Bone Marrow Stromal Cells (BMSCs) Inhibit Retinal Ganglion Cell Apoptosis and Alleviate Inflammation Through Up-Regulation of MicroRNA-43 and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Glaucoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2478-2483
Author(s):  
Xiang Ji ◽  
Kai-Wen Zhou

Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss mainly due to retinal ganglion cells (RGC) loss. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highlighted as potential biomarkers in diseases. This study aims to investigate the role of miR-43 and BMSCs in the RGC apoptosis and glaucoma.RGCs were transfected with miR-43 inhibitors and mimics, and then co-cultured with BMSCs. RT-qPCR analysis was conducted to determine miR-43 expression, whilst Western blot, and flow cytometry were carried out to assess the role of miR-43 in apoptosis and inflammation. The interaction between miR-43 and BDNF, a neurotrophic factor, was detected by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Overexpression of miR-43 promoted RGC proliferation and decreased apoptosis. Furthermore, miR-43 overexpression diminished the contents of apoptosis- and inflammatory-related factors, and elevated the expression of BDNF. Down-regulation of BDNF exerted similar effect as down-regulation of miR-43, enhancing apoptosis and aggravating inflammation. Importantly, BMSC treatment reversed the in vitro inhibitory effect of si-BDNF on RGC with enhancement of miR-43 expression. Mechanically, miR-43 was indicated to target BDNF in glaucoma. Collectively, miR-43 delivered by BMSCs plays an important role in the inflammatory injury and abnormal apoptosis of RGC by regulating the expression of BDNF. These findings might help development of new treatment for glaucoma and provide a promising biomarker for diagnosis and treatment.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhang Jieling ◽  
Li Kai ◽  
Zheng Huifen ◽  
Zhu Yiping

Abstract Background: MicroRNAs play an important role in the genesis and progression of tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC), which has a high morbidity and mortality rate. In this research, the role of miR-495-3p and HMGB1 in CRC was investigated.Methods: We performed qRT-PCR to detect the expression of miR-495-3p in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines. Functional experiments such as CCK-8 assay, EDU assay, Transwell assay and apoptosis assay were conducted to explore the effects of miR-495-3p on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of CRC cells in vitro. Then, the use of database prediction, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and functional experiments verified the role of miR-495-3p target gene HMGB1 in CRC. Finally, rescue experiments was performed to investigate whether overexpression of HMGB1 could reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-495-3p on CRC cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro.Results: miR-495-3p was down-regulated in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines, and could inhibit the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells, and promote cell apoptosis. The database prediction and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay showed that HMGB1 was the downstream target gene of miR-495-3p. We finally demonstrated that miR-495-3p inhibited CRC cell proliferation by targeting HMGB1 in vitro and in vivo.Conclusion: Our research shows that miR-495-3p inhibits the progression of colorectal cancer by down-regulating the expression of HMGB1, which indicates that miR-495-3p may become a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 310-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Yang ◽  
Yanning Liu ◽  
Jihua Xue ◽  
Zhenggang Yang ◽  
Yu Shi ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: About 400 million individuals are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus, at high risk of developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent studies have demonstrated an interaction between hepatitis B virus replication and autophagy activity of hepatocytes. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of miR-141 in regulating autophagy and hepatitis B virus replication. Methods: The expression of HBV-DNA, miR-141 and Sirt1 mRNA was determined by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. The expression of HBsAg and HBeAg was determined by ELISA. Western blotting was performed to detect protein expression. The LC3 puncta was determined by immunofluorescence. To test whether miR-141 directly regulate the expression level of Sirt1 mRNA, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed. Results: In vitro studies showed that miR-141 mimic inhibited the autophagic response, hepatitis B virus and the expression of Sirt1 in hepatocytes. And transfection with miR-141 inhibitor enhanced autophagic response and Sirt1 expression. The autophagy induced by overexpression of Sirt1 was inhibited by miR-141 mimic. In addition, miR-141 mimic also decreased the expression of Sirt1 mRNA. Sirt1 was predicted as a potential miR-141 target by bioinformatic analysis of its 3'-UTR, and confirmed by luciferase reporter assays which analyzing the interaction of miR-141 with the wild- type or the mutated Sirt1 3’-UTR. Conclusion: We have therefore demonstrated a role of miR-141 in regulating autophagy-mediated hepatitis B virus inhibition by targeting Sirt1, and may provide potential targets for drug development.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xian Zhao ◽  
Xiaojing Xu ◽  
Qiong Wang ◽  
Xiaofei Wu

