Analysis Of microRNA Expression Research Articles

Modulation of miR-205 expression using a Cheiranthus cheiri phyto-nano hybrid as a potential therapeutic agent against breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the fifth major cause of fatalities associated with cancer worldwide and in Pakistan, 34 066 female breast cancer cases were recorded in 2018. This study was designed to understand extracts of Cheiranthus cheiri (C. cheiri) and to evaluate the epigenetic modulation of microRNA expression for breast cancer therapy using a selected phyto-nanohybrid treatment. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of potential phytochemicals and antioxidant scavenging activity in the C. cheiri extracts with a DPPH (2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydroxyl) assay giving an IC50 value of 20.63 μg mL-1. GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy) analysis of the C. cheiri n-hexane extract detected 42 phytocompounds. Titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and EDX (energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry) to confirm the synthesis of anatase (tetragonal) TiO2. The prepared nanoparticles were conjugated with the selected plant i.e., C. cheiri. The resulting phyto-nanohybrid was used for the subsequent treatment of breast cancer induced in a female rat model. The treatment groups were as follows: doxorubicin as the standard treatment, C. cheiri, TiO2 and the phyto-nano hybrid treatment. After 8 weeks of treatment, the groups induced to exhibit breast cancer (with and without treatment) and the control groups were dissected and analysed for histopathological, haematological and microRNA expression. Histopathological examination revealed chronic inflammation in the dilated ducts and tumour embolus formation, thus confirming the presence of breast cancer in the DMBA-induced female rat model. MicroRNA expression analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in levels of miR-205 in the plasma of the breast cancer rat model compared to the control (p < 0.05). After treatment with the phyto-nano hybrid, a statistically significant increase in the expression of miR-205 was observed in the rat models induced to exhibit breast cancer compared to the rat model without any treatment (p < 0.05). The downregulation of miR-205 in the plasma of the breast cancer exhibiting model, as compared to the control, and its upregulation after treatment with the selected phyto-nano hybrid indicated its diagnostic and prognostic significance. It is concluded that the phyto-nano hybrid used in this study is effective against breast cancer induced female rat model. All the results support the finding that the selected phyto-nano hybrid has great potential as a possible therapeutic agent for the treatment of breast cancer.

Analysis of Differential microRNA Expression in the Hippocampus of Scopolamine-Induced Amnesic Mouse Model.

Amnesia is characterized by memory deficits linked to various neurodegenerative pathologies and can be induced by the administration of scopolamine, a cholinergic antagonist. Scopolamine-induced amnesia is a well-studied pharmacological animal model that simulates memory impairment caused by aging, brain illnesses, neuropathologies, and trauma. However, the molecular mechanism of amnesia, more importantly in terms of microRNA (miRNA) regulation, is not well understood. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze miRNA profiles in the hippocampus of both control mice and those treated with scopolamine (amnesic mice). Initially, a short cDNA library was prepared for each sample and then sequenced on the Illumina platform. Among the total differentially expressed miRNAs, 113 were significantly upregulated and 96 were downregulated in the scopolamine group in comparison to the control group. Ten upregulated and ten downregulated miRNAs were validated to confirm the reliability of the sequencing results using qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time PCR). Furthermore, we performed a target prediction analysis intersecting the results from TargetScan, miRDB (miRNA database), and Miranda to analyze the targets of the dysregulated miRNAs. We also conducted a pathway analysis to investigate the molecular, cellular, and biological functions of these targets. miRNA‒target interactions were found to play roles in various signaling pathways during amnesia. These results provide an initial insight for the contribution of miRNAs to scopolamine-induced amnesia, as well as their possible application as markers of disease pathology.

Exploring the material basis and molecular targets of Changma Xifeng tablet in treating Tourette syndrome: an integrative approach of network pharmacology and miRNA analysis.

