Epigenetics of scleroderma: Integrating genetic, ethnic, age, and environmental effects

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 238-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula S Ramos
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Epigenome Editing ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
Epigenetic Editing

Scleroderma or systemic sclerosis is thought to result from the interplay between environmental or non-genetic factors in a genetically susceptible individual. Epigenetic modifications are influenced by genetic variation and environmental exposures, and change with chronological age and between populations. Despite progress in identifying genetic, epigenetic, and environmental risk factors, the underlying mechanism of systemic sclerosis remains unclear. Since epigenetics provides the regulatory mechanism linking genetic and non-genetic factors to gene expression, understanding the role of epigenetic regulation in systemic sclerosis will elucidate how these factors interact to cause systemic sclerosis. Among the cell types under tight epigenetic control and susceptible to epigenetic dysregulation, immune cells are critically involved in early pathogenic events in the progression of fibrosis and systemic sclerosis. This review starts by summarizing the changes in DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs associated with systemic sclerosis. It then discusses the role of genetic, ethnic, age, and environmental effects on epigenetic regulation, with a focus on immune system dysregulation. Given the potential of epigenome editing technologies for cell reprogramming and as a therapeutic approach for durable gene regulation, this review concludes with a prospect on epigenetic editing. Although epigenomics in systemic sclerosis is in its infancy, future studies will help elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underpinning systemic sclerosis and inform the design of targeted epigenetic therapies to control its dysregulation.

scholarly journals Long Non-coding RNAs RN7SK and GAS5 Regulate Macrophage Polarization and Innate Immune Responses

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imran Ahmad ◽  
Araceli Valverde ◽  
Raza Ali Naqvi ◽  
Afsar R. Naqvi
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Innate Immune Responses ◽  
Antigen Uptake ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

Macrophages (Mφ) are immune cells that exhibit remarkable functional plasticity. Identification of novel endogenous factors that can regulate plasticity and innate immune functions of Mφ will unravel new strategies to curb immune-related diseases. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of endogenous, non-protein coding, regulatory RNAs that are increasingly being associated with various cellular functions and diseases. Despite their ubiquity and abundance, lncRNA-mediated epigenetic regulation of Mφ polarization and innate immune functions is poorly studied. This study elucidates the regulatory role of lncRNAs in monocyte to Mφ differentiation, M1/M2 dichotomy and innate immune responses. Expression profiling of eighty-eight lncRNAs in monocytes and in vitro differentiated M2 Mφ identified seventeen differentially expressed lncRNAs. Based on fold-change and significance, we selected four differentially expressed lncRNAs viz., RN7SK, GAS5, IPW, and ZFAS1 to evaluate their functional impact. LncRNA knockdown was performed on day 3 M2 Mφ and the impact on polarization was assessed on day 7 by surface marker analysis. Knockdown of RN7SK and GAS5 showed downregulation of M2 surface markers (CD163, CD206, or Dectin) and concomitant increase in M1 markers (MHC II or CD23). RN7SK or GAS5 knockdown showed no significant impact on CD163, CD206, or CD23 transcripts. M1/M2 markers were not impacted by IPW or ZFAS1 knockdown. Functional regulation of antigen uptake/processing and phagocytosis, two central innate immune pathways, by candidate lncRNA was assessed in M1/M2 Mφ. Compared to scramble, enhanced antigen uptake and processing were observed in both M1/M2 Mφ transfected with siRNA targeting GAS5 and RN7SK but not IPW and ZFAS1. In addition, knockdown of RN7SK significantly augmented uptake of labelled E. coli in vitro by M1/M2 Mφ, while no significant difference was in GAS5 silencing cells. Together, our results highlight the instrumental role of lncRNA (RN7SK and GAS5)-mediated epigenetic regulation of macrophage differentiation, polarization, and innate immune functions.

scholarly journals Epigenetic Regulation of the Hippocampus, with Special Reference to Radiation Exposure

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (24) ◽  
pp. 9514
Author(s):  
Genevieve Saw ◽  
Feng Ru Tang
Keyword(s):  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Epigenetic Changes ◽  
Epigenetic Factors ◽  
Hippocampal Function ◽  
Neuropsychological Disorders ◽  
Radiation Induced ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
And Function

