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Background: Diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are crucial for patients. Objective: The clinical significance of serum miR-199a-5p combined with echocardiography in AMI was investigated to provide some reference for clinical treatment. Methods: The study subjects were 90 AMI patients and 50 acute chest pain patients (control). All patients were examined by echocardiography and recorded LVEDV, LVESV, and LVEF. RT-qPCR was performed to detect the serum miR-199a-5p level. Pearson analysis was used to analyze the correlation of miR-199a-5p with LVEF and cTnI. The diagnostic value of miR-199a-5p combined with LVEDV, LVESV, and LVEF was assessed by the ROC curve. The occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was recorded to analyze the prognostic value of miR-199a-5p by the Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression. Results: Serum miR-199a-5p was elevated in AMI, positively correlated with cTnI and negatively correlated with LVEF. The combination of miR-199a-5p with LVEDV, LVESV, and LVEF enhanced the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of AMI. Patients with high miR-199a-5p expression were more likely to develop MACE. The combination of miR-199a-5p with LVEF improved the prediction of MACE. Conclusions: The combination of miR-199a-5p with echocardiography improved the diagnostic efficiency of AMI and provided prognostic information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although miR-199a-5p is linked to the development of numerous cancers, its regulatory role in skin cancer is unclear. In this work, the impact of miR-199a-5p produced by adipose-derived stem cells on malignant melanoma skin cancer was investigated.30 pair tumor tissues and adjacent tissues were obtained from skin cancer patients. Adipose-derived stem cell (ADSCs) were isolated from adipose tissues harvested from healthy subjects. The mRNA relative expression was evaluated via qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation ability was measured via CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis was evaluated via flow cytometry. The connection between miR-199a-5p and SOX4 was confirmed via luciferase reporter assay. Western blot was conducted to evaluate protein expression. MiR-199a-5p was higher expressed in ADSCs exosomes and was lower expressed in skin cancer tissues and cells. ADSCs-derived exosomes inhibited cell invasion of skin cancer. MiR-199a-5p inhibitor enhanced cell viability and invasion. In addition, miR-199a-5p inhibitor suppressed cell apoptosis. MiR-199a-5p NC transfected ADSCs inhibited cell viability and invasion while miR-199a-5p mimic transfected ADSCs further inhibited cell viability and invasion. In addition, miR-199a-5p NC transfected ADSCs enhanced cell apoptosis while miR-199a-5p mimic transfected ADSCs further enhanced cell apoptosis. Luciferase supported the targetscan prediction that miR-199a-5p might control SOX4 expression. SOX4 expression was noticeably lower in the miR-199a-5p mimic group.Exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells inhibited skin cancer progression via miR-199a-5p/SOX4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the expression levels of miR⁃199a⁃5p in the liver under various nutritional conditions and its effects on hepatic triacylglyceride (TAG) content, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Methods: RT ⁃qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of miR⁃199a⁃5p in liver tissues of high fat diet mice. Hepa1⁃6 and AML12 cells were transfected with miR⁃199a⁃5p mimics, inhibitors, negative controls and pcDH⁃CD36⁃flag plasmid, respectively. The changes in biomarker expression related to lipid metabolism were detected by RT⁃qPCR and Western blot, and TAG content was detected by kit. The target gene of miR⁃199a⁃5p was predicted by microRNA Target Prediction Database (miRDB) and verified by the dual luciferase reporting assay. Results: The expression levels of miR ⁃ 199a ⁃ 5p in the liver of C57BL/6J mice were elevated under high ⁃ fat diet and fasting conditions. Overexpression of miR ⁃ 199a ⁃5p reduced TAG levels in hepatocytes, while inhibition of miR ⁃ 199a ⁃5p increased intracellular TAG content. miR⁃199a⁃5p decreased the protein expression of the fatty acid translocase CD36 by interacting with its 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) . Conclusion: The expression level of miR ⁃199a ⁃5p increases during hepatic lipid accumulation, and miR ⁃199a ⁃5p may reduce TAG content in hepatocytes by targeting CD36. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a complex pathophysiological process and a major cause of delayed graft function (DGF) after transplantation. MicroRNA (miRNA) has important roles in the pathogenesis of IRI and may represent promising therapeutic targets for mitigating renal IRI. miRNA sequencing was performed to profile microRNA expression in mouse kidneys after cold storage and transplantation (CST). Lentivirus incorporating a miR-199a-5p modulator was injected into mouse kidney in situ before syngenetic transplantation and unilateral IRI to determine the effect of miR-199a-5p in vivo. miR-199a-5p mimic or inhibitor was transfected cultured tubular cells before ATP depletion recovery treatment to examine the role of miR-199a-5p in vitro. Sequencing data and microarray showed upregulation of miR-199a-5p in mice CST and human DGF samples. Lentivirus incorporating a miR-199a-5p mimic aggravated renal IRI, and protective effects were obtained with a miR-199a-5p inhibitor. Treatment with the miR-199a-5p inhibitor ameliorated graft function loss, tubular injury, and immune response after CST. In vitro experiments revealed exacerbation of mitochondria dysfunction upon ATP depletion and repletion model in the presence of the miR-199a-5p mimic, whereas dysfunction was attenuated when the miR-199a-5p inhibitor was applied. miR-199a-5p was shown to target A-kinase anchoring protein 1 (AKAP1) by double luciferase assay and miR-199a-5p activation reduced dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-s637 phosphorylation and mitochondrial length. Overexpression of AKAP1 preserved Drp1-s637 phosphorylation and reduced mitochondrial fission. miR-199a-5p activation reduced AKAP1 expression, promoted Drp1-s637 dephosphorylation, aggravated the disruption of mitochondrial dynamics, and contributed to renal IRI. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: This study identifies miR-199a-5p as a key regulator in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury through microRNA sequencing in mouse models and human delayed graft function. miR-199a-5p worsens renal IRI by aggravating graft dysfunction, tubular injury, and immune response, while its inhibition shows protective effects. miR-199a-5p downregulates A-kinase anchoring protein 1 (AKAP1), reducing dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-s637 phosphorylation, increasing mitochondrial fission, and causing dysfunction. Targeting the miR-199a-5p/AKAP1/Drp1 axis offers therapeutic potential for renal IRI, as AKAP1 overexpression preserves mitochondrial integrity by maintaining Drp1-s637 phosphorylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The late-stage diagnosis and distant metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain a huge challenge to clinical treatment for OSCC. During the past decades, targeting glycolysis-inducing factors becomes an attractive new strategy in OSCC therapies. Methods: OSCC cells were stimulated with hypoxia or transfected with agomir-199a-5p, antagomir-199a-5p, and siRNA for HIF1A, cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay; HIF1α, GLUT1, HK2 and LDHA expression levels were examined with western blot; miR-199 expression was determined with RT-PCR; cell migratory and invasive abilities were examined using wound healing and transwell assays; the lactate and glucose in culture medium were also determined. Luciferase assay or CHIP assay was applied for confirm the binding between miR-199a-5p and HIF1A 3′UTR, or between HIF1α and miR-199a promoter. Results: HIF1α showed to be abnormally up-regulated, and miR-199a-5p showed to be abnormally down-regulated within OSCC under hypoxia. Hypoxia considerably enhanced OSCC cell proliferation, glycolysis, migratory ability, and invasive ability. MiR-199a-5p bound to HIF1A 3′‐UTR and suppressed HIF1A expression; HIF1α targeted miR-199a-5p promoter region and downregulated miR-199a-5p expression. Under hypoxia, miR-199a-5p overexpression significantly repressed HIF1α up-regulation inresponse to hypoxia, OSCC cell proliferation, glycolysis, migratory ability, and invasive ability. Conclusion: miR-199a-5p and HIF1α form a dual-regulatory axis in OSCC cells; the miR-199a-5p/HIF1α dual-regulatory axis contributes to hypoxia-induced aggressive OSCC phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: While there are numerous reports on surgical techniques and materials for bone grafting, limited methods are available to enhance the body's inherent capacity to heal bones. Here we investigated microRNA-199a (miR-199a), a molecular that promotes osteoblast differentiation and bone healing. Materials and methods: To construct a miR-199a delivery complex, miR-199a-5p mimics were coated with mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) following modified with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and peptide WEAKLAKALAKALAKHLAKALAKALKACEA (KALA) to obtain 199a-5p-loaded MSN-PEI-KALA. Nanoparticle complexes are assessed for particle size and zeta potential using transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Then MC3T3-E1 cells are exposed to MSN_miR-199a-5p @PEI-KALA. The impact of MSN_miR-199a-5p@PEI-KALA at varying concentrations on cell viability is assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8. Cell uptake and distribution were analyzed by double fluorescent staining with fluorescein amidite-labeled MSN_miR-199a@PEI-KALA and lysosome labeling. On day 7 after osteogenic induction, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining was conducted. Results: The findings indicated that the nanoparticle complexes encapsulating PEI and peptide exhibited an augmentation in both particle size and zeta potential. At a dosage of 10 μg/mL, MSN_miR-199a@PEI-KALA displayed the lowest cytotoxicity compared to the control group. MC3T3-E1 cells treated with MSN_miR-199a-5p@PEI-KALA exhibited intensified ALP staining and elevated mRNA expression levels of ALP, runt-related transcription factor 2, and osteopontin, suggesting the involvement of miR-199a-5p-loaded MSN-PEI-KALA in osteogenic differentiation. Conclusion: The successful construction of the delivering complex MSN_miR-199a@PEI-KALA in present research highlights the promise of this biomaterial carrier for the application of miRNAs in treating bone defects.