This study was to investigate the mechanism of Changma Xifeng tablet, a traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of Tourette syndrome. Network pharmacology was utilized to pinpoint blood-entering constituents of Changma Xifeng and explore their potential targets. Additionally, differential microRNA expression analysis was conducted to predict Tourette syndrome-associated targets, complemented by molecular docking and dynamics simulations to support the interactions of the active compounds with these targets. The study identified 98 common targets between Changma Xifeng and Tourette syndrome, which may be involved in the treatment process. A protein-protein interaction network and a drug-active ingredient-disease target network highlighted the formulation's multi-component, multi-target therapeutic approach. Eight pivotal targets-AR, GRM5, MET, RORA, HTR2A, CNR1, PDE4B, and TOP1-were identified at the intersection of microRNA and drug targets. Molecular docking revealed 12 complexes with favorable binding energies below - 7kcal/mol, specifically: AR with Alfacalcidol, TOP1 with Albiflorin, GRM5 with Arachidic Acid, GRM5 with Palmitic Acid, AR with Arachidic Acid, AR with 2-Hydroxyoctadecanoic Acid, RORA with Pinellic Acid, RORA with Palmitic Acid, AR with Acoronene, AR with Epiacoronene, AR with 4,4'-Methylenediphenol, and HTR2A with Calycosin. Our molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggest potential stable interactions between the formulation's active components and target proteins. These computational methods provide a preliminary theoretical framework that will guide our future experimental work. The study provides a scientific rationale for the use of traditional Chinese medicine in Tourette syndrome management and offers new insights for drug development.

The synergistic impact of sleep duration and obesity on metabolic syndrome risk: exploring the role of microRNAs

Introduction: Given the well-established association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity, this study elucidates the influences of sleep duration and weight on MetS risk and explores the potential role of miRNAs as underlying mechanisms. Methods: According to sleep logs and biochemistry tests, this study investigated the association between MetS and its components, sleep duration, and weight in four subgroups: A: normal sleepers with normal weight (N = 145), B: normal sleepers with obesity (N = 140), C: short sleepers with normal weight (N = 130), and D: short sleepers with obesity (N = 142). Chi-square, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis. Furthermore, following total RNA isolation by TRIzol from blood samples, cDNA was synthesized using stem-loop technique. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was then employed to evaluate the expression levels of miR-33a, miR-378a, miR-132-3p, and miR-181d. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: Our findings revealed the strongest association between MetS prevalence and individuals in group D (short sleepers with obesity; Cramer's V = 0.649, P &lt; 0.001). This observation underscores the synergistic effect of short sleep and obesity on MetS risk. Furthermore, there was an independent association between short sleep duration and elevated triglyceride levels (P &lt; 0.05). MicroRNA expression analysis revealed downregulation of miR-33a and miR-181d in B, C, and D groups compared to the normal group. Conversely, miR-132-3p expression was upregulated in the B, C, and D groups. Conclusion: Short sleep and obesity synergistically elevate MetS risk, potentially via miR-33a and miR-181d downregulation and miR-132-3p upregulation, impacting triglyceride metabolism.

Циркулирующие микроРНК тромбоцитарного происхождения как потенциальные биомаркеры STEMI у пациентов с гипертонической болезнью

Background: Circulating extracellular platelet-derived microRNAs have been actively studied over the last decade as promising biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD), since platelet activation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of CVD. The aim of the study: To compare platelet-derived microRNA profiles in patients with uncomplicated hypertension (HT) and in patients with HT and acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI). Materials and methods: The study included 20 patients with uncomplicated HT and 15 patients with HT and STEMI. At least 90% of the participants in each group received antiplatelet therapy. A blood sample was collected from each patient in a CTAD anticoagulant tube and blood plasma was obtained by two-step centrifugation. The degree of hemolysis of the plasma samples was determined spectrophotometrically. MicroRNAs were isolated from plasma samples and used for reverse transcription and quantification of relative levels of eight main circulating extracellular platelet-derived microRNAs (miR-223-3p, miR-126-3p, miR21-5p, miR-24-3p, miR-320a-3p, miR-191-5p, miR-150-5p and miR-23a-3p) by quantitative PCR using the TaqMan Advanced technology (Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA). Normalized relative expression levels for each miRNA were calculated. Differences were considered statistically significant at p &lt; 0.05 (Mann-Whitney test). Results: Patient groups did not differ in age, BMI, platelet count, lipid profile and degree of hemolysis of plasma samples. No differences were found between the ratio of platelet-derived and erythrocyte-derived microRNA between patient groups. No statistically significant differences were found in the relative levels of circulating microRNA between the study groups. Principal component analysis and heatmap analysis of microRNA expression in the samples showed a division of the samples into groups based more on the degree of hemolysis than on the presence/absence of STEMI. Conclusion: In the studied sample of hypertensive patients, the effect of hemolysis of plasma samples on circulating platelet-derived microRNA profiles was more significant than the presence of STEMI.