The hippocampus is crucial in learning, memory and emotion processing, and is involved in the development of different neurological and neuropsychological disorders. Several epigenetic factors, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs, have been shown to regulate the development and function of the hippocampus, and the alteration of epigenetic regulation may play important roles in the development of neurocognitive and neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes the epigenetic modifications of various cell types and processes within the hippocampus and their resulting effects on cognition, memory and overall hippocampal function. In addition, the effects of exposure to radiation that may induce a myriad of epigenetic changes in the hippocampus are reviewed. By assessing and evaluating the current literature, we hope to prompt a more thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie radiation-induced epigenetic changes, an area which can be further explored.

scholarly journals The Role of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) in the Epigenetic Regulation of Bone Metabolism and Osteoporosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (22) ◽  
pp. 8682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Muraca ◽  
Alfredo Cappariello
Keyword(s):  
Bone Metabolism ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Bone Cells ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Powerful Means ◽  
Fine Regulation ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
Epigenetic Processes

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are complex phospholipidic structures actively released by cells. EVs are recognized as powerful means of intercellular communication since they contain many signaling molecules (including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids). In parallel, changes in epigenetic processes can lead to changes in gene function and finally lead to disease onset and progression. Recent breakthroughs have revealed the complex roles of non-coding RNAs (microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)) in epigenetic regulation. Moreover, a substantial body of evidence demonstrates that non-coding RNAs can be shuttled among the cells and tissues via EVs, allowing non-coding RNAs to reach distant cells and exert systemic effects. Resident bone cells, including osteoclasts, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and endothelial cells, are tightly regulated by non-coding RNAs, and many of them can be exported from the cells to neighboring ones through EVs, triggering pathological conditions. For these reasons, researchers have also started to exploit EVs as a theranostic tool to address osteoporosis. In this review, we summarize some recent findings regarding the EVs’ involvement in the fine regulation of non-coding RNAs in the context of bone metabolism and osteoporosis.

scholarly journals Pathogenic Roles of Autoantibodies and Aberrant Epigenetic Regulation of Immune and Connective Tissue Cells in the Tissue Fibrosis of Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 3069
Author(s):  
Chang-Youh Tsai ◽  
Song-Chou Hsieh ◽  
Tsai-Hung Wu ◽  
Ko-Jen Li ◽  
Chieh-Yu Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Th2 Cells ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Autoantibody Production ◽  
Tissue Fibrosis ◽  
Epigenetic Modifiers ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
Collagen Genes ◽  
Molecular Bases

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multi-system autoimmune disease with tissue fibrosis prominent in the skin and lung. In this review, we briefly describe the autoimmune features (mainly autoantibody production and cytokine profiles) and the potential pathogenic contributors including genetic/epigenetic predisposition, and environmental factors. We look in detail at the cellular and molecular bases underlying tissue-fibrosis which include trans-differentiation of fibroblasts (FBs) to myofibroblasts (MFBs). We also state comprehensively the pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines relevant to MFB trans-differentiation, vasculopathy-associated autoantibodies, and fibrosis-regulating microRNAs in SSc. It is conceivable that tissue fibrosis is mainly mediated by an excessive production of TGF-β, the master regulator, from the skewed Th2 cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and keratinocytes. After binding with TGF-β receptors on MFB, the downstream Wnt/β-catenin triggers canonical Smad 2/3 and non-canonical Smad 4 signaling pathways to transcribe collagen genes. Subsequently, excessive collagen fiber synthesis and accumulation as well as tissue fibrosis ensue. In the later part of this review, we discuss limited data relevant to the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tissue-fibrosis in SSc. It is expected that these lncRNAs may become the useful biomarkers and therapeutic targets for SSc in the future. The prospective investigations in the development of novel epigenetic modifiers are also suggested.

scholarly journals A Review on the Role of Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 6 Long Non-coding RNAs in the Carcinogenic Processes

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard ◽  
Tayyebeh Khoshbakht ◽  
Mohammad Taheri ◽  
Seyedpouzhia Shojaei
Keyword(s):  
Splice Variants ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Host Gene ◽  
Small Nucleolar Rna ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Nucleolar Rna ◽  
Tgf Β1

