesis and inflammatory bowel disease and modulate macrophage functions and inflammation through TLR-4. The altered miR-147 level has been shown in various human diseases, including infectious disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, etc. This review will focus on the current understanding regarding the role of miR-147 in inflammation and diseases.

scholarly journals Bio Immune(G)ene Medicine and the Use of miRNAs to Regulate the Cell

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Allergic Diseases ◽  
Degradation Process ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Collateral Damage ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
The Past ◽  
Needed Information ◽  
Non Coding Rna

MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are a type of non-coding RNA molecules that regulate the gene expression in a negative way, by downregulating the gene expression mainly at the post-transcriptional level, either by the mRNA degradation process or the inhibition of the translation. The role that many miRNAs play in the pathogenesis of several diseases is well known, such as in the inflammation process, in several steps of the oncogenesis or the metabolism of several virus and bacteria among many others. One of the main limitations in the therapeutic use of miRNAs is the ability to reach the target, as well as doing so without causing any collateral damage. One microRNA can indeed regulate up to 200 target-genes, and one gene can be influenced by a lot of different microRNAs. This is the purpose of the Bio Immune(G)ene Medicine: to achieve the cell without harm, use all the molecular resources available, especially epigenetic with the microRNAs, and to restore the cell homeostasis. The Bio Immune(G)ene Medicine only seeks to play a regulatory biomimetic role, to give the cell the needed information for its own right regulation. Our experience in cell regulation for the past few years has shown the way to fight, for instance, against the deleterious effects of viruses or bacteria in the lymphocytes, also at the background of many autoimmune or allergic diseases, as well as to regulate many other pathological processes. To fulfil this purpose, nanobiotechnology is used to reach the targets; we thus introduce very low doses of miRNAs in nano compounds with the aim to promote the regulation of the main signalling pathways disturbed in a given pathology.

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