miR-145 Levels Research Articles

Investigation of XPD, miR-145 and miR-770 expression in patients with end-stage renal disease.

The effective maintenance of genome integrity and fidelity is vital for the normal function of our tissues and organs, and the prevention of diseases. DNA repair pathways maintain genome stability, and the adequacy of genes acting in these pathways is essential for disease suppression and direct treatment responses. Chronic kidney disease is characterized by high levels of genomic damage. In this study, we examined the expression levels of the xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) gene, which plays a role in the nucleotide excision repair (NER) repair mechanism, and the expression levels of miR-145 and miR-770 genes, which play a role in the regulation of the expression of the XPD gene, in hemodialysis patients with (n = 42) and without malignancy (n = 9) in pre- and post-dialysis conditions. We also evaluated these values with the clinical findings of the patients. Gene expression analysis was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Compared to the individuals with normal kidney function (2.06 ± 0.32), the XPD gene expression was lower in the pre-dialysis condition both in hemodialysis patients without cancer (1.24 ± 0.18; p = 0.02) and in hemodialysis patients with cancer (0.82 ± 0.114; p = 0.001). On the other hand, we found that miR-145 and miR-770 expression levels were high in both groups. We also found that expression levels were affected by dialysis processes. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between miR-145 and mir770 expression levels in the pre-dialysis group of patients with (r=-0.988. p = 0.0001) and without (r=-0.934. p = 0.0001) malignancy. Studies on DNA damage repair in the kidney will help develop strategies to protect kidney function against kidney diseases.

Rel-A/PACER/miR 7 Axis May Play a Role in Radiotherapy Treatment in Breast Cancer Patients

Radiotherapy has become the standard form of treatment for breast cancer (BC). Radioresistance is an issue that limits the effectiveness of radiotherapy (RT). Therefore, predictive biomarkers are needed to choose the appropriate RT for the patient. Activation of the proinflammatory transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), is a frequently noted pathway in BC. Investigating the relationship between RT and alterations in gene expression involved in the immune pathway can help better control the disease. This research investigated the impact of RT on the expression levels of Rel-A, PACER, and miR-7 within the NF-κB signaling pathway. Blood samples (n = 15) were obtained from BC patients during four different time intervals: 72 hours prior to initiating RT, as well as one, two, and four weeks following RT completion. Samples were also collected from 20 healthy women who had no immune or cancer-related diseases. Blood RNA was extracted, and complementary DNA was synthesized. Gene expression level was determined using R real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). There was a significant difference in the expression level of Rel-A between patients and normal individual blood samples (p < 0.05). After four weeks of RT, qRT-PCR revealed a significant downregulation of miR-7 and upregulation of Rel-A and PACER in BC patients. Also, there was a significant association between Rel-A expression and monocyte numbers during RT (p < 0.001). The expression level of PACER, miR-7 and Rel-A, changed after RT; therefore, these genes could be used as diagnostic and therapeutic RT markers in BC.

Relationship between cluster miR-143/145 micro-RNAs with oncogenesis: tissue and cellular context

The purpose of the study was to present up-to-date data on the regulation of expression, function in normal tissues and multidirectional activity in the oncogenesis of miR-143/145 microRNAs cluster, as well as to evaluate the possibilities and limitations of the therapeutic use of microRNAs of this cluster in malignant neoplasms. Material and methods. The search for available domestic and foreign literary sources published in PubMed and RSCI databases over the past 10 years has been carried out. 427 articles were found, of which 41 were included in this review. Results. The conservative cluster miR-143/145 is one of the most intensively studied in tumors. Based on the results of the analysis of differential miRNA expression, in vitro experiments in cancer cell lines and in vivo in mouse tumor models, a decrease in miR-143 and miR-145 levels was shown in malignant neoplasms of epithelial origin. Until recently, these miRNAs were considered classical oncosuppressors. The data presented in the review demonstrate that the results of a number of studies taking into account the cellular aspects of microRNA expression contradict this concept. miR-143 microRNA, for example, is known to participate in the metabolic restructuring of the tumor and the activation of neoangiogenesis. It has been shown that the oncosuppressive or pro-oncogenic activity of miR-143 and miR-145 depend on the tissue and cellular context and can be explained by the presence of several regulated targets that have opposite effects on oncogenesis. Taken together, the data obtained suggest the need to exercise caution when choosing the microRNAs of the described cluster for exogenous therapeutic delivery. Conclusion. Further detailed decoding of the mechanisms of miR-143 and miR-145 functioning in various types of tissues and cells, as well as identification of new MRNA targets are necessary for a better understanding of the involvement of these molecules in oncogenesis.

