Comparative identification of microRNAs in Apis cerana cerana workers’ midguts responding to Nosema ceranae invasion

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small noncoding RNAs that post transcriptionally regulate gene expression and are involved in many biological processes including host-pathogen interactions. However, the potential role of miRNAs in the responses of eastern honeybees to Nosema ceranae invasion is completely unknown. Here, the expression profiles and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in the midguts of Apis cerana cerana workers 7 and 10 days post infection (dpi) with N. ceranae were investigated via small RNA sequencing and bioinformatics. In total, 529 miRNAs highly conserved between various species and 25 novel miRNAs with varied expressions were identified for the first time. In addition, stem-loop RT-PCR confirmed the expression of 16 predicted miRNAs, validating their existence. Eight up-regulated miRNAs and six down-regulated miRNAs were detected in midguts at 7 dpi, while nine and three miRNAs were significantly up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively, in midguts at 10 dpi. In addition, Venn analysis showed that five DEmiRNAs were shared, while nine and seven DEmiRNAs were specifically expressed in midguts at 7 and 10 dpi, respectively. Gene ontology analysis suggested that a portion of the DEmiRNAs and corresponding target genes were involved in various biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions including immune system processes and response to stimulus and signaling. Moreover, KEGG pathway analysis shed light on the potential functions of some DEmiRNAs in the regulation of target genes engaged in material and energy metabolism, cellular immunity such as endocytosis and phagosome, and the humoral immune system, including the Jak-STAT and MAPK signaling pathways. Further investigation demonstrated a complex regulation network between DEmiRNAs and their target mRNAs, with miR-598-y, miR-252-y, miR-92-x and miR-3654-y at the center of the network, implying their key parts in host responses. This comprehensive miRNA transcriptome analysis demonstrated that N. ceranae invasion influenced the expression of miRNAs in the midguts of A. c. ceranae workers; the results can not only facilitate future exploration of the regulatory roles and mechanisms of miRNAs in hosts’ responses, especially their immune responses to N. ceranae, but also provide potential candidates for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying eastern honeybee-microsporidian interactions.

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Comparative Identification of MicroRNAs in Apis cerana cerana Workers’ Midguts in Responseto Nosema ceranae Invasion

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects10090258 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 258 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Chen ◽

Du ◽

Chen ◽

Fan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Apis Cerana ◽

Apis Cerana Cerana ◽

Host Responses ◽

Small Rna Sequencing ◽

Post Inoculation ◽

Stem Loop ◽

Target Mrnas

Here, the expression profiles and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in the midguts of Apis cerana cerana workers at 7 d and 10 d post-inoculation (dpi) with N. ceranae were investigated via small RNA sequencing and bioinformatics. Five hundred and twenty nine (529) known miRNAs and 25 novel miRNAs were identified in this study, and the expression of 16 predicted miRNAs was confirmed by Stem-loop RT-PCR. A total of 14 DEmiRNAs were detected in the midgut at 7 dpi, including eight up-regulated and six down-regulated miRNAs, while 12 DEmiRNAs were observed in the midgut at 10 dpi, including nine up-regulated and three down-regulated ones. Additionally, five DEmiRNAs were shared, while nine and seven DEmiRNAs were specifically expressed in midguts at 7 dpi and 10 dpi. Gene ontology analysis suggested some DEmiRNAs and corresponding target mRNAs were involved in various functions including immune system processes and response to stimulus. KEGG pathway analysis shed light on the potential functions of some DEmiRNAs in regulating target mRNAs engaged in material and energy metabolisms, cellular immunity and the humoral immune system. Further investigation demonstrated a complex regulation network between DEmiRNAs and their target mRNAs, with miR-598-y, miR-252-y, miR-92-x and miR-3654-y at the center. Our results can facilitate future exploration of the regulatory roles of miRNAs in host responses to N. ceranae, and provide potential candidates for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying eastern honeybee-microsporidian interactions.