Being located on 17q25.1, small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 (SNHG16) is a member of SNHG family of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) with 4 exons and 13 splice variants. This lncRNA serves as a sponge for a variety of miRNAs, namely miR-520a-3p, miR-4500, miR-146a miR-16–5p, miR-98, let-7a-5p, hsa-miR-93, miR-17-5p, miR-186, miR-302a-3p, miR-605-3p, miR-140-5p, miR-195, let-7b-5p, miR-16, miR-340, miR-1301, miR-205, miR-488, miR-1285-3p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-124-3p. This lncRNA can affect activity of TGF-β1/SMAD5, mTOR, NF-κB, Wnt, RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways. Almost all studies have reported oncogenic effect of SNHG16 in diverse cell types. Here, we explain the results of studies about the oncogenic role of SNHG16 according to three distinct sets of evidence, i.e., in vitro, animal, and clinical evidence.

scholarly journals lncRNA-RMST functioned as a SOX2 transcription co-regulator to regulate miR-1251 in the progression of Hirschsprung’s disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lingling Zhou ◽  
Zhengke Zhi ◽  
Pingfa Chen ◽  
Zhonghong Wei ◽  
Chunxia Du ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hirschsprung's Disease ◽  
Hirschsprung’S Disease ◽  
Hirschsprung Disease ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Bioinformatic Analysis ◽  
Enteric Neurons ◽  
Intron Region ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
And Migration

ABSTRACTHirschsprung’s disease (HSCR) is a congenital disorder characterized by the absence of enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs). Non-coding RNAs including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been authenticated as important regulators of biological functions. We conducted a microarray analysis and found lncRNA Rhabdomyosarcoma 2-associated transcript (RMST) was down-regulated in the stenotic segment of HSCR patients. MiR-1251 is transcribed from the intron region of RMST and was also low-expressed. When the expression of RMST or miR-1251 was reduced, the cell proliferation and migration were attenuated. However, RMST didn’t affect the expression of miR-1251 directly found in this study. Through bioinformatic analysis, transcription factor SOX2 was predicted to bind to the promoter region of miR-1251 which was confirmed by CHIP assay. Herein, we demonstrated that RMST exerted as a co-regulator of SOX2 to regulate the expression of miR-1251. Furtherly, AHNAK was proved to be the target gene of miR-1251 in this study. Taken together, we revealed the role of RMST/SOX2/miR-1251/AHNAK pathway in the occurrence of Hirschsprung’s disease and provided a potential therapeutic target for this disease.SUMMARY STATEMENTHirschsprung disease (HSCR) is characterized by a deficit in enteric neurons, however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study revealed the role of lnc-RMST during the occurrence of HSCR.

scholarly journals Brucella-Induced Downregulation of lncRNA Gm28309 Triggers Macrophages Inflammatory Response Through the miR-3068-5p/NF-κB Pathway

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xingmei Deng ◽  
Jia Guo ◽  
Zhihua Sun ◽  
Laizhen Liu ◽  
Tianyi Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Bioinformatic Analysis ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
First Time

ObjectivesThe underlying mechanism of the inflammatory response against Brucellosis caused by Brucella remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating of inflammatory and anti-Brucella responses.Materials and methodsMicroarray analysis was performed to detect differentially expressed lncRNAs in THP-1 cells infected with an S2308 Brucella strain. The candidate lncRNAs were screened using bioinformatic analysis and siRNAs; bioinformatic prediction and luciferase reporter assay were also conducted, while inflammatory responses was assessed using RT‐qPCR, western blot, immunofluorescence, ELISA, HE, and immunohistochemistry.ResultsThe lncRNA Gm28309 was identified to be involved in regulating inflammation induced by Brucella. Gm28309, localized in the cytoplasm, was down-expressed in RAW264.7 cells infected with S2308. Overexpression of Gm28309 or inhibition of miR-3068-5p repressed p65 phosphorylation and reduced NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β and IL-18 secretion. Mechanistically, Gm28309 acted as a ceRNA of miR-3068-5p to activate NF-κB pathway by targeting κB-Ras2, an inhibitor of NF-κB signaling. Moreover, the number of intracellular Brucella was higher when Gm28309 was overexpressed or when miR-3068-5p or p65 was inhibited. However, these effects were reversed by the miR-3068-5p mimic.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates, for the first time, that LncRNAs are involved in regulating immune responses during Brucella infection, and Gm28309, an lncRNA, plays a crucial role in activating NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.

