miR-16 Inhibits Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases (ERK) Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) Signaling to Affect Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Invasion of Glioma Cells

Abnormal MEK1 expression is associated with tumor cell EMT, invasion and metastasis. Decreased miR-16 level is associated with glioma. Bioinformatics analysis showed a relationship between miR-16 and MEK1. This study assessed whether miR-16 regulates MEK1 expression and affects glioma cell EMT and invasion. The tumor tissues and adjacent glioma tissues were collected to measure miR-16 and MEK1 mRNA. The dual luciferase assay validated the relation of miR-16 with MEK1. U251 cells were cultured and assigned into NC group and mimic group, followed by analysis of cell biological behaviors, and MEK1, p-ERK1/2, E-cadherin, N-Cadherin expression. Compared with adjacent tissues, miR-16 expression was significantly decreased and MEK1 was elevated in glioma tissues. Compared with HEB, miR-16 in glioma U251 and SHG44 cells was decreased and MEK1 was increased. Dual luciferase reporter gene experiments confirmed the relation of miR-16 with MEK1. Transfection of miR-16 mimic significantly down-regulated MEK1, p-ERK1/2 and N-cadherin in U251 cells, upregulated E-cadherin, inhibited cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and attenuated EMT and invasion of glioma cells. In conclusion, decreased miR-16 expression and increased MEK1 expression is related to glioma pathogenesis. Overexpression of miR-16 can inhibit MEK1 expression, ERK/MAPK signaling, glioma cell proliferation, promote apoptosis, and attenuate EMT and invasion.

miR-12 Derived from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Accelerates the Development of Human Papillomavirus by Up-Regulating AN1

The miRNA derived from Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have crucial effects on tumors. The tumor could be affected by the abnormal expression of miRNA in human papillomavirus (HPV). Our study aimed to identify the potential brand-new biomarker in order to reveal the pathogenesis of HPV. miRNA derived from BMSCs was detected and identified. The action of miR-12 on biological behavior of HPV was detected. The level of AN1 protein was detected by Western-blot and IHC method. The relationship between miR-12 and AN1 was assessed by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay. The tumor cell biological behaviors were evaluated by manipulating miR12 and AN1 level. The tumor volume derived from BMSCs was diminished significantly compared with normal tissues. The tumor volume was bigger after combined injection with Hela cell and miR-12 compared with single injection. The cell proliferative and invasive ability was strengthened after transfection with miR-12mimics. The cell invasive ability was reduced significantly after transfection of si-miR-12. AN1 was a target gene of miR-12 as confirmed by the analysis on bioinformatics and luciferase activity. The phenotype was reversed after the silent presentation of AN1 was disturbed. In conclusion, miR-12 expression is elevated in HPV cells and affects HPV cells through targeting the AN1 signaling pathway.

Neuroprotective Effect of HOTAIR Silencing on Isoflurane-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction via Sponging microRNA-129-5p and Inhibiting Neuroinflammation

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> This article purposed to detect the function of the HOTAIR and HOTAIR/microRNA-129-5p (miR-129-5p) axis on the isoflurane (ISO)-injured cells and rat, and propounded a novel perspective in exploring the molecular pathogenesis of ISO damage. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The expression of HOTAIR and miR-129-5p was tested by quantitative real-time PCR. The viable cells were identified using MMT, and the apoptotic cells were provided by flow cytometry. The concentration of proinflammatory indicators was revealed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The function of HOTAIR on oxidative stress was detected by commercial kits. A luciferase assay was performed to confirm the relationship between miR-129-5p and HOTAIR. The Morris water maze test was conducted to elucidate the cognition of SD rats. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The expression of HOTAIR was enhanced and the expression of miR-129-5p was lessened in the ISO-evoked SD rats and HT22 cells. The interference of HOTAIR reversed the injury of ISO on cell viability, apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Besides, HOTAIR might be a target ceRNA of miR-129-5p. MiR-129-5p abrogated the function of silenced HOTAIR on cell viability, cell apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Moreover, in vivo, the intervention of HOTAIR reversed the influence of ISO on cognition and oxidative stress by binding miR-129-5p. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> Lowly expressed HOTAIR contributed to the recovery of the ISO-injured HT22 cell model from the abnormal viability, apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress by regulating miR-129-5p. miR-129-5p mediated the function of HOTAIR on cognition and oxidative balance in the ISO-managed SD rat model.