Phosphorus May Induce Phenotypic Transdifferentiation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells through the Reduction of microRNA-145.

Phosphorus is a vital element for life found in most foods as a natural component, but it is also one of the most used preservatives added during food processing. High serum phosphorus contributes to develop vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease; however, it is not clear its effect in a population without kidney damage. The objective of this in vivo and in vitro study was to investigate the effect of high phosphorus exposure on the aortic and serum levels of miR-145 and its effect on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMCs) changes towards less contractile phenotypes. The study was performed in aortas and serum from rats fed standard and high-phosphorus diets, and in VSMCs exposed to different concentrations of phosphorus. In addition, miR-145 silencing and overexpression experiments were carried out. In vivo results showed that in rats with normal renal function fed a high P diet, a significant increase in serum phosphorus was observed which was associated to a significant decrease in the aortic α-actin expression which paralleled the decrease in aortic and serum miR-145 levels, with no changes in the osteogenic markers. In vitro results using VSMCs corroborated the in vivo findings. High phosphorus first reduced miR-145, and afterwards α-actin expression. The miR-145 overexpression significantly increased α-actin expression and partially prevented the increase in calcium content. These results suggest that miR-145 could be an early biomarker of vascular calcification, which could give information about the initiation of the transdifferentiation process in VSMCs.

1257-P: Changes in Circulating Pancreatic Islet-Specific MicroRNA-375 Levels and Improvements in Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Metabolism in Response to Weight-Loss Diets with Different Compositions of Macronutrients—The POUNDS Lost Trial

Pancreatic islet-specific microRNA-375 (miR-375) regulates insulin secretion and has an essential role in β-cell compensation when escalating insulin demand. We recently reported that changes in circulating miR-375 were associated with improved diabetogenic fat depots. Here, we investigated whether changes in circulating miR-375 induced by weight-loss diet interventions with different macronutrient intakes (fat, carbohydrate (carb), and protein) were related to improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. This study included participants from the POUNDS Lost trial with available data on circulating miR-375-3p at baseline (n=520) and its changes from baseline to 6 months after weight-loss diet interventions (n=508). At baseline, higher levels of miR-375 were related to lower degrees of BMI, total adipose tissue mass, and whole-body fat content (P &amp;lt;0.05 for all). There was a significant increase in miR-375 levels from baseline to 6 months (P by paired t-test &amp;lt;0.001). We found that associations of changes in miR-375 with changes in fasting insulin, glucose, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were significantly modified by carb and fat intakes (P interaction &amp;lt;0.05 for all). In response to a low-fat and high-carb diet, a greater increase in miR-375 was significantly associated with larger reductions of fasting insulin and HOMA-IR at 6 months, regardless of baseline miR-375 levels. On the other hand, in response to a high-fat and low-carb diet intervention, there were significant positive associations between miR-375 changes and changes in glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR. These results suggest that changes in the pancreatic islet-specific miRNA expression are associated with weight-loss diet intervention outcomes on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Different macronutrient intakes may modify these associations. Disclosure Y.Heianza: None. Q.Xue: None. H.Ma: None. G.Bray: Advisory Panel; Medifast, Inc., Herbalife International of America, Inc. F.Sacks: None. L.Qi: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (DK091718, DK100383, DK115679)

#5629 EFFECT OF HIGH PHOSPHORUS CONTENT/DIET ON MIR-145 LEVELS AND VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS OSTEOGENIC DIFFERENTIATION