While there are numerous reports on surgical techniques and materials for bone grafting, limited methods are available to enhance the body's inherent capacity to heal bones. Here we investigated microRNA-199a (miR-199a), a molecular that promotes osteoblast differentiation and bone healing. To construct a miR-199a delivery complex, miR-199a-5p mimics were coated with mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) following modified with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and peptide WEAKLAKALAKALAKHLAKALAKALKACEA (KALA) to obtain 199a-5p-loaded MSN-PEI-KALA. Nanoparticle complexes are assessed for particle size and zeta potential using transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Then MC3T3-E1 cells are exposed to MSN_miR-199a-5p @PEI-KALA. The impact of MSN_miR-199a-5p@PEI-KALA at varying concentrations on cell viability is assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8. Cell uptake and distribution were analyzed by double fluorescent staining with fluorescein amidite-labeled MSN_miR-199a@PEI-KALA and lysosome labeling. On day 7 after osteogenic induction, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining was conducted. The findings indicated that the nanoparticle complexes encapsulating PEI and peptide exhibited an augmentation in both particle size and zeta potential. At a dosage of 10 μg/mL, MSN_miR-199a@PEI-KALA displayed the lowest cytotoxicity compared to the control group. MC3T3-E1 cells treated with MSN_miR-199a-5p@PEI-KALA exhibited intensified ALP staining and elevated mRNA expression levels of ALP, runt-related transcription factor 2, and osteopontin, suggesting the involvement of miR-199a-5p-loaded MSN-PEI-KALA in osteogenic differentiation. The successful construction of the delivering complex MSN_miR-199a@PEI-KALA in present research highlights the promise of this biomaterial carrier for the application of miRNAs in treating bone defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) can be seen in many fundus diseases, and lead to fundus exudation, bleeding, or vision loss. miRNAs are vital regulator in CNV. miR-199a-5p has been proved to be involved in regulating vascular formation of endothelial cells, but its role in CNV remains unclear. This study aims to study the role of miR-199a-5p in CNV. Laser irradiation was used to induce CNV model. The lesion area of CNV was calculated by high-resolution angiography with fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran. Wnt family member 7b (Wnt7b), β-catenin, and Wnt pathway proteins was measured by western blot. Immunofluorescence was performed to test Wnt7b, β-catenin, CD31, and p-p65. miR-199a-5p and Wnt7b mRNA were tested by reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell count kit-8, wound healing, Transwell, tube formation, and flow cytometry were used to detect the function of miR-199a-5p and Wnt7b on human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMEC). TargetScan database and dual-luciferase reporter assay verified the interaction between miR-199a-5p and Wnt7b. The results revealed that Wnt7b increased in CNV rats. Knocking down Wnt7b repressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, and accelerated cell apoptosis of HRMEC. Dual-luciferase reporter assay verified that miR-199a-5p targeted Wnt7b. Overexpression of miR-199a-5p inhibited the angiogenesis of HRMEC and promoted cell apoptosis by inhibiting Wbt7b. In vivo experiment found that Wnt7b rescued the promotion of miR-199a-5p inhibition on CNV lesion of rats. In addition, Wnt7b positively regulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and promoted the angiogenesis of HRMEC. In conclusion, overexpression of miR-199a-5p inhibited the angiogenesis of HRMEC by regulating Wnt7b/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which may serve as a promising therapy target of CNV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome wide association study (GWAS)-implicated bone mineral density (BMD) signals have been shown to localize in cis-regulatory regions of distal effector genes using 3D genomic methods. Detailed characterization of such genes can reveal novel causal genes for BMD determination. Here, we elected to characterize the " DNM3" locus on chr1q24, where the long non-coding RNA DNM3OS and the embedded microRNA MIR199A2 (miR-199a-5p) are implicated as effector genes contacted by the region harboring variation in linkage disequilibrium with BMD-associated sentinel single nucleotide polymorphism, rs12041600. During osteoblast differentiation of human mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (hMSC), miR-199a-5p expression was temporally decreased and correlated with the induction of osteoblastic transcription factors RUNX2 and Osterix. Functional relevance of miR-199a-5p downregulation in osteoblastogenesis was investigated by introducing miR-199a-5p mimic into hMSC. Cells overexpressing miR-199a-5p depicted a cobblestone-like morphological change and failed to produce BMP2-dependent extracellular matrix mineralization. Mechanistically, a miR-199a-5p mimic modified hMSC propagated normal SMAD1/5/9 signaling and expressed osteoblastic transcription factors RUNX2 and Osterix but depicted pronounced upregulation of SOX9 and enhanced expression of essential chondrogenic genes ACAN, COMP, and COL10A1. Mineralization defects, morphological changes, and enhanced chondrogenic gene expression associated with miR-199a-5p mimic over-expression were restored with miR-199a-5p inhibitor suggesting specificity of miR-199a-5p in chondrogenic fate specification. The expression of both the DNM3OS and miR-199a-5p temporally increased and correlated with hMSC chondrogenic differentiation. Although miR-199a-5p overexpression failed to further enhance chondrogenesis, blocking miR-199a-5p activity significantly reduced chondrogenic pellet size, extracellular matrix deposition, and chondrogenic gene expression. Taken together, our results indicate that oscillating miR-199a-5p levels dictate hMSC osteoblast or chondrocyte terminal fate. Our study highlights a functional role of miR-199a-5p as a BMD effector gene at the DNM3 BMD GWAS locus, where patients with cis-regulatory genetic variation which increases miR-199a-5p expression could lead to reduced osteoblast activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Circular RNA (circRNA) has the potential to serve as a crucial regulator in the progression of bronchial asthma. The objective of this investigation was to elucidate the functional dynamics of the circ_0070934/miR-199a-5p/Mannoside acetylglucosaminyltransferase 3 (MGAT3) axis in the development of asthma. Methods Circ_0070934, miR-199a-5p and MGAT3 in peripheral venous blood of 38 asthmatic patients and 43 healthy controls were detected by qRT-PCR, and the expression of MGAT3 protein was examined by ELISA. The GSE148000 dataset was analyzed for differences in MGAT3. The BEAS-2B cells were transfected with circ_0070934 plasmid and small interfering RNA, miR-199a-5p mimics and inhibitors. The apoptosis level was detected by flow cytometry and MGAT3 was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin was examined by Western blot. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 were used to co-stimulate BEAS-2B cells as an asthmatic airway epithelial cell model. BEAS-2B cells exposed to type 2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) were treated with circ_0070934 plasmid, and the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin was detected by Western blot. The binding relationships were verified using dual-luciferase reporter assay and miRNA pull-down assay. Results The expression of circ_0070934 and MGAT3 in peripheral venous blood of asthmatic patients was down-regulated, and the expression of miR-199a-5p was up-regulated. And the expression of MGAT3 was reduced in sputum of asthma patients. Down-regulating the expression of circ_0070934 could promote apoptosis of BEAS-2B cells and increase epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and this effect can be partially reversed by down-regulating miR-199a-5p. Circ_0070934 could inhibit the process of epithelial mesenchymal transition induced by IL-4 and IL-13 in BEAS-2B cells. In addition, miR-199a-5p could respectively bind to circ_0070934 and MGAT3. Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that circ_0070934 may function as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-199a-5p, thereby modulating the expression of MGAT3 and impacting the process of EMT in bronchial epithelial cells. These results contribute to the establishment of a theoretical framework for advancing the prevention and treatment strategies for asthma.

Background: Diabetic cataract is a common ocular complication of diabetes. Circular RNA (circRNA) can participate in a variety of regulatory processes of a variety of eye diseases, including diabetic cataract. Objective: Nowadays, the biological mechanism underlying circ_0024037 during diabetic cataract is not completely understood. This study was designed to explore the biological role of circ_0024037 in high glucose (HG)-induced lens epithelial damage. Result: Circ_0024037 and TP53INP1 were significantly up-regulated while miR-199a-5p was significantly down-regulated in the diabetic cataract tissues and HG-induced human lens epithelial cells (HLECs). Knockdown of circ_0024037 significantly promoted the HG-induced HLECs cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis, decreased MDA level as well as increased GSH-PX level. The dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay showed that circ_0024037 served as a sponge of miR-199a-5p and miR-199a-5p could directly target TP53INP1 in HLECs. Conclusion: Circ_0024037 knockdown protected HLECs from the HG-induced dysfunction by regulating the miR-199a-5p/TP53INP1 pathway in diabetic cataract. Our findings provid novel insights into the pathogenesis of diabetic cataract. Highlights: Circ_0024037 is up-regulated in diabetic cataract; Circ_0024037 regulates proliferation, apoptosis, MDA, and GSH-PX level in high- glucose-induced HLECs; Circ_0024037/miR-199a-5p/TP53INP1 involves in the progression of diabetic cataract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Circular RNA (circRNA) has the potential to serve as a crucial regulator in the progression of bronchial asthma. The objective of this investigation was to elucidate the functional dynamics of the circ_0070934/miR-199a-5p/Mannoside acetylglucosaminyltransferase 3 (MGAT3) axis in the development of asthma. Methods: Circ_0070934, miR-199a-5p and MGAT3 in peripheral venous blood of 38 asthmatic patients and 43 healthy controls were detected by qRT-PCR, and the expression of MGAT3 protein was examined by ELISA. The GSE148000 dataset was analyzed for differences in MGAT3. The BEAS-2B cells were transfected with circ_0070934 plasmid and small interfering RNA, miR-199a-5p mimics and inhibitors. The apoptosis level was detected by flow cytometry and MGAT3 was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin was examined by Western blot. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 were used to co-stimulate BEAS-2B cells as an asthmatic airway epithelial cell model. BEAS-2B cells exposed to type 2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) were treated with circ_0070934 plasmid, and the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin was detected by Western blot. The binding relationships were verified using dual-luciferase reporter assay and miRNA pull-down assay. Results: The expression of circ_0070934 and MGAT3 in peripheral venous blood of asthmatic patients was down-regulated, and the expression of miR-199a-5p was up-regulated. And the expression of MGAT3 was reduced in sputum of asthma patients. Down-regulating the expression of circ_0070934 could promote apoptosis of BEAS-2B cells and increase epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and this effect can be partially reversed by down-regulating miR-199a-5p. Circ_0070934 could inhibit the process of epithelial mesenchymal transition induced by IL-4 and IL-13 in BEAS-2B cells. In addition, miR-199a-5p could respectively bind to circ_0070934 and MGAT3. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that circ_0070934 may function as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-199a-5p, thereby modulating the expression of MGAT3 and impacting the process of EMT in bronchial epithelial cells. These results contribute to the establishment of a theoretical framework for advancing the prevention and treatment strategies for asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is an important cause of disease burden among aging populations. Excessive active endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) was demonstrated to promote CAVD. The expression level of miR-199a-5p in patients with CAVD was reported to be downregulated. In this article, we aimed to investigate the function and mechanism of miR-199a-5p in CAVD. The expression level of miR-199a-5p and ERS markers was identified in calcific aortic valve samples and osteogenic induction by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunohistochemistry, and western blotting (WB). Alizarin red staining, RT-qPCR, and WB were used for the verification of the function of miR-199a-5p. The dual luciferase reporter assay and rescue experiment were conducted to illuminate the mechanism of miR-199a-5p. In our study, the expression level of miR-199a-5p was significantly decreased in calcified aortic valves and valve interstitial cells’ (VICs) osteogenic induction model, accompanying with the upregulation of ERS markers. Overexpression of miR-199a-5p suppressed the osteogenic differentiation of VICs, while downregulation of miR-199a-5p promoted this function. 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), both of which were pivotal modulators in ERS, were potential targets of miR-199a-5p. miR-199a-5p directly targeted GRP78 and ATF6 to modulate osteoblastic differentiation of VICs. miR-199a-5p inhibits osteogenic differentiation of VICs by regulating ERS via targeting GRP78 and ATF6.