MiR-654-3p Constrains Proliferation, Invasion, and Migration of Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma via CREB1/PSEN1 Regulatory Axis

Background: MiR-654-3p can repress malignant progression of cancer cells, whereas no relative reports were about its modulatory mechanism in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC). This research committed to approaching modulatory effect of miR-654-3p on SNSCC cells.Methods: Bioinformatics methods were utilized for analyzing interaction of miR-654-3p/cAMP-responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1)/presenilin-1 (PSEN1). Expression levels of miR-654-3p, CREB1, and PSEN1 mRNA were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Western blot was completed for level assessment of CREB1, PSEN1, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition–related proteins. The targeted relationship between miR-654-3p and CREB1, or CREB1 and PSEN1 was authenticated via dual-luciferase assay and ChIP assay. A trail of experiments in vitro was used for detection of the effects of miR-654-3p/CREB1/PSEN1 axis on malignant progression of SNSCC cells.Results: CREB1 as the downstream target mRNA of miR-654-3p could activate transcription of its downstream target gene PSEN1. Besides, miR-654-3p could target CREB1 to repress PSEN1 expression, thus restraining proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and hastening apoptosis of SNSCC cells.Conclusion: MiR-654-3p as an antitumor gene targeted CREB1 to hamper malignant progression of SNSCC through miR-654-3p/CREB1/PSEN1 axis.

Dynamic MicroRNA Expression Profiles During Embryonic Development Provide Novel Insights Into Cardiac Sinus Venosus/Inflow Tract Differentiation

MicroRNAs have been explored in different organisms and are involved as molecular switches modulating cellular specification and differentiation during the embryonic development, including the cardiovascular system. In this study, we analyze the expression profiles of different microRNAs during early cardiac development. By using whole mount in situ hybridization in developing chick embryos, with microRNA-specific LNA probes, we carried out a detailed study of miR-23b, miR-130a, miR-106a, and miR-100 expression during early stages of embryogenesis (HH3 to HH17). We also correlated those findings with putative microRNA target genes by means of mirWalk and TargetScan analyses. Our results demonstrate a dynamic expression pattern in cardiac precursor cells from the primitive streak to the cardiac looping stages for miR-23b, miR-130a, and miR-106a. Additionally, miR-100 is later detectable during cardiac looping stages (HH15-17). Interestingly, the sinus venosus/inflow tract was shown to be the most representative cardiac area for the convergent expression of the four microRNAs. Through in silico analysis we revealed that distinct Hox family members are predicted to be targeted by the above microRNAs. We also identified expression of several Hox genes in the sinus venosus at stages HH11 and HH15. In addition, by means of gain-of-function experiments both in cardiomyoblasts and sinus venosus explants, we demonstrated the modulation of the different Hox clusters, Hoxa, Hoxb, Hoxc, and Hoxd genes, by these microRNAs. Furthermore, we correlated the negative modulation of several Hox genes, such as Hoxa3, Hoxa4, Hoxa5, Hoxc6, or Hoxd4. Finally, we demonstrated through a dual luciferase assay that Hoxa1 is targeted by miR-130a and Hoxa4 is targeted by both miR-23b and miR-106a, supporting a possible role of these microRNAs in Hox gene modulation during differentiation and compartmentalization of the posterior structures of the developing venous pole of the heart.

Potential Anti-Metastatic Role of the Novel miR-CT3 in Tumor Angiogenesis and Osteosarcoma Invasion

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone tumor mainly occurring in young adults and derived from primitive bone-forming mesenchyme. OS develops in an intricate tumor microenvironment (TME) where cellular function regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) may affect communication between OS cells and the surrounding TME. Therefore, miRNAs are considered potential therapeutic targets in cancer and one of the goals of research is to accurately define a specific signature of a miRNAs, which could reflect the phenotype of a particular tumor, such as OS. Through NGS approach, we previously found a specific molecular profile of miRNAs in OS and discovered 8 novel miRNAs. Among these, we deepen our knowledge on the fifth candidate renamed now miR-CT3. MiR-CT3 expression was low in OS cells when compared with human primary osteoblasts and healthy bone. Through TargetScan, VEGF-A was predicted as a potential biological target of miR-CT3 and luciferase assay confirmed it. We showed that enforced expression of miR-CT3 in two OS cell lines, SAOS-2 and MG-63, reduced expression of VEGF-A mRNA and protein, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. Enforced expression of miR-CT3 also reduced OS cell migration and invasion as confirmed by soft agar colony formation assay. Interestingly, we found that miR-CT3 behaves inducing the activation of p38 MAP kinase pathway and modulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins, in particular reducing Vimentin expression. Overall, our study highlights the novel role of miR-CT3 in regulating tumor angiogenesis and progression in OS cells, linking also to the modulation of EMT proteins.

Transcriptional regulation of KCS gene by bZIP29 and MYB70 transcription factors during ABA-stimulated wound suberization of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa)

Background Our previous study has demonstrated that the transcription of AchnKCS involved in suberin biosynthesis was up-regulated by exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) during the wound suberization of kiwifruit, but the regulatory mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Results Through subcellular localization analysis in this work, AchnbZIP29 and AchnMYB70 transcription factors were observed to be localized in the nucleus. Yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assay proved the transcriptional activation of AchnMYB70 and transcriptional suppression of AchnbZIP29 on AchnKCS promoter. Furthermore, the transcription level of AchnMYB70 was enhanced by ABA during wound suberization of kiwifruit, but AchnbZIP29 transcription was reduced by ABA. Conclusions Therefore, it was believed that ABA enhanced the transcriptional activation of AchnMYB70 on AchnKCS by increasing AchnMYB70 expression. On the contrary, ABA relieved the inhibitory effect of AchnbZIP29 on transcription of AchnKCS by inhibiting AchnbZIP29 expression. These results gave further insight into the molecular regulatory network of ABA in wound suberization of kiwifruit.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Rhamnetin on Bradykinin-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression and Cell Migration in Rat Brain Astrocytes