Abstract Background: Majority of cancer related deaths in males are attributed to prostate cancer (PRAD) throughout the world. Recently, the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathogenesis of cancer has been widely explored. In this study, we investigated the role of lncRNA LINC01213 (LINC01213) in tumorigenesis of prostate cancer (PRAD).Methods: PRAD and adjacent tissue samples were collected from cancer patients. Survival rate among these patients was compared by Kaplan–Meier analysis. PRAD cells viability was estimated by CCK-8 method while AnnexinV/PI cytometry assay was used to determine the percent of apoptotic cells. qRT-PCR and western blot assay were used to determine the mRNA and protein expressions, respectively. Interaction between LINC01213 and corresponding miRNA as well as between miRNA and mRNA was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. PRAD cells were also injected subcutaneously in nude mice to support in vitro findings.Results: It was observed that LINC01213 was highly expressed in PRAD samples and cell lines. Down-regulation of LINC01213 in PRAD cells decreased cell viability and inhibited proliferation. Luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA pull-down confirmed that LINC01213 targeted miR-597-3p. Increased expression of miR-597-3p resulted in decreased BCL2L2 expression in vitro. Inhibitory effects of miR-597-3p on PRAD cells’ survival and growth were diminished after LINC01213 overexpression which was also associated with alteration in the protein expression of BCL-xL, BCL-2 as well as caspase 3 and caspase 9.Conclusion: Taken together, our findings suggest that LINC01213 plays its role in PRAD tumorigenesis through miR-597-3p/ BCL2L2 dependent pathway with associated modulation of genes involved in cell survival and apoptosis.


2020 ◽  
pp. 096032712097902
Author(s):  
Jing Tang ◽  
Zhao-Yang Liu ◽  
Yi Tang ◽  
Yan Wang

Objective: To discuss the effects of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded BamHI A rightward transcript (BART) microRNA (miR-BART6-5p) by targeting Dicer1 on biological properties and radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: NPC patients (n = 96) treated with radiotherapy were collected from Jan 2010 to Jan 2011. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot were carried out to measure the expression of miR-BART6-5p and Dicer1. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay verified that miR-BART6-5p targeted Dicer1. CCK8, wound-healing, Transwell and Annexin-FITC/PI were employed to evaluate the effects of Dicer1 mediated by miR-BART6-5p on biological characteristics of NPC cells. The radiosensitivity of miR-BART6-5p targeting Dicer1 was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Results: Increased miR-BART6-5p and decreased Dicer1 were discovered in NPC patients, displaying a close association with T-stage, clinical stage, as well as Pre-DNA of NPC. While elevated Dicer1 and miR-BART6-5p down-regulation in NPC patients were found after effective radiotherapy. Both miR-BART6-5p and Dicer1 were prognostic factors of NPC. Down-regulation of miR-BART6-5p could enhance Dicer1 expression and inhibit NPC cell proliferation, invasion and migration with promoted apoptosis. Clone formation assay also showed miR-BART6-5p down-regulation reduced planting efficiency (PE), which further decreased with the increased dose of irradiation. Injection with miR-BART6-5p inhibitors in nude mice after 6-Gy irradiation contributed to the overexpression of Dicer1 and the inhibition of tumor growth. Conclusions: EBV-miR-BART6-5p may target Dicer1 to facilitate proliferation and metastasis of NPC cells and suppress apoptosis, thus being a new target for NPC therapy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Changming Zhao ◽  
Yulin Gu ◽  
Yan Wang ◽  
Qiaozhen Qin ◽  
Ting Wang ◽  
...  

Objective. Accumulating evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in osteogenic differentiation. However, the associated mechanisms remain elusive. This paper is aimed at exploring the role of miR-129-5p in regulating bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) differentiation and bone regeneration in vivo and in vitro. Methods. BMSCs were transduced by miR-129-5p mimic, miR-129-5p inhibitor, and negative control lentivirus. The ability of BMSC differentiation to osteoblast was tested by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red staining (ARS). The expression of osteogenic genes (Runx2, Bmp2, and OCN) was examined via quantitative RT-PCR and western blot. A mouse model of calvaria defect was investigated by Micro-CT, immunohistochemistry, and histological examination. The luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to confirm the binding between Dkk3 and miR-129-5p. For the transfection experiments, lipofectamine 3000 was used to transfect pcDNA-Dkk3 into BMSCs to overexpress Dkk3. Coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescent localization assay were included for exploring the role of Dkk3 and β-catenin. Results. miR-129-5p was induced in BMSCs and MSC cell line C3H10T1/2 cells under osteogenic medium. Overexpression of miR-129-5p significantly promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro. Moreover, BMSCs transduced with miR-129-5p mimic exhibited better bone regeneration compared with BMSCs transduced with control counterpart in vivo. Luciferase and western blot data showed that Dickkopf3 (Dkk3) is a target gene of miR-129-5p and the expression of Dkk3 was inhibited in BMSCs transduced with miR-129-5p mimic but enhanced in BMSCs transduced with miR-129-5p inhibitor. In addition, Dkk3 interacted with β-catenin directly. Conclusions. miR-129-5p promotes osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and bone regeneration, and miR-129-5p/Dkk3 axis may be new potential targets for the treatment of bone defect and bone loss.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 715-723
Author(s):  
Natarajan Nandakumar ◽  
Pushparathinam Gopinath ◽  
Jacob Gopas ◽  
Kannoth M. Muraleedharan