Aims: MicroRNAs (miRs) are involved in endogenous neurogenesis, enhancing of which has been regarded as a potential therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke treatment; however, whether miR‐199a‐5p mediates postischemic neurogenesis remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the proneurogenesis effects of miR‐199a‐5p and its possible mechanism after ischemic stroke. Methods: Neural stem cells (NSCs) were transfected using Lipofectamine 3000 reagent, and the differentiation of NSCs was evaluated by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the target gene of miR‐199a‐5p. MiR‐199a‐5p agomir/antagomir were injected intracerebroventricularly. The sensorimotor functions were evaluated by neurobehavioral tests, infarct volume was measured by toluidine blue staining, neurogenesis was detected by immunofluorescence assay, and the protein levels of neuronal nuclei (NeuN), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were measured by Western blotting. Results: MiR‐199a‐5p mimic enhanced neuronal differentiation and inhibited astrocyte differentiation of NSCs, while a miR‐199a‐5p inhibitor induced the opposite effects, which can be reversed by Cav‐1 siRNA. Cav‐1 was through the dual‐luciferase reporter assay confirmed as a target gene of miR‐199a‐5p. miR‐199a‐5p agomir in rat stroke models manifested multiple benefits, such as improving neurological deficits, reducing infarct volume, promoting neurogenesis, inhibiting Cav‐1, and increasing VEGF and BDNF, which was reversed by the miR‐199a‐5p antagomir. Conclusion: MiR‐199a‐5p may target and inhibit Cav‐1 to enhance neurogenesis and thus promote functional recovery after cerebral ischemia. These findings indicate that miR‐199a‐5p is a promising target for the treatment of ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Small hepatocyte-like progenitor cells (SHPCs) are hepatocytic progenitor cells that transiently form clusters in rat livers treated with retrorsine (Ret) that underwent 70% partial hepatectomy (PH). We previously reported that transplantation of Thy1+ cells obtained from d-galactosamine-treated livers promotes SHPC expansion, thereby accelerating liver regeneration. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by Thy1+ cells induce sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) and Kupffer cells (KCs) to secrete IL17B and IL25, respectively, thereby activating SHPCs through IL17 receptor B (RB) signaling. This study aimed to identify the inducers of IL17RB signaling and growth factors for SHPC proliferation in EVs secreted by Thy1+ cells (Thy1-EVs). Methods Thy1+ cells isolated from the livers of rats treated with d-galactosamine were cultured. Although some liver stem/progenitor cells (LSPCs) proliferated to form colonies, others remained as mesenchymal cells (MCs). Thy1-MCs or Thy1-LSPCs were transplanted into Ret/PH-treated livers to examine their effects on SHPCs. EVs were isolated from the conditioned medium (CM) of Thy1-MCs and Thy1-LSPCs. Small hepatocytes (SHs) isolated from adult rat livers were used to identify factors regulating cell growth in Thy1-EVs. Results The size of SHPC clusters transplanted with Thy1-MCs was significantly larger than that of SHPC clusters transplanted with Thy1-LSPCs (p = 0.02). A comprehensive analysis of Thy1-MC-EVs revealed that miR-199a-5p, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-2 (CINC-2), and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) were candidates for promoting SHPC growth. Additionally, miR-199a-5p mimics promoted the growth of SHs (p = 0.02), whereas CINC-2 and MCP-1 did not. SECs treated with CINC-2 induced Il17b expression. KCs treated with Thy1-EVs induced the expression of CINC-2, Il25, and miR-199a-5p. CM derived from SECs treated with CINC-2 accelerated the growth of SHs (p = 0.03). Similarly, CM derived from KCs treated with Thy1-EVs and miR-199a-5p mimics accelerated the growth of SHs (p = 0.007). In addition, although miR-199a-overexpressing EVs could not enhance SHPC proliferation, transplantation of miR-199a-overexpressing Thy1-MCs could promote the expansion of SHPC clusters. Conclusion Thy1-MC transplantation may accelerate liver regeneration owing to SHPC expansion, which is induced by CINC-2/IL17RB signaling and miR-199a-5p via SEC and KC activation. Graphical Abstract

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived exosomes are a promising therapeutic agent for human disease, but their effects on neural stem cells (NSCs) subject to spinal cord ischaemia-reperfusion injury (SCIRI) remain unknown. Here, we examine the impact of miR-199a-5p-enriched exosomes derived from BMSCs on NSC proliferation. We establish a rat model of aortic cross-clamping to induce SCIRI in vivo and a primary NSC model of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) to simulate SCIRI in vitro. CCK8, EdU, and BrdU assays are performed to evaluate the proliferation of NSCs. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining is used to determine the number of surviving neurons. The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scale and inclined plane test (IPT) are used to evaluate hind limb motor function. DiO-labelled exosomes are efficiently internalized by NSCs and increase ectopic amounts of miR-199a-5p, which promotes the proliferation of NSCs. In contrast, exosomes derived from miR-199a-5p-depleted BMSCs exert fewer beneficial effects. MiR-199a-5p targets and negatively regulates glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) and increases nuclear β-catenin and cyclin D1 levels. miR-199a-5p inhibition reduces the total number of EdU-positive NSCs after OGD/R, but the GSK-3β inhibitor CHIR-99021 reverses this effect. In vivo, intrathecal injection of BMSC-derived exosomes increases the proliferation of endogenous spinal cord NSCs after SCIRI. In addition, more proliferating NSCs are found in rats intrathecally injected with exosomes overexpressing miR-199a-5p. In summary, miR-199a-5p in BMSC-derived exosomes promotes NSC proliferation via GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling.