Bradykinin (BK) has been shown to induce matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression and participate in neuroinflammation. The BK/MMP-9 axis can be a target for managing neuroinflammation. Our previous reports have indicated that reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) activity is involved in BK-induced MMP-9 expression in rat brain astrocytes (RBA-1). Rhamnetin (RNT), a flavonoid compound, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, we proposed RNT could attenuate BK-induced response in RBA-1. This study aims to approach mechanisms underlying RNT regulating BK-stimulated MMP-9 expression, especially ROS and NF-κB. We used pharmacological inhibitors and siRNAs to dissect molecular mechanisms. Western blotting and gelatin zymography were used to evaluate protein and MMP-9 expression. Real-time PCR was used for gene expression. Wound healing assay was applied for cell migration. 2ʹ,7ʹ-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCF-DA) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) were used for ROS generation and NOX activity, respectively. Promoter luciferase assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were applied to detect gene transcription. Our results showed that RNT inhibits BK-induced MMP-9 protein and mRNA expression, promoter activity, and cell migration in RBA-1 cells. Besides, the levels of phospho-PKCδ, NOX activity, ROS, phospho-ERK1/2, phospho-p65, and NF-κB p65 binding to MMP-9 promoter were attenuated by RNT. In summary, RNT attenuates BK-enhanced MMP-9 upregulation through inhibiting PKCδ/NOX/ROS/ERK1/2-dependent NF-κB activity in RBA-1.

MiR-27a-3p Targets GLP1R to Regulate Differentiation, Autophagy, and Release of Inflammatory Factors in Pre-Osteoblasts via the AMPK Signaling Pathway

Objective: Osteoporosis is caused by the dysregulation of bone homeostasis which is synergistically mediated by osteoclasts and osteoblasts. MiR-27a-3p is a key inhibitor of bone formation. Hence, unearthing the downstream target gene of miR-27a-3p is of great significance to understand the molecular mechanism of osteoporosis.Methods: Bioinformatics analysis was utilized to find the downstream target gene of miR-27a-3p, and dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to validate the interplay of miR-27a-3p and GLP1R. Besides, qRT-PCR, Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to verify the impact of miR-27a-3p on GLP1R expression and the differentiation, autophagy, and inflammatory response of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts.Results: Dual-luciferase assay validated that miR-27a-3p directly targeted GLP1R. Additionally, posttreatment of MC3T3-E1 cells with miR-27a-3p mimics resulted in a remarkable decrease in expression levels of GLP1R, cell differentiation marker gene, autophagy marker gene, and AMPK. These results indicated that miR-27a-3p targeted GLP1R to inhibit AMPK signal activation and pre-osteoblast differentiation and autophagy, while promoting the release of inflammatory factors.Conclusion: The miR-27a-3p/GLP1R regulatory axis in pre-osteoblasts contributes to understanding the molecular mechanism of osteoporosis.

Mouse Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosomal Mir-466f-3p Reverses Emt Process Through Inhibiting Akt/gsk3β Pathway via C-met in Radiation-induced Lung Injury

Background: Radiation-induced lung fibrosis (RILF) is a common complication of thoracic radiotherapy. Alveolar epithelial cells play a crucial role in lung fibrosis via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells own the beneficial properties to repair and regeneration of damaged tissues, however the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Methods: Mouse mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes (mMSCs-Exo) were isolated by differential centrifugation, and their protective effects were assessed in vivo and in vitro , respectively. EMT-associated proteins were measured via western blot assay and/or immunofluorescence staining. The miRNA expression was measured by microarray assay and qPCR. Furthermore, bioinformatics prediction with KEGG analysis, luciferase assay, and rescue experiments were performed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying miR-466f-3p. Results: mMSCs-Exos were efficiently isolated ranging from 90-150 nm with high expression of exosomal markers (CD63, TSG101, and CD9). mMSCs-Exos administration efficiently relieved radiation-induced lung injury with less collagen deposition and lower levels of IL-1β and IL-6. Meanwhile, in vitro results showed mMSCs-Exos treatment obviously reversed EMT process induced by radiation. Among enriched miRNA cargo in exosomes, miR-466f-3p was primarily responsible for the protective effects via inhibition of AKT/GSK3β pathway. Our mechanistic study further demonstrated that c-MET was the direct target of miR-466f-3p, whose restoration partially abrogated mMSCs-Exo-mediated inhibition in both EMT process and AKT/GSK3β signaling activity induced by radiation. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that exosomal miR-466f-3p derived from mMSCs may possess anti-fibrotic properties and prevent radiation-induced EMT through inhibition of AKT/GSK3β via c-MET, providing a promising therapeutic modality for radiation-induced lung fibrosis.