Multi-view learning framework for predicting unknown types of cancer markers via directed graph neural networks fitting regulatory networks.

The discovery of diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for complex diseases, especially cancer, has always been a central and long-term challenge in molecular association prediction research, offering promising avenues for advancing the understanding of complex diseases. To this end, researchers have developed various network-based prediction techniques targeting specific molecular associations. However, limitations imposed by reductionism and network representation learning have led existing studies to narrowly focus on high prediction efficiency within single association type, thereby glossing over the discovery of unknown types of associations. Additionally, effectively utilizing network structure to fit the interaction properties of regulatory networks and combining specific case biomarker validations remains an unresolved issue in cancer biomarker prediction methods. To overcome these limitations, we propose a multi-view learning framework, CeRVE, based on directed graph neural networks (DGNN) for predicting unknown type cancer biomarkers. CeRVE effectively extracts and integrates subgraph information through multi-view feature learning. Subsequently, CeRVE utilizes DGNN to simulate the entire regulatory network, propagating node attribute features and extracting various interaction relationships between molecules. Furthermore, CeRVE constructed a comparative analysis matrix of three cancers and adjacent normal tissues through The Cancer Genome Atlas and identified multiple types of potential cancer biomarkers through differential expression analysis of mRNA, microRNA, and long noncoding RNA. Computational testing of multiple types of biomarkers for 72 cancers demonstrates that CeRVE exhibits superior performance in cancer biomarker prediction, providing a powerful tool and insightful approach for AI-assisted disease biomarker discovery.

An in vitro assessment of ionizing radiation impact on the efficacy of radiotherapy for breast cancer

Abstract Objectives Ionizing radiation is still one of the most effective treatment options for various cancers. It is possible to reduce the side effects of this effective treatment method and increase the chance of success by elucidating the responses it creates at the molecular level in the cell. This study aims to investigate of the molecular effects of therapeutic ionizing radiation on breast cancer, which is the most prevalent cancer type. Methods MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cell lines were irradiated with 4 and 8 Gy ionizing radiation and monitored for up to 7 days. RNA was collected at 48 and 96 h, when cellular molecular mechanisms became most evident, and quantitative expression levels of microRNAs (miR-208a, miR-124, miR-145), for which cancer-radiation associations have been determined from existing literature and databases, were evaluated. Results Exposure to ionizing radiation resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability in both MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, microRNA expression analysis revealed notable changes at all levels. The research demonstrates that miR-208a, miR-145, and miR-124 are crucial in the biological response to ionizing radiation. Conclusions Therapeutic ionizing radiation profoundly affects cell viability and microRNA expression in breast cancer cell lines, showing dose and time-dependent effects. The observed microRNA expression patterns suggest potential biomarkers for radiation response and therapeutic targets to improve radiotherapy efficacy. Further in vivo validation and exploration of these microRNAs’ roles in modulating cellular response to ionizing radiation are needed.

Differential microRNA expression in adolescent anxiety proneness.