Simple Summary: The expression of specific microRNAs may be significantly altered in different kinds of cancers. MiR-199a-5p has been shown to be downregulated in multiple malignancies and function as a tumor suppressor. We have previously shown that miR-199a-5p is markedly downregulated in esophageal squamous cancer cell lines compared to esophageal epithelial cells. MiR-199a-5p is predicted to interact directly with Jun-B mRNA, an important component of the AP1 transcription factor, with high affinity. The aim of our study was to determine expression of Jun-B in esophageal cancer cells as well as to investigate the interaction between miR-199a-5p and Jun-B in these cells and to characterize the functional implications of this interaction. MicroRNA (miR)-199a-5p has been shown to function as a tumor suppressor in some malignancies but its role in esophageal cancer is poorly understood. To further explore its role in esophageal cancer, we sought to investigate the interaction between miR-199a-5p and Jun-B, an important component of the AP1 transcription factor, which contains a potential binding site for miR-199a-5p in its mRNA. We found that levels of miR-199a-5p are reduced in both human esophageal cancer specimens and in multiple esophageal cancer cell lines compared to esophageal epithelial cells. Jun-B expression is correspondingly elevated in these tumor specimens and in several cell lines compared to esophageal epithelial cells. Jun-B mRNA expression and stability, as well as protein expression, are markedly decreased following miR-199a-5p overexpression. A direct interaction between miR-199a-5p and Jun-B mRNA was confirmed by a biotinylated RNA-pull down assay and luciferase reporter constructs. Either forced expression of miR-199a-5p or Jun-B silencing led to a significant decrease in cellular proliferation as well as in AP-1 promoter activity. Our results provide evidence that miR-199a-5p functions as a tumor suppressor in esophageal cancer cells by regulating cellular proliferation, partially through repression of Jun B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that damages the arterial wall as a result of hyperlipidemia and causes endothelial cell dysfunction, which increases the risk of atherothrombotic events. Multiple pathological conditions have shown ectopic miR-199a-5p levels to cause endothelial injury, but its role in the AS competitive endogenous RNA (CeRNA) network is still unknown. The high-fat diet (HFD) apoE−/− mouse model was constructed in vivo, and ECs were cultured under ox-LDL treatment to induce EC injury in vitro. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess the effect of miR-199a-5p on the macrophage, SMC, collagen content, and endothelial coverage in the artery wall of mouse model. miR-199a-5p level was validated to be overexpression in the aorta tissue of HFD apoE−/− mice and in the ox-LDL-treated ECs, and even in the plasma EVs of the patients with cerebral AS. Silencing of miR-199a-5p significantly attenuated atherosclerotic progress in HFD apoE−/− mice, and the gain/loss-of-function assay indicated that miR-199a-5p overexpression aggravated ox-LDL-induced disabilities of endothelial proliferation, motility, and neovascularization based on cell counting kit-8 assay, transwell assay and matrigel assay. Mechanistically, miR-199a-5p prevented EC activation by activating the FOXO signaling pathway by targeting SIRT1. Additionally, circular RNA (circRNA) circHIF1ɑ was identified as having a low expression in the ox-LDL-treated EC and mediated SIRT1 expression via sponging miR-199a-5p to rescue ox-LDL-induced EC injury. Our study demonstrated the vital role of miR-199a-5p/SIRT1 axis regulated by circHIF1ɑ in AS pathogenesis and provided novel effective targets for AS treatment. • Vascular atherosclerosis is the most leading cause of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. It is crucial to identify and develop various diagnostic and treatment strategies to treat atherosclerosis. • Our study aimed to identify the miR-199a-5p/SIRT1 axis regulated by circHIF1ɑ in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. • miR-199a-5p could be a potential diagnostic marker for atherosclerosis development and progression, and circHIF1ɑ/miR-199a-5p axis could be used as a potential treatment strategy to treat atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with the poor outcome and higher mortality after myocardial infarction. Recent studies have revealed that miR‐199a‐5p participates in the process of myocardial I/R injury, but the precise roles and molecular mechanisms of miR‐199a‐5p in myocardial I/R injury remain not well‐studied. Ferroptosis has been proposed to promote cardiomyocyte death, closely associated with myocardial I/R injury. Herein, the present study aimed to explore the function and mechanisms by which miR‐199a‐5p regulates whether miR‐199a‐5p contributes to ferroptosis‐induced cardiomyocyte death responding to oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury, an in vitro model of myocardial I/R injury focusing on Akt/eNOS signaling pathway. The results found that ferroptosis‐induced cardiomyocyte death occurs and is accompanied by an increase in miR‐199a‐5p level in OGD/R‐treated H9c2 cells. MiR‐199a‐5p inhibitor ameliorated ferroptosis‐induced cardiomyocyte death as evidenced by the increased cell viability, the reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and Fe2+ contents, and the up‐regulated glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulphide (GSSG) ratio as well as glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) protein expression in H9c2 cells‐exposed to OGD/R, while miR‐199a‐5p mimic had the opposite effects. In addition, OGD/R led to the inhibition of Akt/eNOS signaling pathway, which was also blocked by miR‐199a‐5p inhibitor and aggravated by miR‐199a‐5p mimic. Furthermore, LY294002, an inhibitor of Akt/eNOS signaling pathway, abrogated miR‐199a‐5p inhibitor‐induced the reduction of ferroptosis‐induced cardiomyocyte death. In summary, our findings demonstrated that miR‐199a‐5p plays a central role in stimulating ferroptosis‐induced cardiomyocyte death during ischemic/hypoxic injury via inhibiting Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of sufentanil on apoptosis and autophagy of hypoxia reoxygenation ( H / R) cardiomyocytes H9C2, and to explore its mechanism. METHODS: H / R H9C2 cell injury model was established, the H9C2 cells were treated with 10 μmol / L sufentanil and followed by H / R. The liposome method was used to transfect the H / R+SUF+antagomiRNA group (transfected antagomiRNA with 10 μmol / L sufentanil) and the H / R+SUF+antagomiR-199a-5p group ( transfected antagomiR-199a-5p with 10 μmol / L sufentanil) with H9C2 cells and treated with H / R. Cell viability was detected by the cell counting kit (CCK8) at 12, 24 and 48 h of culture. The cell apoptosis rate, protein expression of cysteine protease-3 ( Caspase-3 ), survivin, mitochondrial autophagyassociated protein ( PINK1 ), autophagy marker ( LC3-Ⅱ/ Ⅰ) and cytochrome C ( Cyt C) were measured by membrane linked protein V-isothiocyanate fluorescein / propidium iodide double staining method and Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the H9C2 group, the cell viability at 48 h and 72 h was significantly lower in the H / R group; compared with the the H / R+ddH2O group, the cell viability at 48 h and 72 h was significantly higher in the H / R+SUF group, with statistically significant differences (P<0. 05), the cells cultured for 48 h were selected for further studies. Compared with the H9C2 group, the apoptosis rate of H9C2 cells was significantly higher, the protein expression of Caspase-3, PINK1, LC3-Ⅱ/ Ⅰ and cytoplasmic Cyt C were significantly higher, the protein expression of survivin and mitochondrial Cyt C were significantly lower in the H / R group, with statistically significant differences (P<0. 05). Compared with the H / R+ddH2O group, the apoptosis rate of H9C2 cells was significantly lower, the protein expression of Caspase-3, PINK1, LC3-Ⅱ/ Ⅰ and cytoplasmic Cyt C were significantly lower, the protein expression of survivin and mitochondrial Cyt C were significantly higher in the H / R+ SUF group, with statistically significant differences (P<0. 05). The miR-199a-5p expression was significantly higher in the H / R group than that in the H9C2 group, and the miR-199a-5p expression was significantly lower in the H / R+SUF group than that in the H / R+ddH2O group, with statistically significant differences (P<0. 05). Specific inhibition of miR-199a-5p expression can significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of sufentanil on the apoptosis and autophagy of H / R H9C2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Sufentanil can inhibit the apoptosis and autophagy of H / R cardiomyocytes, its mechanism is related to the regulation of miR-199a-5p expression level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endothelial cell disturbance underpins a role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Notably, accumulating studies indicate the substantial role of microRNAs (miRs) in atherosclerosis, and miR-199a-5p dysregulation has been associated with atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular disorders. However, the effect of miR-199a-5p on the phenotypes of endothelial cells and atherosclerosis remains largely unknown. Methods: ApoE−/− male mice were fed with high-fat diet for detection of inflammation and aorta plaque area. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were separated from THP-1-derived macrophage (THP-1-DM) that was treated by oxidized low-density lipoprotein, followed by co-culture with human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Ectopic expression and downregulation of miR-199a-5p were done in THP-1-DM-derived EVs to assess pyroptosis and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of HAECs. Binding relationship between miR-199a-5p and SMARCA4 was evaluated by luciferase activity assay. Results: EVs derived from ox-LDL-induced THP-1-DM expedited inflammation and aorta plaque area in atherosclerotic mice. Besides, miR-199a-5p expression was reduced in EVs from ox-LDL-induced THP-1-DM, and miR-199a-5p inhibition facilitated HAEC pyroptosis and LDH activity. Moreover, miR-199a-5p targeted and restricted SMARCA4, and then SMARCA4 activated the NF-κB pathway by increasing PODXL expression in HAECs. Conclusion: EV-packaged inhibited miR-199a-5p from macrophages expedites endothelial cell pyroptosis and further accelerates atherosclerosis through the SMARCA4/PODXL/NF-κB axis, providing promising targets and strategies for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Periapical alveolar bone loss is the common consequence of apical periodontitis (AP) caused by persistent local inflammation around the apical area. Human stem cells from apical papilla (hSCAPs) play a crucial role in the restoration of bone lesions during AP. Studies have recently identified the critical role of microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in AP pathogenesis, but little is known about their function and potential molecular mechanism, especially in the osteogenesis of hSCAPs during AP. Here, we investigated the role of clinical sample-based specific miRNAs in the osteogenesis of hSCAPs. Methods: Differential expression of miRNAs were detected in the periapical tissues of normal and patients with AP via transcriptomic analysis, and the expression of miR-199a-5p was confirmed by qRT-PCR. Treatment of hSCAPs with miR-199a-5p mimics while loaded onto beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) ceramic particle scaffold to explore its effect on osteogenesis in vivo. RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) and Luciferase reporter assay were conducted to identify the target gene of miR-199a-5p. Results: The expression of miR-199a-5p was decreased in the periapical tissues of AP patients, and miR-199a-5p mimics markedly enhanced cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hSCAPs, while miR-199a-5p antagomir dramatically attenuated hSCAPs osteogenesis. Moreover, we identified and confirmed Interferon Induced Protein with Tetratricopeptide Repeats 2 (IFIT2) as a specific target of miR-199a-5p, and silencing endogenous IFIT2 expression alleviated the inhibitory effect of miR-199a-5p antagomir on the osteogenic differentiation of hSCAPs. Furthermore, miR-199a-5p mimics transfected hSCAPs loaded onto beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds induced robust subcutaneous ectopic bone formation in vivo. Discussion: These results strengthen our understanding of predictors and facilitators of the key AP miRNAs (miR-199a-5p) in bone lesion repair under periapical inflammatory conditions. And the regulatory networks will be instrumental in exploring the underlying mechanisms of AP and lay the foundation for future regenerative medicine based on dental mesenchymal stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SWI/SNF related, matrix associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily a, member 4 (SMARCA4, also known as BRG1), an ATPase subunit of the switch/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex, plays an important regulatory role in many cytogenetic and cytological processes during cancer development. However, the biological function and mechanism of SMARCA4 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the role of SMARCA4 in OSCC and its potential mechanism. Using a tissue microarray, SMARCA4 expression was found to be highly upregulated in OSCC tissues. In addition, SMARCA4 upregulate expression led to increased migration and invasion of OSCC cells in vitro, as well as tumor growth and invasion in vivo. These events were associated with the promotion of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assay confirmed that SMARCA4 is a target gene of microRNA miR-199a-5p. Further mechanistic studies showed that the miR-199a-5p regulated SMARCA4 can promote the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells through EMT. These findings indicate that the miR-199a-5p- SMARCA4 axis plays a role in tumorigenesis by promoting OSCC cell invasion and metastasis through EMT regulation. Our findings provide insights into the role of SMARCA4 in OSCC and the mechanism involved, which may have important implications for therapeutic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common type of arthritis, is an age-associated disease, characterized by the progressive degradation of articular cartilage, synovial inflammation, and degeneration of subchondral bone. Chondrocyte proliferation is regulated by the Indian hedgehog (IHH in humans, Ihh in animals) signaling molecule, which regulates hypertrophy and endochondral ossification in the development of the skeletal system. microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are a family of about 22-nucleotide endogenous non-coding RNAs, which negatively regulate gene expression. In this study, the expression level of IHH was upregulated in the damaged articular cartilage tissues among OA patients and OA cell cultures, while that of miR-199a-5p was the opposite. Further investigations demonstrated that miR-199a-5p could directly regulate IHH expression and reduce chondrocyte hypertrophy and matrix degradation via the IHH signal pathway in the primary human chondrocytes. The intra-articular injection of synthetic miR-199a-5p agomir attenuated OA symptoms in rats, including the alleviation of articular cartilage destruction, subchondral bone degradation, and synovial inflammation. The miR-199a-5p agomir could also inhibit the Ihh signaling pathway in vivo. This study might help in understanding the role of miR-199a-5p in the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of OA and indicate a potential novel therapeutic strategy for OA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to explore the impact of sulforaphane on the growth of sSCC cells, and the activation of miR-199a-5p/Sirt1 and CD44ICD signaling pathways. Cell viability, count, apoptosis, and invasion assays were performed in the sSCC cell line (SCC-13) in which miR-199a-5p was over-expressed or under-expressed. The expression levels of miR-199a-5p, Sirt1 and CD44ICD mRNA were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Sulforaphane significantly inhibited the cell growth and invasion of SCC-13 cells, and dramatically induced cell apoptosis. Additionally, sulforaphane also greatly increased miR-199a-5p expression and suppressed Sirt1 and CD44ICD mRNA levels. Moreover, miR-199a-5p overexpression considerably down-regulated the expressions of Sirt1 and CD44ICD mRNA, and promoted the ability of sulforaphane to represses cell growth and invasion, and to induce cell apoptosis. However, miR-199a-5p underexpression has the opposite effects. Sulforaphane appears to inhibit sCC progression by impacting its growth and invasion ability, and regulates miR-199a-5p/Sirt1 and CD44ICD signaling pathways, and may be utilized to develop a curative approach for sSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the role and mechanism of circular RNA FAT1 (hsa_circ_0001461) ⁃miR⁃181d⁃5p/miR⁃199a⁃5p axis in the biological functions of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. Methods: The clinical tissues of 30 OSCC patients were collected, and the expressions of circFAT1, miR⁃181d⁃5p and miR⁃199a⁃5p in OSCC tissues and cells were detected by real⁃time quantitative PCR. starBase and dual luciferase reporter genes were used to verify the targeting relationship between miR⁃181d⁃5p/miR⁃ 199a⁃5p and circFAT1. Functional experiments include CCK⁃8, Transwell, and flow cytometry to detect the effects of circFAT1⁃miR⁃ 181d⁃5p/miR⁃199a⁃5p axis on OSCC cell viability, migration, invasion, apoptosis and cycle. Western blot combined with LY294002 treatment was used to detect the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway related proteins. Results: The circFAT1 expression increased, and miR⁃181d⁃5p and miR⁃199a⁃5p expressions decreased in OSCC (P < 0.001) . CircFAT1 could target miR⁃181d⁃5p and miR⁃199a⁃5p (P < 0.01) . Silencing circFAT1, miR⁃181d⁃5p mimic and miR⁃199a⁃5p mimic inhibited OSCC cell viability, migration, invasion and cycle progression, induced apoptosis, and inhibited the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway；overexpressed circFAT1, miR⁃181d⁃5p inhibitor and miR⁃199a⁃5p inhibitor played the opposing roles (P < 0.05) . MiR⁃181d⁃5p and miR⁃199a⁃5p partially reversed the effect of circFAT1 on the biological functions of OSCC cells (P < 0.05) . LY294002 pretreatment reversed the effect of overexpression of circFAT1 on PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and cell viability (P < 0.05) . Conclusion: circFAT1 promotes the malignant progression of OSCC cells by miR⁃181d⁃5p/miR⁃199a⁃5p. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous noncoding single-stranded small RNAs. Numerous studies have shown that miRNAs have pivotal roles in the occurrence and development of myocardial fibrosis (MF). However, miRNA expression profile in rats with MF after myocardial infarction (MI) is not well understood. The present study aimed to find the potential miRNA for MF post MI. Methods: SPF male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat models of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were established by ligating the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery, while sham-operated rats were only threaded without ligation as a control group. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome staining were used to detect myocardial histopathological changes for model evaluation. The differentially expressed miRNAs were detected by using the Agilent Rat miRNA gene chip in the myocardial tissue of the infarct marginal zone. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed by DAVID. The expression of miR-199a-5p was verified by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Transfected miR-199a-5p mimics into cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) to construct cell models of miR-199a-5p overexpression. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to validate the target gene of miR-199a-5p. The protein expression of the target gene in CFs transfected with miR-199a-5p mimics were detected by Western blot. Results: Myocardial fibrosis was exacerbated in the model group compared with the control group. Thirteen differentially expressed miRNAs between the two groups were screened and their expression levels in the model group were all higher than those in the control group. The expression of miR-199a-5p was significantly increased in the model group in qRT-PCR, which was consistent with the results of the gene chip. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the target genes of miR-199a-5p were enriched in the insulin signaling pathway. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-199a-5p could negatively regulate the expression of GSK-3ß. After transfection, the expression of miR-199a-5p was increased in the miR-199a-5p mimics group. The protein expression of GSK-3ß was decreased in CFs transfected with miR-199a-5p mimics. Conclusion: Our study identified miR-199a-5p could promote the progression of myocardial fibrosis after myocardial infarction by targeting GSK-3ß, which provides novel targets for diagnosis and treatment of MF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is the second most common cancer of the thyroid and easily develops into distant metastasis. PD-L1 is known to be associated with the carcinogenesis and progression of thyroid carcinoma. Our study aimed to investigate the biological functions of PD-L1 and to identify miRNAs that were responsible for modulating the activity of PD-L1. Methods A total of 72 patients with FTC at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University were enrolled in this retrospective study. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was used to measure PD-L1 expression in FTC. The association between PD-L1 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics was evaluated. Bioinformatics analysis, RT–qPCR and western blotting were used to examine the relationships between miR-199a-5p, PD-L1 and Claudin-1. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were evaluated by using CCK8 and Transwell migration and invasion assays. Target prediction and luciferase reporter assays were performed to verify the binding between miR-199a-5p and PD-L1. Rescue assay was performed to confirm whether PD-L1 downregulation abolished the inhibitory effect of miR-199a-5p. Results Among 72 pairs of tumor and normal specimens, the proportion of PD-L1 positive samples was higher in FTC tissues than in normal tissues. The results of ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT illustrated that there was a positive correlation between PD-L1 expression and immune infiltration, especially regulatory T cells and M1 macrophages. Prediction of immunotherapy revealed that patients with high PD-L1 expression might benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors. Transwell migration and invasion assays showed that PD-L1 downregulation in FTC cells could significantly inhibit cell migration and invasion. The bioinformatics analysis and luciferase activity results indicated that PD-L1 was a potential target of miR-199a-5p. Knockdown of PD-L1 reversed the miR-199a-5p inhibitor mediated promotion effect. In addition, we found that PD-L1 expression was positively correlated with Claudin-1 expression and that miR-199a-5p affected the progression of FTC cells through the negative regulation of PD-L1 and Claudin-1. Conclusions Our study revealed that PD-L1 expression was elevated in FTC and was closely associated with tumor aggressiveness and progression. MiR-199a-5p has a functional role in the progression and metastasis of FTC by regulating PD-L1 and Claudin-1 expression.