Background: The authors investigated the NF-κB inhibitory role of three Benzisothiazolone (BIT) derivatives (1, 2 and 3) in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cells (L428) which constitutively express activated NF-κB. All three compounds showed dose-dependent NF-κB inhibition (78.3, 70.7 and 34.6%) in the luciferase reporter gene assay and were found cytotoxic at IC50 values of 3.3μg/ml, 4.35μg/ml and 13.8μg/ml, respectively by the XTT assay. BIT 1and BIT 2 (but not BIT 3) suppressed both NF-κB subunits p50 and p65 in cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, BIT 1 showed a moderate synergistic effect with the standard chemotherapy drugs etoposide and doxorubicin, whereas BIT 2 and 3 showed a moderate additive effect to antagonistic effect. Cisplatin exhibited an antagonist effect on all the compounds tested under various concentrations, except in the case of 1.56μg/ml of BIT 3 with 0.156μg/ml of cisplatin. The compounds also inhibited the migration of adherent human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) in vitro. We conclude that especially BIT 1 and BIT 2 have in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities, which can be further investigated for future potential therapeutic use. Methods: Inspired by the electrophilic sulfur in Nuphar alkaloids, monomeric and dimeric benzisothiazolones were synthesized from dithiodibenzoic acid and their NF-κB inhibitory role was explored. NF-κB inhibition and cytotoxicity of the synthesized derivatives were studied using luciferase reporter gene assay and XTTassay. Immunocytochemistry studies were performed using L428 cells. Cell migration assay was conducted using the A549 cell line. L428 cells were used to conduct combination studies and the results were plotted using CompuSyn software. Results: Benzisothiazolone derivatives exhibited cytotoxicity in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cells through NF-κB inhibition. Potent compounds showed suppression of both NF-κB subunits p50 and p65 in a concentrationdependent manner, both in cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts. Combination studies suggest that benzisothiazolone derivatives possess a synergistic effect with etoposide and doxorubicin. Furthermore, the compounds also inhibited the migration of A549 cells. Conclusion: Benzisothiazolones bearing one or two electrophilic sulfur atoms as part of the heterocyclic framework exhibited cytotoxicity in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cells through NF-κB inhibition. In addition, these derivatives also exhibited a synergistic effect with etoposide and doxorubicin along with the ability to inhibit the migration of A549 cells. Our study suggests that BIT-based new chemical entities could lead to potential anticancer agents.


Tumor Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-26
Author(s):  
Maike Busch ◽  
Natalia Miroschnikov ◽  
Jaroslaw Thomas Dankert ◽  
Marc Wiesehöfer ◽  
Klaus Metz ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common childhood eye cancer. Chemotherapeutic drugs such as etoposide used in RB treatment often cause massive side effects and acquired drug resistances. Dysregulated genes and miRNAs have a large impact on cancer progression and development of chemotherapy resistances. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the involvement of retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) in RB progression and chemoresistance as well as the impact of miR-138, a potential RARα regulating miRNA. METHODS: RARα and miR-138 expression in etoposide resistant RB cell lines and chemotherapy treated patient tumors compared to non-treated tumors was revealed by Real-Time PCR. Overexpression approaches were performed to analyze the effects of RARα on RB cell viability, apoptosis, proliferation and tumorigenesis. Besides, we addressed the effect of miR-138 overexpression on RB cell chemotherapy resistance. RESULTS: A binding between miR-138 and RARα was shown by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. The study presented revealed that RARα is downregulated in etoposide resistant RB cells, while miR-138 is endogenously upregulated. Opposing RARα and miR-138 expression levels were detectable in chemotherapy pre-treated compared to non-treated RB tumor specimen. Overexpression of RARα increases apoptosis levels and reduces tumor cell growth of aggressive etoposide resistant RB cells in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of miR-138 in chemo-sensitive RB cell lines partly enhances cell viability after etoposide treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that RARα acts as a tumor suppressor in retinoblastoma and is downregulated upon etoposide resistance in RB cells. Thus, RARα may contribute to the development and progression of RB chemo-resistance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiyuan Lu ◽  
Dawei Wang ◽  
Xuming Wang ◽  
Jilong Zou ◽  
Jiabing Sun ◽  
...  