Biological mechanisms underlying anxiety proneness (AP), the tendency to react fearfully to stressors due to the belief that experiencing anxiety has harmful consequences, remain unclear. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as microRNAs (small, non-coding RNAs 19-20 nucleotides long), may be contributory. This study investigated AP-associated differences in microRNA expression among South African adolescents with variable exposure to childhood trauma (CT). AP was assessed using a composite score reflecting trait anxiety and anxiety sensitivity, while CT exposure was assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. High-quality total RNA (n = 88) extracted from whole blood underwent microRNA-sequencing. Differential microRNA expression analysis was conducted with DESeq2 in R, messenger RNA target prediction analysis was performed using TargetScan and DIANA-microT, and the DIANA mirPATH tool was used for KEGG pathway analysis. The majority of participants were female (75.86%) with an average age of 15 (±1.19) years. MicroRNA expression analysis identified upregulation of hsa-miR-28-5p and downregulation of hsa-miR-502-3p and hsa-miR-500a-3p in high-AP individuals, irrespective of CT. Four KEGG pathways, each with ≥10% of their constituent genes predicted to be targets of the differentially expressed microRNAs, were identified and were enriched for genes involved in calcineurin and glutamate signalling. These findings suggest that epigenetically mediated effects on neuronal function contribute to the molecular aetiology of AP.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Vitrified-Warmed vs. Fresh Mouse Blastocysts: Cryo-Induced Physiological Mechanisms and Implantation Impact.

Blastocyst vitrification has significantly improved embryo transfer methods, leading to higher implantation success rates and better pregnancy outcomes in subsequent frozen embryo transfer cycles. This study aimed to simulate the transcriptional changes caused by vitrifying human blastocysts using mouse blastocysts as a model and to further investigate these changes' effects. Utilizing a human vitrification protocol, we implanted both vitrified and fresh embryos into mice. We observed the implantation success rates and performed transcriptomic analysis on the blastocysts. To validate the results from messenger RNA sequencing, we conducted reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to measure the expression levels of specific genes. Based on mRNA profiling, we predicted the microRNAs responsible for the regulation and used qPCR basic microRNA assays for validation. Our observations revealed a higher implantation success rate for vitrified embryos than fresh embryos. Transcriptomic analysis showed that vitrified-warmed blastocysts exhibited differentially expressed genes (DEGs) primarily associated with thermogenesis, chemical carcinogenesis-reactive oxygen species, oxidative phosphorylation, immune response, and MAPK-related signaling pathways. RT-qPCR confirmed increased expression of genes such as Cdk6 and Nfat2, and decreased expression of genes such as Dkk3 and Mapk10. Additionally, gene-microRNA interaction predictions and microRNA expression analysis identified twelve microRNAs with expression patterns consistent with the predicted results, suggesting potential roles in uterine epithelial cell adhesion, trophectoderm development, invasive capacity, and immune responses. Our findings suggest that vitrification induces transcriptomic changes in mouse blastocysts, and even small changes in gene expression can enhance implantation success. These results highlight the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying vitrification to optimize embryo transfer techniques and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Expression analysis of microRNAs and cytokine mRNAs in pregnancies complicated by gestational hypertension

ObjectivesGestational hypertension (GH11GH − gestational hypertension) is one of the most common pregnancy-related complications, however, there is still insufficient knowledge about its development and molecular changes. The aim of our study was to examine the expression of miR-17, miR-29a and miR-181a, as well as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17 in women with GH and to investigate possible correlations between these parameters. Study designThe study included 64 pregnant women, placed either in the control or the GH group. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR22qPCR − quantitative real-time PCR.) was used to determine expression levels of microRNAs and cytokines’ mRNAs. Main outcome measuresExpression levels of miRNAs (miR-17, miR-29a and miR-181a) and proinflammatory cytokines mRNAs (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17) in women with gestational hypertension were compared to the control group (healthy pregnant women). ResultsNo significant changes in microRNAs expression level were found between compared groups. TNF-α was significantly upregulated in the GH group compared to controls. Expression levels of other investigated cytokines did not differ between examined groups. ROC curve analysis indicated that TNF-α does not show sufficient ability to discriminate between CG and GH patients. TNF-α was significantly positively correlated with IL-1β and IL-17 and negatively correlated with miR-181a. ConclusionsOur results point to the involvement of proinflamatory cytokines in gestational hypertension. Although increased expression of TNF-α was found in the GH group, this cytokine did not show sufficient ability to discriminate between GH and healthy pregnancies.

High-throughput sequencing analysis of differential microRNA expression in the process of blocking the progression of chronic atrophic gastritis to gastric cancer by Xianglian Huazhuo formula.