Abstract Background Autophagy has been found to be involved in the multidrug resistance (MDR) of cancers, but whether it is associated with resistance of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has not been studied. Here, we hypothesized that a potential autophagy-regulating miRNA, miR-199a-5p, regulated cisplatin-resistant SCLC. Methods We validated the MDR of H446/EP using CCK-8 and LDH. We tested the binding of miR-199a-5p to p62 using the Dual-Luciferase assay and validated the association of miR-199a-5p and p62 in SCLC samples. We overexpressed (OE) and knocked down (KD) miR-199a-5p in H446 and H446/EP and determined the expression of miR-199a-5p, autophagy-related proteins, and the formation of autophagolysosomes using QPCR, western blotting, and MDC staining respectively. These results were validated in an orthotopic H446 mouse model of SCLC. Results H446/EP was resistant to cisplatin, etoposide, paclitexal, epirubicin, irinotecan, and vinorelbine. Exposure of cisplatin at 5 μg/ml for 24 h increased LC3II/LC3I, ATG5, p62, and the formation of autophagolysosomes in H446 cells, but not in H446/EP cells. The expression of miR-199a-5p was up-regulated in H446/EP compared to H446. MiR-199a-5p directly targeted the p62 gene. The expression of miR-199a-5p and p62 were correlated in SCLC samples. In H446 and H69PR, the OE of miR-199a-5p increased LC3II/LC3I, p62, and the formation of autophagolysosomes, but not ATG5, while the KD of miR-199a-5p decreased p62, but did not affect LC3II/LC3I, ATG5, and the formation of autophagolysosomes. In H446/EP, the OE of miR-199a-5p decreased p62 only. These results were generally consistent to results in the animal tumor samples. Conclusions The regulation of autophagy by the miR-199a-5p/p62 axis was a potential mechanism of small cell lung cancer cisplatin resistance.