Abstract Background More and more studies have confirmed that miRNAs play an important role in maintaining bone remodeling and bone metabolism. This study investigated the expression level of miR-206 in the serum of osteoporosis (OP) patients and explored the effect and mechanism of miR-206 on the occurrence and development of osteoporosis. Methods 120 postmenopausal women were recruited, including 63 cases with OP and 57 women without OP. The levels of miR-206 were determined by qRT-PCR technology. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation of miR-206 with bone mineral density (BMD). An ROC curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of miR-206 in osteoporosis. The effects of miR-206 on cell proliferation and cell apoptosis of hFOBs were measured by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to confirm the interaction of miR-206 and the 3′UTR of HDAC4. Results Serum miR-206 had low expression level in osteoporosis patient group compared with control group. The expression level of serum miR-206 had diagnostic value for osteoporosis, and the serum miR-206 levels were positively correlated with BMD. The down-regulated miR-206 could inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis. Luciferase analysis indicated that HDAC4 was the target gene of miR-206. Conclusions MiR-206 could be used as a new potential diagnostic biomarker for osteoporosis, and in in vitro cell experiments, miR-206 may regulate osteoblast cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting HDAC4.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 153303382098011
Author(s):  
Junjun Shu ◽  
Ling Xiao ◽  
Sanhua Yan ◽  
Boqun Fan ◽  
Xia Zou ◽  
...  

Objective: Ovarian cancer (OC) ranks one of the most prevalent fatal tumors of female genital organs. Aberrant promoter methylation triggers changes of microRNA (miR)-375 in OC. Our study aimed to evaluate the mechanism of methylated miR-375 promoter region in OC cell malignancy and to seek the possible treatment for OC. Methods: miR-375 promoter methylation level in OC tissues and cells was detected. miR-375 expression in OC tissues and cell lines was compared with that in demethylated cells. Role of miR-375 in OC progression was measured. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was utilized to verify the targeting relationship between miR-375 and Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1). Then, Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related protein expression was tested. Moreover, xenograft transplantation was applied to confirm the in vitro experiments. Results: Highly methylated miR-375 was seen in OC tissues and cell lines, while its expression was decreased as the promoter methylation increased. Demethylation in OC cells brought miR-375 back to normal level, with obviously declined cell invasion, migration and viability and improved apoptosis. Additionally, miR-375 targeted YAP1 to regulate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway protein expression. Overexpressed YAP1 reversed the protein expression, promoted cell invasion, migration and viability while reduced cell apoptosis. Overexpressed miR-375 in vivo inhibited OC progression. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that demethylated miR-375 inhibited OC growth by targeting YAP1 and downregulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This investigation may offer novel insight for OC treatment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (4) ◽  
pp. 423-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaoyang Shi ◽  
Yong Jin ◽  
Haishan Song ◽  
Xiaolong Chen

Pathological angiogenesis in the retina is one of the main ocular diseases closely associated with vision loss. This work investigated the roles of microRNA-34a (miR-34a) and its potential target Notch1, in retinal angiogenesis. For this we used oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) rats and human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) stimulated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We performed hematoxylin–eosin staining, Western blot for VEGF, and immunofluorescence staining for CD31 to verify the establishment of our OIR model. We observed down-regulation of miR-34a, and up-regulation of Notch1 and Hey1 in retinas from OIR rats. We found similar results with the VEGF-stimulated HRMECs. By performing MTT assay, cell scratch assay, tube formation assay, and by detecting the expression of matrix-metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), and TIMP-2, we found that transfection of miR-34a ameliorated VEGF-mediated angiogenesis of HRMECs. We further observed that siRNA-induced gene silencing of Notch1 prevented VEGF-induced angiogenesis via regulating cell proliferation, cell migration, and tube formation of HRMECs. Additionally, activation of Notch1 by transfection of Notch1 plasmid attenuated the inhibitory effects of miR-34a on tube formation, in the present of VEGF. Results from our dual-luciferase reporter gene assay suggested that miR-34a targets Notch1. In summary, our data demonstrate that miR-34a attenuates retinal angiogenesis via targeting Notch1.


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