To explore the mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo formula (, XLHZ) blocking the development of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) to gastric cancer (GC) through bioinformatics analysis and in vitro. Pathological morphology of gastric mucosa of rats were observed. High-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the miRNA expression profile of gastric mucosa. The miRanda, miRDB and miRWalk databases were used to predict the differential target genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed for differential target genes. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to verify the differentially expressed miRNAs and target genes. Western blot, EdU, wound healing and flow cytometry were used to observe the effect of XLHZ on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, proliferation, migration, apoptosis and cell cycle of CAG cells in vitro. A total of five differentially expressed miRNAs and four differential target genes were screened in this study. GO analysis showed that the target genes were enriched in regulation of neuron development, regulation of transcription factor activity and regulation of RNA polymerase. KEGG pathways database differences in gene enrichment of target genes in the Wnt signaling pathway, Phospholipase D signaling pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. qRT-PCR confirmed that miRNAs and its target genes were consistent with the screening results. In vitro, our study revealed that XLHZ could increase the expression of E-cadherin, decrease the expression of transforming growth factor β1, vimentin and β-catenin, inhibite the proliferation and migration of CAG cells, cause cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 and G2/M phase, induce the apoptosis of CAG cells, and prevent the progression of CAG to GC. This study provided a new idea for the mechanism of blocking the progression of CAG to GC by XLHZ, which may be related to the expression of miR-20a-3p, miR-320-3p, miR-34b-5p, miR-483-3p and miR-883-3p and their target genes transferrin receptor, nuclear receptor subfamily 4 member 2, delta like canonical Notch ligand 1 and a kinase anchor protein 12 in CAG. In the future, we will continue to investigate the linkage between the active ingredients of XLHZ and the relevant miRNAs and their target genes, so as to provide more sufficient experimental basis for clinically effective prevention of CAG to GC.

A study of microRNAs as new prognostic biomarkers in anal cancer patients.

MicroRNA (MiR) influences the growth of cancer by regulation of mRNA for 50-60% of all genes. We present as per our knowledge the first global analysis of microRNA expression in anal cancer patients and their prognostic impact. Twenty-nine patients with T1-4 N0-3 M0 anal cancer treated with curative intent from September 2003 to April 2011 were included in the study. RNA was extracted from fresh frozen tissue and sequenced using NGS. Differentially expressed microRNAs were identified using the R-package DEseq2 and the endpoints were time to progression (TTP) and cancer specific survival (CSS). Five microRNAs were significantly associated with 5-year progression free survival (PFS): Low expression of two microRNAs was associated with higher PFS, miR-1246 (100% vs. 55.6%, p = 0.008), and miR-135b-5p (92.9% vs. 59.3%, p = 0.041). On the other hand, high expressions of three microRNAs were associated with higher PFS, miR-148a-3p (93.3% vs. 53.6%, p = 0.025), miR-99a-5p (92.9% vs. 57.1%, p = 0.016), and let-7c-3p (92.9% vs. 57.1%, p = 0.016). Corresponding findings were documented for CSS. Our study identified five microRNAs as prognostic markers in anal cancer. MiR-1246 and microRNA-135b-5p were oncoMiRs (miRs with oncogene effects), while miR-148a-3p, miR- 99a-5p, and let-7c-3p acted as tumour suppressors in anal cancer patients.

LGG-33. NETWORK ANALYSIS INTEGRATING MICRORNAS AND CLINICAL DATA TO DETERMINE PROGNOSTIC OUTCOME IN PEDIATRIC LOW-GRADE GLIOMA PATIENTS

Abstract BACKGROUND Low-grade pediatric gliomas (pLGGs) are the most common pediatric brain tumors. Surgical resection, when feasible, represents the standard of care. If complete resection cannot be achieved, disease progression occurs in about 30% of the cases, and these patients receive adjuvant therapy. The identification of predictive biomarkers to predict tumors that will progress after partial resection, requiring systemic treatment (Chemotherapy or target therapy), could support clinicians in the decision-making strategy. MicroRNAs have been related to tumorigenesis and tumor maintenance and can be used as important biomarkers. This study aims to develop a predictive model able to determine prognostic outcomes and to better stratify pLGG patients according to disease progression. METHODS MicroRNAs levels have been assessed in 76 human tumor tissue samples. Clinical data have been collected for statistical and network-based analyses. Using a network-based approach, we integrated clinical data and tissue microRNA expression to identify a microRNA signature able to predict disease progression. RESULTS Our preliminary microRNA expression analysis displayed new promising signatures correlating with prognostic features, such as disease progression and embryological origin of the tumor. CONCLUSION The predictive model we developed integrating biomarkers and clinical data could be crucial to support clinicians in the decision-making strategy and in advancing personalized medicine.