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum miR-199a-5p and miR-378a-3p levels and the recurrence of infants with proliferative facial hemangioma relapsed after propranolol withdrawal in infants. Methods Ninety-three infants with proliferative facial hemangioma were selected, all of whom received propranolol treatment. The recurrence of the hemangioma after treatment was followed up, and the children were divided into a recurrence group (23 patients) and a nonrecurrence group (70 patients). Venous blood was collected before and after treatment, and the serum levels of miR-199a-5p and miR-378a-3p were detected by qRT-PCR, and the relationship between the serum levels of miR-199a-5p and miR-378a-3p and the recurrence of proliferative facial hemangioma relapsed after propranolol withdrawal in infants was analyzed. Results The serum expressions levels of miR-199a-5p and miR-378a-3p in non-relapsed group were increased after treatment compared with before treatment (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in the levels of miR-199a-5p and miR-378a-3p in the serum of the recurrence group after treatment compared with before treatment (P > 0.05). After treatment, the levels of miR-199a-5p and miR-378a-3p in the serum of the recurrence group were lower than those of the nonrecurrence group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of miR-199a-5p and miR-378a-3p in patients with Ⅲ ~Ⅳ Norm grade hemangioma were higher than those in patients with Ⅰ~Ⅱ Norm grade hemangioma (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the low expression of miR-199a-5p, low expression of miR-378a-3p and tumor grade Ⅰ~Ⅱ after treatment were risk factors for the recurrence of proliferative facial hemangioma after propranolol withdrawal in infants (P < 0.05). Conclusion Low serum levels of miR-199a-5p and miR-378a-3p are associated with the recurrence of proliferative facial hemangioma after propranolol withdrawal in infants.

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is an important cause of disease burden among aging populations. Excessive active endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) was demonstrated to promote CAVD. The expression level of miR-199a-5p in patients with CAVD was reported to be downregulated. In this article, we aimed to investigate the function and mechanism of miR-199a-5p in CAVD. The expression level of miR-199a-5p and ERS markers was identified in calcific aortic valve samples and osteogenic induction by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunohistochemistry, and western blotting (WB). Alizarin red staining, RT-qPCR, and WB were used for the verification of the function of miR-199a-5p. The dual luciferase reporter assay and rescue experiment were conducted to illuminate the mechanism of miR-199a-5p. In our study, the expression level of miR-199a-5p was significantly decreased in calcified aortic valves and valve interstitial cells’ (VICs) osteogenic induction model, accompanying with the upregulation of ERS markers. Overexpression of miR-199a-5p suppressed the osteogenic differentiation of VICs, while downregulation of miR-199a-5p promoted this function. 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), both of which were pivotal modulators in ERS, were potential targets of miR-199a-5p. miR-199a-5p directly targeted GRP78 and ATF6 to modulate osteoblastic differentiation of VICs. miR-199a-5p inhibits osteogenic differentiation of VICs by regulating ERS via targeting GRP78 and ATF6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heparin has been documented to reduce myocardial injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), but its clinical application is limited due to its strong intrinsic anticoagulant property. Some desulfated derivatives of heparin display low anticoagulant activity and may have potential value as therapeutic agents for myocardial I/R injury. In this study, we observed that 6-O-desulfated heparin, a desulfated derivative of heparin, shortened the activated partial thromboplastin time and exhibited lower anticoagulant activity compared with heparin or 2-O-desulfated heparin (another desulfated derivative of heparin). Then, we explored whether 6-O-desulfated heparin could protect against myocardial I/R injury, and elucidated its possible mechanisms. Administration of 6-O-desulfated heparin significantly reduced creatine kinase activity, myocardial infarct size and cell apoptosis in mice subjected to 30 min of myocardial ischemia following 2 h of reperfusion, accompanied by a reverse in miR-199a-5p elevation, klotho downregulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. In cultured H9c2 cells, the mechanism of 6-O-desulfated heparin against myocardial I/R injury was further explored. Consistent with the results in vivo, 6-O-desulfated heparin significantly ameliorated hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury, upregulated klotho and decreased miR-199a-5p levels and ROS accumulation, and these effects were reversed by miR-199a-5p mimics. In conclusion, these results suggested that 6-O-desulfated heparin with lower anticoagulant activity attenuated myocardial I/R injury through miR-199a-5p/klotho and ROS signaling. Our study may also indicate that 6-O-desulfated heparin, as an excellent heparin derivative, is a potential therapeutic agent for myocardial I/R injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with the poor outcome and higher mortality after myocardial infarction. Recent studies have revealed that miR‐199a‐5p participates in the process of myocardial I/R injury, but the precise roles and molecular mechanisms of miR‐199a‐5p in myocardial I/R injury remain not well‐studied. Ferroptosis has been proposed to promote cardiomyocyte death, closely associated with myocardial I/R injury. Herein, the present study aimed to explore the function and mechanisms by which miR‐199a‐5p regulates whether miR‐199a‐5p contributes to ferroptosis‐induced cardiomyocyte death responding to oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury, an in vitro model of myocardial I/R injury focusing on Akt/eNOS signaling pathway. The results found that ferroptosis‐induced cardiomyocyte death occurs and is accompanied by an increase in miR‐199a‐5p level in OGD/R‐treated H9c2 cells. MiR‐199a‐5p inhibitor ameliorated ferroptosis‐induced cardiomyocyte death as evidenced by the increased cell viability, the reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and Fe2+ contents, and the up‐regulated glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulphide (GSSG) ratio as well as glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) protein expression in H9c2 cells‐exposed to OGD/R, while miR‐199a‐5p mimic had the opposite effects. In addition, OGD/R led to the inhibition of Akt/eNOS signaling pathway, which was also blocked by miR‐199a‐5p inhibitor and aggravated by miR‐199a‐5p mimic. Furthermore, LY294002, an inhibitor of Akt/eNOS signaling pathway, abrogated miR‐199a‐5p inhibitor‐induced the reduction of ferroptosis‐induced cardiomyocyte death. In summary, our findings demonstrated that miR‐199a‐5p plays a central role in stimulating ferroptosis‐induced cardiomyocyte death during ischemic/hypoxic injury via inhibiting Akt/eNOS signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uterine leiomyoma (ULM) is a kind of gene-involved benign tumor, which is located in the front of female reproductive tract. It is one of the most common reproductive tract tumors in women, which leads to abnormal menstruation, repeated pregnancy loss, and other serious gynecological diseases. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have attracted much more attention in the process of exploring the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the deregulated miRNAs had been reported to play important roles in ULM pathology.