scholarly journals MicroRNAs: Promising New Antiangiogenic Targets in Cancer

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Gallach ◽  
Silvia Calabuig-Fariñas ◽  
Eloisa Jantus-Lewintre ◽  
Carlos Camps
Keyword(s):  
Cell Types ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Tumour Angiogenesis ◽  
Proliferation And Apoptosis ◽  
Sequence Complementarity ◽  
Specific Proteins ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Multiple Cell ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

MicroRNAs are one class of small, endogenous, non-coding RNAs that are approximately 22 nucleotides in length; they are very numerous, have been phylogenetically conserved, and involved in biological processes such as development, differentiation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. MicroRNAs contribute to modulating the expression levels of specific proteins based on sequence complementarity with their target mRNA molecules and so they play a key role in both health and disease. Angiogenesis is the process of new blood vessel formation from preexisting ones, which is particularly relevant to cancer and its progression. Over the last few years, microRNAs have emerged as critical regulators of signalling pathways in multiple cell types including endothelial and perivascular cells. This review summarises the role of miRNAs in tumour angiogenesis and their potential implications as therapeutic targets in cancer.

scholarly journals Protocatechualdehyde Inhibits the Osteoclast Differentiation of RAW264.7 and BMM Cells by Regulating NF-κB and MAPK Activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Yunyun Qu ◽  
Xin Liu ◽  
Shuai Zong ◽  
Huanxin Sun ◽  
Shuang Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salvia Miltiorrhiza ◽  
Osteoclast Differentiation ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Macrophage Cell ◽  
Mapk Activity ◽  
Trap Staining

Protocatechualdehyde (PCA), an important component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, has many activities, such as anti-inflammatory and antisepsis activities. However, the role of PCA in osteoclasts is not clear. We used RAW264.7 cells (a mouse leukemic monocyte/macrophage cell line) and bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) to probe the role of PCA in osteoclasts and the underlying mechanism. The effects of PCA on cell activity were evaluated with CCK-8 assays. TRAP staining detected mature osteoclasts. Corning Osteo Assay Surface plates were used to examine absorption. The levels of RNA and protein were analyzed, respectively, using RT-PCR and Western blotting. PCA (5 μg/ml) was not toxic to the two cell types but reduced the formation of osteoclasts and bone absorption. Furthermore, PCA restrained the expression of mRNAs encoding proteins associated with osteoclasts and reduced the phosphorylation of proteins in important signaling pathways. The results indicate that PCA inhibits osteoclast differentiation by suppressing NF-κB and MAPK activity.

scholarly journals Role of miR-193a in Cancer: Complexity and Factors Control the Pattern of its Expression

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 618-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Afraa Mamoori ◽  
Vinod Gopalan ◽  
Alfred K-Y Lam
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Suppressor Gene ◽  
Tumour Suppressor Gene ◽  
Epigenetic Factors ◽  
Biological Behaviour ◽  
Non Coding Rna ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

Background: There is emerging data suggesting that the non-coding RNA (microRNA 193a or miR-193a) plays key roles in different types of cancers. Objective: This review aims to investigate the functional significance of miR-193a in different cancers according to the information of literature. Method: All the literature concerning miR-193a in cancer in PubMed are analysed. Results: Several studies proved the association of miR-193a expression patterns with cancer’s stages, grades, response to the chemotherapy and even patient survival. Also, miR-193a can be used to differentiate some types of cancer. In cancer, miR-193a can act as a tumour suppressor gene or as an oncogene. Till now, several genetic factors (MAX, RXR α, XB130, P63, P73, AEG-1, HIFs, EGFR, Drosha, DGCR8, Dicer) and epigenetic factors (DNA methylation and long non-coding RNAs) were predicted to control miR-193a expression. They have fundamental effects on its biological behaviour in different types of cancers. Conclusion: miR-193a has significant roles in cancer and can be targeted in the future for cancer therapy by better understanding of the factors that control its biological behaviour.

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