Enhancing brain health: Swimming-induced BDNF release and epigenetic influence in MS female mouse models

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition characterized by inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS), impacting sensory, motor, and cognitive abilities. Globally, around three million individuals are affected by MS, with up to 97,000 cases in Iran attributed to genetic predispositions along with various environmental factors like smoking. Cognitive impairment affects a significant portion of patients, ranging from 45% to 70%. This study investigates the impact of regular aerobic swimming exercise for four weeks, mild cognitive impairment induced by encephalomyelitis, and their combination on the expression of microRNA-142-3p and its correlation with the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in relation to spatial memory. Twenty-one C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups. RT-PCR was used for microRNA expression analysis, and BDNF levels were assessed via western blotting. Clinical scores and animal weights were monitored daily. EAE induction led to an increase in microRNA-142-3p expression and a decrease in BDNF levels compared to the control group. Exercise inversed them significantly, and improved spatial memory. Our findings indicate that engaging in regular swimming exercise can counteract the up-regulation of miR-142-3p in brain tissue, which likely contributes to mild cognitive impairment induced by MS. Additionally, the increase in BDNF following exercise appears to be associated with miR-142-3p and the enhancement of cognitive function. Thus, the therapeutic benefits of exercise, particularly in releasing BDNF to improve cognitive function in MS patients, warrant consideration. Lifestyle modifications have the potential to effectively modulate environmental influences and ethnicity, underscoring their significance in MS management.

MicroRNA expression analysis in peripheral blood and soft-tissue of patients with periprosthetic hip infection.

Current diagnostic tools are not always able to effectively identify periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). Recent studies suggest that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) undergo changes under pathological conditions such as infection. The aim of this study was to analyze miRNA expression in hip arthroplasty PJI patients. This was a prospective pilot study, including 24 patients divided into three groups, with eight patients each undergoing revision of their hip arthroplasty due to aseptic reasons, and low- and high-grade PJI, respectively. The number of intraoperative samples and the incidence of positive cultures were recorded for each patient. Additionally, venous blood samples and periarticular tissue samples were collected from each patient to determine miRNA expressions between the groups. MiRNA screening was performed by small RNA-sequencing using the miRNA next generation sequencing (NGS) discovery (miND) pipeline. Overall, several miRNAs in plasma and tissue were identified to be progressively deregulated according to ongoing PJI. When comparing the plasma samples, patients with a high-grade infection showed significantly higher expression levels for hsa-miR-21-3p, hsa-miR-1290, and hsa-miR-4488, and lower expression levels for hsa-miR-130a-3p and hsa-miR-451a compared to the aseptic group. Furthermore, the high-grade group showed a significantly higher regulated expression level of hsa-miR-1260a and lower expression levels for hsa-miR-26a-5p, hsa-miR-26b-5p, hsa-miR-148b-5p, hsa-miR-301a-3p, hsa-miR-451a, and hsa-miR-454-3p compared to the low-grade group. No significant differences were found between the low-grade and aseptic groups. When comparing the tissue samples, the high-grade group showed significantly higher expression levels for 23 different miRNAs and lower expression levels for hsa-miR-2110 and hsa-miR-3200-3p compared to the aseptic group. No significant differences were found in miRNA expression between the high- and low-grade groups, as well as between the low-grade and aseptic groups. With this prospective pilot study, we were able to identify a circulating miRNA signature correlating with high-grade PJI compared to aseptic patients undergoing hip arthroplasty revision. Our data contribute to establishing miRNA signatures as potential novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for PJI.