Objective：This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of peripheral blood circ_0070934/miR⁃199a⁃5p/MGAT3 in combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome（CARAS）. Methods：Peripheral venous blood was collected from 38 CARAS patients and 43 healthy controls. Plasma MGAT3 protein level was detected by ELISA，and the expression level of circ_0070934/miR⁃199a⁃5p/ MGAT3 in peripheral blood was detected by quantitative real ⁃ time PCR（qRT ⁃ PCR）. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were determined by ROC curve. Results：ELISA results showed that MGAT3 concentration in CARAS patients was significantly lower than that in control group（P=0.035）. The circ_0070934（P=0.001）and MGAT3 mRNA expressions（P < 0.001）in CARAS patients were down⁃regulated when compared with control group，while miR⁃199a⁃5p was up⁃regulated（P=0.013）. Correlation analysis showed that MGAT3 was positively correlated with the count of eosinophils and the percentage of eosinophils，while circ_0070934 showed a negative correlation. ROC curve analysis indicated that MGAT3 was the best parameter. When the cut ⁃ off value was 0.208，the sensitivity and specificity were 73.7% and 100.0%，respectively，and the AUC was 0.933（95% CI：0.882~0.984，P < 0.001）. The combination of circ_0070934，miR ⁃199a ⁃5p and MGAT3 had the highest diagnostic value for CARAS. When the cut ⁃off value was 0.539，the sensitivity was 92.1%，the specificity was 93.0%，and the AUC was 0.959（95%CI：0.916~1.000，P < 0.001）. Conclusion： Altered expressions of circ_0070934/miR⁃199a⁃5p/MGAT3 were confirmed in the peripheral blood of CARAS patients，which can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of CARAS. Further researches on the specific role and mechanism of circ_0070934/miR⁃199a⁃5p/ MGAT3 in CARAS will help to discover new diagnostic and therapeutic targets of CARAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is the second most common cancer of the thyroid and easily develops into distant metastasis. PD-L1 is known to be associated with the carcinogenesis and progression of thyroid carcinoma. Our study aimed to investigate the biological functions of PD-L1 and to identify miRNAs that were responsible for modulating the activity of PD-L1.Methods: A total of 72 patients with FTC at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University were enrolled in this retrospective study. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was used to measure PD-L1 expression in FTC. The association between PD-L1 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics was evaluated. Bioinformatics analysis, RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to examine the relationships between miR-199a-5p, PD-L1 and Claudin-1. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were evaluated by using CCK8 and Transwell migration and invasion assays. Target prediction and luciferase reporter assays were performed to verify the binding between miR-199a-5p and PD-L1. Rescue assay was performed to confirm whether PD-L1 downregulation abolished the inhibitory effect of miR-199a-5p.Results: Among 72 pairs of tumor and normal specimens, the proportion of PD-L1 positive samples was higher in FTC tissues than in normal tissues. The results of ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT illustrated that there was a positive correlation between PD-L1 expression and immune infiltration, especially regulatory T cells and M1 macrophages. Prediction of immunotherapy revealed that patients with high PD-L1 expression might benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors. Transwell migration and invasion assays showed that PD-L1 downregulation in FTC cells could significantly inhibit cell migration and invasion. The bioinformatics analysis and luciferase activity results indicated that PD-L1 was a potential target of miR-199a-5p. Knockdown of PD-L1 reversed the miR-199a-5p inhibitor mediated promotion effect. In addition, we found that PD-L1 expression was positively correlated with Claudin-1 expression and that miR-199a-5p affected the progression of FTC cells through the negative regulation of PD-L1 and Claudin-1.Conclusions: Our study revealed that PD-L1 expression was elevated in FTC and was closely associated with tumor aggressiveness and progression. MiR-199a-5p has a functional role in the progression and metastasis of FTC by regulating PD-L1 and Claudin-1 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: There is growing evidence of the role of epigenetic regulation of growth, and miRNAs potentially play a role. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify changes in circulating miRNAs following GH treatment in subjects with isolated idiopathic GH deficiency (IIGHD) after the first 3 months of treatment, and verify whether these early changes can predict growth response. Design and Methods: The expression profiles of 384 miRNAs were analyzed in serum in 10 prepubertal patients with IIGHD (5 M, 5 F) at two time points before starting GH treatment (t−3, t0), and at 3 months on treatment (t+3). MiRNAs with a fold change (FC) >+1.5 or <-1.5 at t+3 were considered as differentially expressed. In silico analysis of target genes and pathways led to a validation step on 8 miRNAs in 25 patients. Clinical and biochemical parameters were collected at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months. Simple linear regression analysis and multiple stepwise linear regression models were used to explain the growth response. Results: Sixteen miRNAs were upregulated and 2 were downregulated at t+3 months. MiR-199a-5p (p = 0.020), miR-335-5p (p = 0.001), and miR-494-3p (p = 0.026) were confirmed to be upregulated at t+3. Changes were independent of GH peak values at testing, and levels stabilized after 12 months. The predicted growth response at 12 months was considerably improved compared with models using the common clinical and biochemical parameters. Conclusions: MiR-199a-5p, miR-335-5p, and miR-494-3p changed after 3 months of GH treatment and likely reflected both the degree of GH deficiency and the sensitivity to treatment. Furthermore, they were of considerable importance to predict growth response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy in children and adolescents. microRNAs have been found to play a vital role in tumor angiogenesis. Here, we investigated the effects of miR-199a-5p on tumor growth and angiogenesis in osteosarcoma. Furthermore, the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways were explored. Methods: The datasets were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus and the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were screened out by the GEO2R online platform. The potential target genes were predicted using the miRTarBase database. The predicted target genes were further analyzed by Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analysis and a regulatory network of DEmiRNAs and their target genes was constructed. In addition, the effects of osteosarcoma cell derived exosomal miR-199a-5p on the proliferation, migration and neovascularization of HUVECs were evaluated by conducting EdU assays, Transwell experiments and tube formation assays. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to detect whether VEGFA was the direct target of miR-199a-5p. Furthermore, in vivo xenograft models were established to further investigate the intrinsic role of miR-199a-5p in osteosarcoma tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. Results: A total of 149 DE-miRNAs were screened out, including 136 upregulated miRNAs and 13 downregulated miRNAs in human osteosarcoma plasma samples compared with normal plasma samples. A total of 1313 target genes of the top three upregulated and downregulated miRNAs were predicted. In the PPI network, the top 10 hub nodes with higher degrees were identified as hub genes, such as TP53 and VEGFA. By constructing the miRNA-hub gene network, we found that most of hub genes could be potentially modulated by miR-663a, miR-199a-5p and miR-223-3p. In addition, we found that the expression level of miR-199a-5p in exosomes derived from osteosarcoma cells was remarkably higher than the osteosarcoma cells, and the exosomes derived from osteosarcoma cells were transported to HUVECs. Overexpression of miR-199a-5p could significantly inhibited HUVEC proliferation, migration and neovascularization, whereas downregulation of miR-199a-5p expression exerted the opposite effect. Moreover, the in vivo results verified that overexpression of miR-199a-5p in osteosarcoma cells could suppress the growth and angiogenesis of tumors. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that miR-199a-5p could be transported from osteosarcoma cells to HUVECs through exosomes, subsequently targeting VEGFA and inhibiting the growth and angiogenesis of osteosarcoma. Therefore, miR-199a-5p may act as a biomarker in the diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most common global diseases. Recently, microRNA 199a-5p (miR-199a-5p) has been recognized as a vital regulator in several human diseases. Nevertheless, the function of miR-199a-5p and the associated downstream molecular mechanisms in myocardial injury remain undescribed. Here, we assessed the relative expression of miR-199a-5p in an oxidative stress injury model of human myocardial cells. The effects of miR-199a-5p on myocardial cell viability were determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), flow cytometry, and western blot assays. Online bioinformatic analysis was used to predict the aim of miR-199a-5p in cardiomyocyte injury, which was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assays. miR-199a-5p increased the growth rate of cardiomyocytes after treatment with a hypoxic environment. miR-199a-5p acted as an inhibitor directly targeted hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF1α) expression, which was higher in the cardiomyocyte injury model than that in healthy myocardial cells. Upregulated HIF1α expression abolished miR-199a-5p-induced cell proliferation in the cardiomyocyte hypoxia model. Our results suggest that miR-199a-5p is a potential prognostic biomarker in myocardial damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the expression of miR-199a-5p in the serum of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis of rat type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells (AECⅡ) and possible mechanism. Methods Forty-five patients with COPD and 45 controls were enrolled in the first affiliated hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April 2017 to December 2018 . AEC Ⅱ cells were cultured in vitro and were divided into control group , LPS group, anti-miR- 199a-5p+ LPS group, anti-miR-NC+LP group,anti-miR-199a-5p+si-FZD4+Lgroup and anti-miR-199a-5p+si-NC+LPS group. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-199a-5p and FZD4 mRNA in serum and cells, flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate and Western blot was used to detect FZD4, B-lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and B-lymphoma-2 related proteins (Bax) in cells. The dual luciferase reporter gene experiment verified the targeting relationship between miR-199a-5p and FZD4. Results Compared with the control, the expression of miR-199a-5p in serum of COPD patients significantly increased (P＜0.05), and the expression of FZD4 mRNA significantly reduced (P＜0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of miR-199a-5p in the LPS group significantly increased(P＜0.05), the mRNA and protein expression of FZD4 significantly reduced (P＜0.05), the apoptosis rate and the expression level of Bax protein significantly increased (P＜0.05), and the expression of Bcl-2 protein significantly reduced (P＜0.05). Compared with anti-miR-NC+LPS group, cell apoptosis and the expression of Bax protein in the anti-miR-199a-5p+LPS group significantly reduced (P＜0.05), while the expression of Bcl-2 protein significantly increased (P＜ 0.05). There was no significant change in the detection indexes between the LPS group and the anti-miR-NC+LPS group (P＞0.05). miR-199a-5p targets FZD4, compared with anti-miR-199a-5p+si-NC+LPS group, cell apoptosis rate and the expression level of Bax protein in the anti-miR-199a-5p+ si-FZD4+LPS group all significantly increased (P＜0.05), while the expression of Bcl-2 protein significantly reduced (P＜0.05). Conclusions The expression of miR-199a-5p is increased in serum of COPD patients and in LPS-induced AECⅡcells. Down-regulating miR-199a-5p expression may inhibit LPS-induced AECⅡ cell apoptosis by up-regulating FZD4 expression.

Abstract Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an age-related disease with no cure. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy has emerged as a novel strategy for IPF treatment. Nevertheless, MSCs derived from patients with IPF (IPF-MSCs) become senescent, thereby reducing their beneficial effects in IPF. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) mediate the senescence of MSCs, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We investigated the mechanisms by which miR-199a-5p regulates IPF-MSC senescence and whether its inhibition could rejuvenate IPF-MSCs and enhance their therapeutic efficacy. Methods Control-MSCs and IPF-MSCs were isolated from the adipose tissue of age-matched healthy and IPF donors, respectively. Cell senescence was examined by senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining. The level of miR-199a-5p was measured by RT-PCR. Autophagy was determined using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The therapeutic efficacy of anti-miR-199a-5p-IPF-MSCs was assessed using a mouse model of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Results Despite similar surface makers, IPF-MSCs exhibited increased cellular senescence and decreased proliferative capacity compared with control-MSCs. The expression of miR-199a-5p was significantly enhanced in the serum of IPF patients and IPF-MSCs compared with that of healthy donors and control-MSCs. The upregulation of miR-199a-5p induced senescence of control-MSCs, whereas the downregulation rescued IPF-MSC senescence. Mechanistically, miR-155-5p suppressed autophagy of MSCs via the AMPK signaling pathway by downregulating the expression of Sirtuin 1(Sirt1), resulting in cellular senescence. Accordingly, miR-155-5p inhibition promoted autophagy and ameliorated IPF-MSC senescence by activating the Sirt1/AMPK signaling pathway. Compared with IPF-MSCs, the transplantation of anti-miR-199a-5p-IPF-MSCs increased the ability to prevent progression of pulmonary fibrosis in bleomycin-treated mice. Conclusions Our study shows that miR-199a-5p regulates MSC senescence in patients with IPF by regulating the Sirt1/AMPK signaling pathway and miR-199a-5p is a novel target to rejuvenate IPF-MSCs and enhance their beneficial effects.