Abstract Background and Aims Phosphorus (P) is found in most foods as a natural component, but nowadays, with the rise in the consumption of processed foods, P intake has increased in the developed world. Elevated serum P in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) contributes to development of vascular calcification. However, it is poorly understood the relationship between high P dietary intake and vascular calcification in healthy population with normal renal function, and the molecular pathways responsible for the transdifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) that precedes it. Recent studies show that miR-145 is the most abundant microRNA (miR) in VSMCs, and its decrease is associated with loss of contractile phenotype -lower α-actin levels- and increased osteogenic differentiation. In addition, low serum levels of miR-145 has been associated with the presence of vascular calcification. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of high P dietary intake on aortic and serum miR-145 levels, phenotypic alterations of VSMCs and vascular calcification. Method The study was performed: a) in vivo in aortas and serums from rats with normal renal function fed normal P (NP, 0,6% P -n = 10-) and high P diets (HP, 0,9% P -n = 10-), and b) in vitro exposing the VSMCs to different concentrations of P (up to 3 mM), and overexpressing and silencing miR-145 to investigate its potential role in the VSMCs phenotypic differentiation. Results a) In vivo study: The HP group showed higher serum P (NP: 1.29 [1.15-1.35] vs HP:1.40 [1.33-1.48] mmol/L, p = 0.02) and PTH levels (NP: 235.58 ± 75.58 vs HP: 498.67 ± 142.07 pg/ml, p = 0.0001), without significant differences in serum Ca and FGF23 levels. There were not differences in aortic Ca content, although there was a significant reduction in α-actin expression in the HP group (NP: 2.49 [2.10-3.25] vs HP:1.23 [1.04-1.50] R.U., p = 0.002). Moreover, the aortic and serum levels of miR-145 were lower in the HP group: aortic miR-145 (NP: 1.26 [0.97-1.49] vs HP: 0.56 [0.38-0.69] R.U., p = 0.004) and serum miR-145 (NP: 0.84 [0.70-0.99] vs HP: 0.37 [0.31-0.52] R.U., p = 0.001). b) In vitro study: A7r5 cells exposure to high P reduced miR-145 (1mM P: 1.00 [0.88-1.28] vs 3mM P: 0.41 [0.32-0.52], p = 0.001), and α -actin (1mM P: 1.03 [0.96-1.15] vs 3mM P: 0.73 [0.61-0.74], p = 0.0008) levels increasing Ca content in a P concentration-dependent manner (1 mM P: 0.24 [0.00-1.17]; 1.5 mM P: 0.66 [0.47-2.61]; 2 mM P: 2.72 [1.06-4.01]; 2.5 mM P: 4.60 [3.02-4.91]; 3 mM P: 5.81 [5.58-6.34], p = 0.000). the silencing of miR-145 under standard P content (1mM), decreased α -actin (control: 1.02 [0.99-1.04] vs miR-145 antagomir: 0.75 [0.69-0.90] R.U., p = 0.0007), meanwhile its overexpression increased it (control: 1.02 [0.99-1.04] vs miR-145 mimic: 2.70 [2.68-3.07] R.U., p = 0.001). The α -actin levels and Ca content were not modified after silencing miR-145 under high P conditions C (3 mM), meanwhile miR-145 overexpression under high P conditions increased α -actin levels (control: 0.54 [0.41-0.61] vs miR-145 mimic: 1.82 [1.68-2.04] R.U., p = 0.0005), and partially prevented the increases in Ca content (control: 182.77 [176.78-194.84] vs miR-145 mimic: 117.16 [112.27-122.69] R.U., p = 0.0005). Conclusion The results indicate the high P exposure could lead to an impairment of vascular health by causing decrease in miR-145 levels with the consequent reduction in α -actin expression in VSMC cells.

Circular RNA Circ_0038467 promotes the maturation of miRNA-203 to increase lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptosis of chondrocytes.

Circ_0038467 and miR-203 exert important functions in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation, which contributes to osteoarthritis (OA). Our preliminary deep sequencing analysis revealed altered expression of Circ_0038467 and miR-203 in OA and a close correlation between them. This study was therefore to explore crosstalk between them in OA. The expression of Circ_0038467, mature miR-203, and miR-203 precursor in OA patients and controls was determined using RT-qPCR. An overexpression assay was performed to explore the role of Circ_0038467 in regulating the expression of mature miR-203 and miR-203 precursor. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by cell apoptosis assay. Circ_0038467 was upregulated in OA and positively correlated with mature miR-203 but not that of miR-203 precursor. In chondrocytes, increased expression levels of both Circ_0038467 and miR-203 were observed after LPS treatment. In chondrocytes, overexpression of Circ_0038467 increased the expression levels of mature miR-203 but not that of miR-203 precursor. Overexpression of Circ_0038467 and miR-203 increased cell apoptosis. Then, the miR-203 inhibitor reversed the effects of overexpression of Circ_0038467 on cell apoptosis. Interestingly, Circ_0038467 was detected in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Circ_0038467 directly interacted with the precursor miR-203. Therefore, Circ_0038467 is highly expressed in OA and it may promote the production of mature miR-203 to increase apoptosis of chondrocytes induced by LPS.