Microarray analysis of microrna expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a new class of biomarkers in the context of connective tissue disorders. The miRNA expression profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) have not been fully elucidated. The objective is to investigate miRNAs expression profile in PBMCs of patients with PM/DM. Microarray technology was used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in PBMCs obtained from 6 untreated PM/DM patients and 3 healthy controls (HCs). TaqMan-based stem-loop real-time PCR detection was used for validation in a cohort of 34 PM/DM patients and 20 HCs. Microarray analysis revealed 38 differentially expressed miRNAs (24 up-regulated and 14 down-regulated) in PM/DM patients compared to HCs. Four miRNAs (miR-320a, miR-335-3p, miR-34a-5p and miR-454-3p) were chosen for real-time PCR validation. The expression of miR-34a-5p was significantly upregulated in PM/DM group (P < 0.05). In subgroup analysis, miR-34a-5p was significantly upregulated in interstitial lung disease (ILD) group and DM group (P < 0.001). The level of SIRT1, a validated target of miR-34a, was significantly lower in PBMCs of PM/DM patients compared with HCs. MiR-34a-5p may potentially participate in the pathogenesis of PM/DM through SIRT1, and may serve as a potential new biomarker for PM/DM-ILD.

Comprehensive microRNA expression analysis of pediatric gonadal germ cell tumors: unveiling novel biomarkers and signatures.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous noncoding RNAs, and alterations in their expression may contribute to oncogenesis. Discovering a unique miRNA pattern holds the potential for early detection and novel treatment possibilities in cancer. This study aimed to evaluate miRNA expression in pediatric patients with gonadal germ cell tumors (GCTs), focusing on characterizing the miRNA profiles of each histological subtype and identifying a distinct histological miRNA signature for a total of 42 samples of pediatric gonadal GCTs. The analysis revealed distinct miRNA expression profiles for all histological types, regardless of the primary site. We identified specific miRNA expression signatures for each histological type, including 34 miRNAs for dysgerminomas, 13 for embryonal carcinomas, 25 for yolk sac tumors, and one for immature teratoma, compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, we identified 26 miRNAs that were commonly expressed in malignant tumors, with six miRNAs (miR-302a-3p, miR-302b-3p, miR-371a-5p, miR-372-3p, miR-373-3p, and miR-367-3p) showing significant overexpression. Notably, miR-302b-3p exhibited a significant association with all the evaluated clinical features. Our findings suggest that miRNAs have the potential to aid in the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of patients with malignant GCTs.

Converging peripheral blood microRNA profiles in Parkinson's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy.

MicroRNAs act via targeted suppression of messenger RNA translation in the DNA-RNA-protein axis. The dysregulation of microRNA(s) reflects the epigenetic changes affecting the cellular processes in multiple disorders. To understand the complex effect of dysregulated microRNAs linked to neurodegeneration, we performed a cross-sectional microRNA expression analysis in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (n = 367), progressive supranuclear palsy (n = 35) and healthy controls (n = 416) from the Luxembourg Parkinson's Study, followed by prediction modelling, enriched pathway analysis and target simulation of dysregulated microRNAs using probabilistic Boolean modelling. Forty-six microRNAs were identified to be dysregulated in Parkinson's disease versus controls and 16 in progressive supranuclear palsy versus controls with 4 overlapping significantly dysregulated microRNAs between the comparisons. Predictive power of microRNA subsets (including up to 100 microRNAs) was modest for differentiating Parkinson's disease or progressive supranuclear palsy from controls (maximal cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.76 and 0.86, respectively) and low for progressive supranuclear palsy versus Parkinson's disease (maximal cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.63). The enriched pathway analysis revealed natural killer cell pathway to be dysregulated in both, Parkinson's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy versus controls, indicating that the immune system might play an important role in both diseases. Probabilistic Boolean modelling of pathway dynamics affected by dysregulated microRNAs in Parkinson's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy revealed partially overlapping dysregulation in activity of the transcription factor EB, endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling, calcium signalling pathway, dopaminergic transcription and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α activity, though involving different mechanisms. These findings indicated a partially convergent (sub)cellular end-point dysfunction at multiple levels in Parkinson's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy, but with distinctive underlying molecular mechanisms.

Genome-wide expression analysis of novel heat-responsive microRNAs and their targets in contrasting wheat genotypes at reproductive stage under terminal heat stress.