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Identification of miRNA-mRNA Crosstalk in Respiratory Syncytial Virus- (RSV-) Associated Pediatric Pneumonia through Integrated miRNAome and Transcriptome Analysis

Mediators of Inflammation ◽

10.1155/2020/8919534 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Xu Zhang ◽

Feng Huang ◽

Diyuan Yang ◽

Tao Peng ◽

Gen Lu

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Whole Blood ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Target Genes ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Mapk Signaling ◽

Design Strategies ◽

Pediatric Pneumonia ◽

Syncytial Virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common respiratory virus and is associated with pediatric pneumonia, causing bronchiolitis and significant mortality in infants and young children. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous noncoding small RNAs that function in gene regulation and are associated with host immune response and disease progression. In the present study, we profiled the global transcriptome and miRNAome of whole blood samples from children with mild or severe RSV-associated pneumonia, aiming to identify the potential biomarkers and investigate the molecular mechanisms of severe RSV-associated pediatric pneumonia. We found that expression profiles of whole blood microRNAs and mRNAs were altered and distinctly different in children with severe RSV-associated pneumonia. In particular, the four most significantly upregulated miRNAs in children with severe RSV-associated pneumonia were hsa-miR-1271-5p, hsa-miR-10a-3p, hsa-miR-125b-5p, and hsa-miR-30b-3p. The severe RSV-associated pneumonia-specific differentially expressed miRNA target interaction network was also contrasted. These target genes were further analyzed with Gene Ontology enrichment analysis. We found that most of the target genes were involved in inflammatory and immune responses, including the NF-κB signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, and T cell receptor signaling. Our findings will contribute to the identification of biomarkers and new drug design strategies to treat severe RSV-associated pediatric pneumonia.

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Integrated Analysis of Transcriptome and Prognosis Data Identifies FGF22 as a Prognostic Marker of Lung Adenocarcinoma

Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment ◽

10.1177/1533033819827317 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 18 ◽

pp. 153303381982731 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hong-Yan Liu ◽

Hui Zhao ◽

Wen-Xing Li

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Growth Factor ◽

Lung Adenocarcinoma ◽

Fibroblast Growth Factor ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Target Genes ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Mapk Signaling ◽

Integrated Analysis ◽

Fibroblast Growth

Lung adenocarcinoma is one of the most common cancers worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms of lung adenocarcinoma development are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression profiles of anti-lung cancer target genes in different cancer stages and to explore their functions in tumor development. Lung adenocarcinoma transcriptome and clinical data were downloaded from Genomic Data Commons Data Portal, and the anti-lung cancer target genes were retrieved from the Thomson Reuters Integrity database. The results showed that 16 anti-lung target genes were deregulated in all stages. Among these target genes, fibroblast growth factor 22 showed the most important role in transcription regulatory networks. Further analysis revealed that APC, BRIP1, and PTTG1 may regulate fibroblast growth factor 22 and subsequently influence MAPK signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathways, and other tumorigenic processes in all stages. Moreover, high fibroblast growth factor 22 expression leads to poor overall survival (hazard ratio = 1.55, P = .019). These findings provide valuable information for the pathological research and treatment of lung adenocarcinoma. Future studies are needed to verify these results.

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Integrated analyses of miRNAome and transcriptome reveal zinc deficiency responses in rice seedlings

BMC Plant Biology ◽

10.1186/s12870-019-2203-2 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Houqing Zeng ◽

Xin Zhang ◽

Ming Ding ◽

Yiyong Zhu

Keyword(s):

Differentially Expressed Genes ◽

Transcriptome Sequencing ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Target Genes ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Differentially Expressed ◽