ContextThere is growing evidence of the role of epigenetic regulation of growth, and miRNAs potentially play a role.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to identify changes in circulating miRNAs following GH treatment in subjects with isolated idiopathic GH deficiency (IIGHD) after the first 3 months of treatment, and verify whether these early changes can predict growth response.Design and MethodsThe expression profiles of 384 miRNAs were analyzed in serum in 10 prepubertal patients with IIGHD (5 M, 5 F) at two time points before starting GH treatment (t−3, t0), and at 3 months on treatment (t+3). MiRNAs with a fold change (FC) >+1.5 or

BackgroundOsteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy in children and adolescents. microRNAs have been found to play a vital role in tumor angiogenesis. Here, we investigated the effects of miR-199a-5p on tumor growth and angiogenesis in osteosarcoma. Furthermore, the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways were explored.MethodsThe datasets were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus and the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were screened out by the GEO2R online platform. The potential target genes were predicted using the miRTarBase database. The predicted target genes were further analyzed by Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analysis and a regulatory network of DEmiRNAs and their target genes was constructed. In addition, the effects of osteosarcoma cell derived exosomal miR-199a-5p on the proliferation, migration and neovascularization of HUVECs were evaluated by conducting EdU assays, Transwell experiments and tube formation assays. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to detect whether VEGFA was the direct target of miR-199a-5p. Furthermore, in vivo xenograft models were established to further investigate the intrinsic role of miR-199a-5p in osteosarcoma tumorigenesis and angiogenesis.ResultsA total of 149 DE-miRNAs were screened out, including 136 upregulated miRNAs and 13 downregulated miRNAs in human osteosarcoma plasma samples compared with normal plasma samples. A total of 1313 target genes of the top three upregulated and downregulated miRNAs were predicted. In the PPI network, the top 10 hub nodes with higher degrees were identified as hub genes, such as TP53 and VEGFA. By constructing the miRNA-hub gene network, we found that most of hub genes could be potentially modulated by miR-663a, miR-199a-5p and miR-223-3p. In addition, we found that the expression level of miR-199a-5p in exosomes derived from osteosarcoma cells was remarkably higher than the osteosarcoma cells, and the exosomes derived from osteosarcoma cells were transported to HUVECs. Overexpression of miR-199a-5p could significantly inhibited HUVEC proliferation, migration and neovascularization, whereas downregulation of miR-199a-5p expression exerted the opposite effect. Moreover, the in vivo results verified that overexpression of miR-199a-5p in osteosarcoma cells could suppress the growth and angiogenesis of tumors.ConclusionOur results demonstrated that miR-199a-5p could be transported from osteosarcoma cells to HUVECs through exosomes, subsequently targeting VEGFA and inhibiting the growth and angiogenesis of osteosarcoma. Therefore, miR-199a-5p may act as a biomarker in the diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma.

Simple Summary: The molecular mechanisms regulating the switch from the growth of tumor cells to invasive phenotype for metastasis is largely unknown. Molecules such as Akt1 and TGFβ have been demonstrated to play reciprocal roles in the early and advanced stages of cancers, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition has been identified as a common link in the process. Advancing our knowledge on the direct association between these two pathways and how their effects are reconciled in the advanced stages of cancers such as prostate cancer will have therapeutic benefits. Identifying the role of microRNAs in the process will also benefit the scientific community. Akt1 suppression in advanced cancers has been indicated to promote metastasis. Our understanding of how Akt1 orchestrates this is incomplete. Using the NanoString®-based miRNA and mRNA profiling of PC3 and DU145 cells, and subsequent data analysis using the DIANA-mirPath, dbEMT, nCounter, and Ingenuity® databases, we identified the miRNAs and associated genes responsible for Akt1-mediated prostate cancer (PCa) epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Akt1 loss in PC3 and DU145 cells primarily induced changes in the miRNAs and mRNAs regulating EMT genes. These include increased miR-199a-5p and decreased let-7a-5p expression associated with increased TGFβ-R1 expression. Treatment with locked nucleic acid (LNA) miR-199a-5p inhibitor and/or let-7a-5p mimic induced expression changes in EMT genes correlating to their anticipated effects on PC3 and DU145 cell motility, invasion, and TGFβ-R1 expression. A correlation between increased miR-199a-5p and TGFβ-R1 expression with reduced let-7a-5p was also observed in high Gleason score PCa patients in the cBioportal database analysis. Collectively, our studies show the effect of Akt1 suppression in advanced PCa on EMT modulating miRNA and mRNA expression changes and highlight the potential benefits of miR-199a-5p and let-7a-5p in therapy and/or early screening of mPCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autophagy has been found to be involved in the multidrug resistance (MDR) of cancers, but whether it is associated with resistance of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has not been studied. Here, we hypothesized that a potential autophagy-regulating miRNA, miR-199a-5p, regulated cisplatin-resistant SCLC. Methods: We validated the MDR of H446/EP using CCK-8 and LDH. We tested the binding of miR-199a-5p to p62 using the Dual-Luciferase assay and validated the association of miR-199a-5p and p62 in SCLC samples. We overexpressed (OE) and knocked down (KD) miR-199a-5p in H446 and H446/EP and determined the expression of miR-199a-5p, autophagy-related proteins, and the formation of autophagolysosomes using QPCR, western blotting, and MDC staining respectively. These results were validated in an orthotopic H446 mouse model of SCLC. Results: H446/EP was resistant to cisplatin, etoposide, paclitexal, epirubicin, irinotecan, and vinorelbine. Exposure of cisplatin at 5 μg/ml for 24 h increased LC3II/LC3I, ATG5, p62, and the formation of autophagolysosomes in H446 cells, but not in H446/EP cells. The expression of miR-199a-5p was up-regulated in H446/EP compared to H446. MiR-199a-5p directly targeted the p62 gene. The expression of miR-199a-5p and p62 were correlated in SCLC samples. In H446 and H69PR, the OE of miR-199a-5p increased LC3II/LC3I, p62, and the formation of autophagolysosomes, but not ATG5, while the KD of miR-199a-5p decreased p62, but did not affect LC3II/LC3I, ATG5, and the formation of autophagolysosomes. In H446/EP, the OE of miR-199a-5p decreased p62 only. These results were generally consistent to results in the animal tumor samples. Conclusions: The regulation of autophagy by the miR-199a-5p/p62 axis was a potential mechanism of small cell lung cancer cisplatin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background As a common ocular complication of diabetes mellitus, diabetic cataract is becoming a leading cause of visual impairment. The progression of diabetic cataract progression involves epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), the precise role of which remains to be investigated. As microRNAs (miRNAs) are suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, identification of aberrantly expressed miRNAs in diabetic lens epithelial cells (LECs) and their targets may provide insights into our understanding of diabetic cataract and potential therapeutic targets. Methods Diabetic cataract capsules and LECs exposed to high glucose (25 mmol/L, 1–5 days) were used to mimic the model. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to evaluate the differential expression of miRNA. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to identify the binding target of miR-199a-5p. The expression of EMT-associated proteins was determined by immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Results Our results showed the differential expression of miR-9, -16, -22, -199a and -204. MiR-199a was downregulated in diabetic cataract capsule and hyperglycemia-conditioned human LECs. Specific protein 1 could be directly targeted and regulated by miR-199a in LECs and inhibit EMT in diabetic LECs. Conclusion Our findings implied miR-199a could be a therapeutic target by regulating SP1 directly to affect EMT in diabetic cataract and provided novel insights into the pathogenesis of diabetic cataract.

Abstract Background Local Chinese local pig breeds have thinner muscle fiber and higher intramuscular-fat (IMF) content. But its regulation mechanism has not been discussed in-depth. Studies indicated that long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important role in muscle and fat development. Results The lncRNAs expressional differences in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle were identified between Huainan pigs (local Chinese pigs, fat-type, HN) and Large White pigs (lean-type, LW) at 38, 58, and 78 days post conception (dpc). In total, 2131 novel lncRNAs were identified in 18 samples, and 291, 305, and 683 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) were found between these two breeds at three stages, respectively. The mRNAs that co-expressed with these DELs were used for GO and KEGG analysis, and the results showed that muscle development and energy metabolism were more active at 58 dpc in HN, but at 78 dpc in LW pigs. Muscle cell differentiation and myofibril assembly might associated with earlier myogenesis and primary-muscle-fiber assembly in HN, and cell proliferation, insulin, and the MAPK pathway might be contribute to longer proliferation and elevated energy metabolism in LW pigs at 78 dpc. The PI3K/Akt and cAMP pathways were associated with higher IMF deposition in HN. Intramuscular fat deposition-associated long noncoding RNA 1 (IMFlnc1) was selected for functional verification, and results indicated that it regulated the expressional level of caveolin-1 (CAV-1) by acting as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to sponge miR-199a-5p. Conclusions Our data contributed to understanding the role of lncRNAs in porcine-muscle development and IMF deposition, and provided valuable information for improving pig-meat quality.

Guang Wang,1,2 Yong Li,3 Dongxia Zhang,4 Songtao Zhao,4 Qiong Zhang,4 Chao Luo,2 Xiaochuan Sun,1 Bingqian Zhang5 1Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 3Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital Affiliated to Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 4National Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital Affiliated to Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Clinical Medicine, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Bingqian Zhang Department of Clinical MedicineChongqing Engineering Research Center of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, No. 82 of University-Town Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing 401331, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/ Fax +86-23-61969151Email _zhang@yeah.netXiaochuan SunDepartment of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/ Fax +86-23-89011012Email xiaochuan_sun@163.comPurpose: This study aimed to elucidate the biological function and upstream regulatory mechanism of CELSR1 in glioma.Materials and Methods: We evaluated the expression of CELSR1 in glioma by TCGA_GEPIA tool, RT-qPCR, and Western blot assays. CCK-8, wound healing, and transwell invasion assays were, respectively, performed to detect the effect of CELSR1 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The upstream regulatory miRNAs of CELSR1 were predicted by TargetScan and validated by luciferase activity reporter assay.Results: CELSR1 is overexpressed in glioma (P< 0.05). CELSR1 promoted glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion (P< 0.01). CELSR1 was a direct target of miR-199a-5p. miR199a-5p mimics significantly inhibited CELSR1 mRNA and protein expression (P< 0.01). miR199a-5p mimics reversed the effects of CELSR1 on glioma cell behaviors (P< 0.01).Conclusion: CELSR1 acts as an oncogene promoting glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, which is regulated by miR199a-5p.Keywords: CELSR1, miR-199a-5p, glioma, proliferation, migration, invasion