Heat stress at terminal stage of wheat is critical and leads to huge yield losses worldwide. microRNAs (miRNAs) play significant regulatory roles in gene expression associated with abiotic and biotic stress at the post-transcriptional level. In the present study, we carried out a comparative analysis of miRNAs and their targets in flag leaves as well as developing seeds of heat tolerant (RAJ3765) and heat susceptible (HUW510) wheat genotypes under heat stress and normal conditions using small RNA and degradome sequencing. A total of 84 conserved miRNAs belonging to 35 miRNA families and 93 novel miRNAs were identified in the 8 libraries. Tae-miR9672a-3p, tae-miR9774, tae-miR9669-5p, and tae-miR5048-5p showed the highest expression under heat stress. Tae-miR9775, tae-miR9662b-3p, tae-miR1120a, tae-miR5084, tae-miR1122a, tae-miR5085, tae-miR1118, tae-miR1130a, tae-miR9678-3p, tae-miR7757-5p, tae-miR9668-5p, tae-miR5050, tae-miR9652-5p, and tae-miR9679-5p were expressed only in the tolerant genotype, indicating their role in heat tolerance. Comparison between heat-treated and control groups revealed that 146 known and 57 novel miRNAs were differentially expressed in the various tissues. Eight degradome libraries sequence identified 457 targets of the differentially expressed miRNAs. Functional analysis of the targets indicated their involvement in photosynthesis, spliceosome, biosynthesis of nucleotide sugars and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, arginine and proline metabolism and endocytosis. This study increases the number of identified and novel miRNAs along with their roles involved in heat stress response in contrasting genotypes at two developing stages of wheat.

Circulating microRNA-21-3p in patients with arterial hypertension

Objective — to study changes in the blood plasma levels of microRNA‑21‑3p in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and their relationship with the characteristics of the course of the disease.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Examinations involved 24 patients with hypertension stage II and degree 2—3 (11 men, 13 women) aged from 42 to 60 years. The control group consisted of 12 practically healthy individuals, age and gender matching. The examinations were carried out in the Department of Hypertension and Kidney Diseases of the GI «L. T. Mala National Therapy Institute of NAMS of Ukraine». The degree, stage of hypertension and the presence of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), established CVD and kidney disease were assessed in accordance with current recommendations. All patients underwent general clinical laboratory and instrumental examinations. The blood plasma level of circulating microRNA‑21‑3p was determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase‑polymerase chain reaction (qRT‑PCR) using reagent kits for monitoring and analyzing microRNA expression «TaqMan microRNA Assay» (ThermoFisher Scientific, USA). Small nuclear RNA U6 was used as a reference. Relative expression was calculated in relative units (r.u.) using the ΔΔCt method. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was carried out using standard methods with application packages Microsoft Excel and SPSS 19.0.&#x0D; Results. A significant decrease in the plasma levels of microRNA‑21‑3p in patients with hypertension was established in comparison with practically healthy individuals. The most pronounced decrease in plasma microRNA‑21‑3p levels was observed in patients with the most severe hypertension (stage 3 AH) and in subjects, in whom antihypertensive therapy did not result in the achieving target levels of «office» blood pressure (BP). Significant negative correlations were found between the plasma microRNA‑21‑3p levels and hemodynamic parameters (BP levels) and the left ventricular myocardial mass index — an indicator of the severity of left ventricular hypertrophy, one of the key lesions of target organs. The obtained results indicate the presence in patients with hypertension of a significant deficiency in the production of microRNA‑21‑3p, which, according to the literature data, has pronounced antihypertensive and cardiovascular‑ and renoprotective properties.&#x0D; Conclusions. A significant decrease in the blood plasma levels of microRNA‑21‑3p, the endogenous regulator of gene expression with antihypertensive and organoprotective properties, was established in patients with hypertension in comparison with practically healthy subjects. The revealed decrease in the blood plasma levels of this microRNA was enhanced at severe and uncontrolled hypertension and associated with the degree of hypertensive heart damage. The data obtained indicate the important role of microRNA‑21‑3p in the hypertension pathogenesis and the prospects of finding methods for correcting its production.