Small Rna Sequencing ◽

Zn Deficiency ◽

Rice Seedlings ◽

Regulatory Pathways

Abstract Background Zinc (Zn) deficiency is one of the most widespread soil constraints affecting rice productivity, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of Zn deficiency response is still limited. Here, we aim to understand the molecular mechanisms of Zn deficiency response by integrating the analyses of the global miRNA and mRNA expression profiles under Zn deficiency and resupply in rice seedlings by integrating Illumina’s high-throughput small RNA sequencing and transcriptome sequencing. Results The transcriptome sequencing identified 360 genes that were differentially expressed in the shoots and roots of Zn-deficient rice seedlings, and 97 of them were recovered after Zn resupply. A total of 68 miRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed under Zn deficiency and/or Zn resupply. The integrated analyses of miRNAome and transcriptome data showed that 12 differentially expressed genes are the potential target genes of 10 Zn-responsive miRNAs such as miR171g-5p, miR397b-5p, miR398a-5p and miR528-5p. Some miRNA genes and differentially expressed genes were selected for validation by quantitative RT-PCR, and their expressions were similar to that of the sequencing results. Conclusion These results provide insights into miRNA-mediated regulatory pathways in Zn deficiency response, and provide candidate genes for genetic improvement of Zn deficiency tolerance in rice.

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Molecular mechanism by which Apis cerana cerana MKK6 (AccMKK6)-mediated MAPK cascades regulate the oxidative stress response

Bioscience Reports ◽

10.1042/bsr20181301 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 38 (6) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Xinxin Wang ◽

Chen Wang ◽

Xuepei Cui ◽

Lijun Wang ◽

Zhenguo Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Signaling Pathways ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Apis Cerana ◽

Mapk Signaling ◽

Expression Level ◽

Apis Cerana Cerana ◽

Antioxidant Genes ◽

Mapk Cascades ◽

Mapk Signaling Pathways

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MKKs) are important components of the MAPK signaling pathways, which play a key role in responding to stress and inflammatory stimuli. Here, a new MKK gene, AccMKK6, was identified and functionally analyzed in Apis cerana cerana. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot analysis demonstrated that the AccMKK6 expression level was up-regulated by several environmental stresses. Moreover, the knockdown of AccMKK6 by RNA interference technology altered the expression levels of some antioxidant genes. In addition, the knockdown of AccMKK6 resulted in increased malonyldialdehyde (MDA) concentration and decreased antioxidant-related enzymes activity in honeybees. To explore the MAPK signaling pathways involved in AccMKK6, we identified the transcription factor kayak in A. cerana cerana. We analyzed the interactions of AccMKK6, Accp38b, and Acckayak using the yeast two-hybrid system. AccMKK6 and Acckayak showed similar expression profiles after several stress treatments. In addition, the expression level of Acckayak was significantly increased when AccMKK6 was silenced. Therefore, we speculate that AccMKK6 may be involved in the MAPK cascades, which play a crucial role in counteracting oxidative stress caused by external stimuli.

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Genome-wide miRNA profiling of villus and decidua of recurrent spontaneous abortion patients

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/rep-14-0095 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 148 (1) ◽

pp. 33-41 ◽

Cited By ~ 48

Author(s):

Fulu Dong ◽

Yuan Zhang ◽

Fei Xia ◽

Yi Yang ◽

Sidong Xiong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spontaneous Abortion ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Target Genes ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Normal Pregnancy ◽

Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion ◽

Future Research ◽

Rna Molecules ◽

Non Coding Rna ◽

Transcriptional Gene Regulation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNA molecules of about 22 nucleotides that involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Evidence indicates that miRNAs play essential roles in endometriosis, pre-eclampsia, infertility and other reproductive system diseases. However, whether miRNAs are involved in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is unclear. In this work, we analysed the miRNA expression profiles in six pairs of villus or decidua from RSA patients and normal pregnancy (NP) women using a human miRNA microarray. Some of the chip results were confirmed by RT-qPCR. In the villi of RSA patients, expression of hsa-miR-184, hsa-miR-187 and hsa-miR-125b-2 was significantly higher, while expression of hsa-miR-520f, hsa-miR-3175 and hsa-miR-4672 was significantly lower, comparing with those of NP control. As well, a total of five miRNAs (hsa-miR-517c, hsa-miR-519a-1, hsa-miR-522, hsa-miR-520h and hsa-miR-184) were upregulated in the decidua of RSA patients. The target genes of these differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted by miRWalk, and we speculate a network of miRNA regulating RSA by target genes function on adhesion, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Our study may help clarify the molecular mechanisms which are involved in the progression of RSA, and provide a reference for future research.

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A Novel Regulatory Axis, CHD1L-MicroRNA 486-Matrix Metalloproteinase 2, Controls Spermatogonial Stem Cell Properties

Molecular and Cellular Biology ◽

10.1128/mcb.00357-18 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Shan-Shan Liu ◽

Eithne Margaret Maguire ◽

Yin-Shan Bai ◽

Li Huang ◽

Yurong Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Stem Cell ◽

Matrix Metalloproteinase ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Nuclear Translocation ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ◽

Small Rna Sequencing ◽

Growth Properties ◽

The Matrix

ABSTRACT Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are unipotent germ cells that are at the foundation of spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms governing SSC stemness and growth properties remain elusive. We have recently identified chromodomain helicase/ATPase DNA binding protein 1-like (Chd1l) as a novel regulator for SSC survival and self-renewal, but how these functions are controlled by Chd1l remains to be resolved. Here, we applied high-throughput small RNA sequencing to uncover the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles controlled by Chd1l and showed that the expression levels of 124 miRNA transcripts were differentially regulated by Chd1l in SSCs. KEGG pathway analysis shows that the miRNAs that are differentially expressed upon Chd1l repression are significantly enriched in the pathways associated with stem cell pluripotency and proliferation. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate that one of the most highly upregulated miRNAs, miR-486, controls SSC stemness gene expression and growth properties. The matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) gene has been identified as a novel miR-486 target gene in the context of SSC stemness gene regulation and growth properties. Data from cotransfection experiments showed that Chd1l, miR-486, and MMP2 work in concert in regulating SSC stemness gene expression and growth properties. Finally, our data also revealed that MMP2 regulates SSC stemness gene expression and growth properties through activating β-catenin signaling by cleaving N-cadherin and increasing β-catenin nuclear translocation. Our data demonstrate that Chd1l–miR-486–MMP2 is a novel regulatory axis governing SSC stemness gene expression and growth properties, offering a novel therapeutic opportunity for treating male infertility.

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Integrated lncRNA and mRNA Transcriptome Analyses in the Ovary of Cynoglossus semilaevis Reveal Genes and Pathways Potentially Involved in Reproduction

Frontiers in Genetics ◽

10.3389/fgene.2021.671729 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Yani Dong ◽

Likang Lyu ◽

Daiqiang Zhang ◽

Jing Li ◽

Haishen Wen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Signaling Pathways ◽

Target Genes ◽

Enrichment Analysis ◽

Mapk Signaling ◽

Cynoglossus Semilaevis ◽

Gene Set Enrichment Analysis ◽

Functional Enrichment ◽

Biological Processes ◽

Tongue Sole ◽

Oocyte Meiosis

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be involved in multiple biological processes. However, the roles of lncRNAs in the reproduction of half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) are unclear, especially in the molecular regulatory mechanism driving ovarian development and ovulation. Thus, to explore the mRNA and lncRNA mechanisms regulating reproduction, we collected tongue sole ovaries in three stages for RNA sequencing. In stage IV vs. V, we identified 312 differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs and 58 DE lncRNAs. In stage V vs. VI, we identified 1,059 DE mRNAs and 187 DE lncRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses showed that DE mRNAs were enriched in ECM-receptor interaction, oocyte meiosis and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways. Furthermore, we carried out gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to identify potential reproduction related-pathways additionally, such as fatty metabolism and retinol metabolism. Based on enrichment analysis, DE mRNAs with a potential role in reproduction were selected and classified into six categories, including signal transduction, cell growth and death, immune response, metabolism, transport and catabolism, and cell junction. The interactions of DE lncRNAs and mRNAs were predicted according to antisense, cis-, and trans-regulatory mechanisms. We constructed a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. Several lncRNAs were predicted to regulate genes related to reproduction including cyp17a1, cyp19a1, mmp14, pgr, and hsd17b1. The functional enrichment analysis of these target genes of lncRNAs revealed that they were involved in several signaling pathways, such as the TGF-beta, Wnt signaling, and MAPK signaling pathways and reproduction related-pathways such as the progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, oocyte meiosis, and GnRH signaling pathway. RT-qPCR analysis showed that two lncRNAs (XR_522278.2 and XR_522171.2) were mainly expressed in the ovary. Dual-fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments showed that both XR_522278.2 and XR_522171.2 colocalized with their target genes cyp17a1 and cyp19a1, respectively, in the follicular cell layer. The results further demonstrated that lncRNAs might be involved in the biological processes by modulating gene expression. Taken together, this study provides lncRNA profiles in the ovary of tongue sole and further insight into the role of lncRNA involvement in regulating reproduction in tongue sole.

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Dysregulation of tRNA-derived small RNAs and their potential roles in lupus nephritis

Lupus ◽

10.1177/09612033211061482 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 096120332110614

Author(s):

Yan Liang ◽

Ji Zhang ◽

Wenxian Qiu ◽

Bo Chen ◽

Ying Zhou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lupus Nephritis ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Small Rnas ◽

High Throughput Sequencing ◽

Target Genes ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Mapk Signaling ◽

Pcr Analysis ◽

Clinical Indicators ◽

Qrt Pcr

Objective Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major end-organ complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and the molecular mechanism of LN is not completely clear. Accumulating pieces of evidence indicate the potential vital role of tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) in human diseases. Current study aimed to investigate the potential roles of tsRNAs in LN. Methods We herein employed high‐throughput sequencing to screen the expression profiles of tsRNAs in renal tissues of the LN and control groups. To validate the sequencing data, we performed quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Correlational analysis of verified tsRNAs expression and clinical indicators was conducted using linear regression. The potential target genes were also predicted. The biological functions of tsRNAs were annotated by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Results Our findings revealed that the expression profiles of tsRNAs were significantly altered in the kidney tissues from LN patients compared with control. Overall, 160 tsRNAs were significantly dysregulated in the LN group, of which 79 were upregulated, whereas 81 were downregulated. Subsequent qRT-PCR results confirmed the different expression of candidate tsRNAs. Correlation analysis results found that expression of verified tsRNAs were correlated to clinical indicators. The target prediction results revealed that verified tsRNAs might act on 712 target genes. Further bioinformatics analysis uncovered tsRNAs might participate in the pathogenesis of LN through several associated pathways, including cell adhesion molecules, MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and B cell receptor signaling pathway. Conclusion This study provides a novel insight for studying the mechanism of LN.

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Exploring Heat-Response Mechanisms of MicroRNAs Based on Microarray Data of Rice Post-meiosis Panicle

International Journal of Genomics ◽

10.1155/2020/7582612 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Yan Peng ◽

Xianwen Zhang ◽

Yuewu Liu ◽

Xinbo Chen

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Target Genes ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Time Lag ◽

Interaction Network ◽

Biological Processes ◽

Functional Identification ◽

Protein Protein Interaction ◽

Heat Response ◽

Protein Protein Interaction Network

To explore heat response mechanisms of mircoRNAs (miRNAs) in rice post-meiosis panicle, microarray analysis was performed on RNA isolated from rice post-meiosis panicles which were treated at 40°C for 0 min, 10 min, 20 min, 60 min, and 2 h. By integrating paired differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs and mRNA expression profiles, we found that the expression levels of 29 DE-miRNA families were negatively correlated to their 178 DE-target genes. Further analysis showed that the majority of miRNAs in 29 DE-miRNA families resisted the heat stress by downregulating their target genes and a time lag existed between expression of miRNAs and their target genes. Then, GO-Slim classification and functional identification of these 178 target genes showed that (1) miRNAs were mainly involved in a series of basic biological processes even under heat conditions; (2) some miRNAs might play important roles in the heat resistance (such as osa-miR164, osa-miR166, osa-miR169, osa-miR319, osa-miR390, osa-miR395, and osa-miR399); (3) osa-miR172 might play important roles in protecting the rice panicle under the heat stress, but osa-miR437, osa-miR418, osa-miR164, miR156, and miR529 might negatively affect rice fertility and panicle flower; and (4) osa-miR414 might inhibit the flowering gene expression by downregulation of LOC_Os 05g51830 to delay the heading of rice. Finally, a heat-induced miRNA-PPI (protein-protein interaction) network was constructed, and three miRNA coregulatory modules were discovered.

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