Exosomal miR-17–92 derived from human mesenchymal stem cells promotes wound healing by enhancing angiogenesis and inhibiting endothelial cell ferroptosis

BackgroundWound healing is a complex and dynamic process that involves a series of cellular and molecular events. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their exosomes (MSC-Exos) have crucial functions in cutaneous wound healing. MiR-17–92 is a multifunctional microRNA (miRNA) cluster that plays vital roles in tissue development and tumor angiogenesis. This study aimed to explore the function of miR-17.92 in wound healing as a component of MSC-Exos. MethodsHuman MSCs were cultured in serum-free medium, and exosomes were collected by ultracentrifugation. The levels of miR-17–92 in MSCs and MSC-Exos were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. MSC-Exos were topically applied to full-thickness excision wounds in the skin of miR-17–92 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. The proangiogenic and antiferroptotic effects of MSC-Exos overexpressing miR-17–92 were assayed by evaluating the relative levels of angiogenic and ferroptotic markers. ResultsMiRNA-17–92 was found to be highly expressed in MSCs and enriched in MSC-Exos. Moreover, MSC-Exos promoted the proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro. KO of miR-17–92 effectively attenuated the promotion of wound healing by MSC-Exos. Furthermore, exosomes derived from miR-17–92-overexpressing human umbilical cord-derived MSCs accelerated cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and enhanced against erastin-induced ferroptosis in vitro. miR-17–92 plays a key role in the protective effects of MSC-Exos against erastin-induced ferroptosis in HUVECs ConclusionThese findings suggest that miR-17–92 participates in the repair ability of MSC-Exos and that miR-17–92-overexpressing exosomes may represent a new strategy for cutaneous wound repair.

MiR-9 targeting RUNX1 improves LPS-induced alveolar hypercoagulation and fibrinolysis inhibition through NF-κB inactivation in ARDS

BackgroundAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a clinical and pathophysiological complex syndrome with high mortality. Alveolar hypercoagulation and fibrinolytic inhibition constitute the core part of the pathophysiology of ARDS. miR-9 (microRNA-9a-5p) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ARDS, but whether it regulates alveolar pro-coagulation and fibrinolysis inhibition in ARDS remains to be elucidated. We aimed to determine the contributing role of miR-9 on alveolar hypercoagulation and fibrinolysis inhibition in ARDS. MethodsIn the ARDS animal model, we first observed the miR-9 and runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) expression in lung tissue, the effects of miR-9 on alveolar hypercoagulation and fibrinolytic inhibition in ARDS rats, and the efficacy of miR-9 on acute lung injury. In the cell, alveolar epithelial cells type II (AECII) were treated with LPS, and the levels of miR-9 and RUNX1 were detected. Then we observed the effects of miR-9 on procoagulant and fibrinolysis inhibitor factors in cells. Finally, we explored whether the efficacies of miR-9 were associated with RUNX1; we also preliminarily examined the miR-9 and RUNX1 levels in plasma in patients with ARDS. ResultsIn ARDS rats, miR-9 expression decreased, but RUNX1 expression increased in the pulmonary tissue of ARDS rats. miR-9 displayed to attenuate lung injury and pulmonary wet/dry ratio. Study results in vivo demonstrated that miR-9 ameliorated alveolar hypercoagulation and fibrinolysis inhibition and attenuated the collagen III expressions in tissue. miR-9 also inhibited NF-κB signaling pathway activation in ARDS. In LPS-induced AECII, the expression changes of both miR-9 and RUNX1 were similar to those in pulmonary tissue in the animal ARDS model. miR-9 effectively inhabited tissue factor (TF), plasma activator inhibitor (PAI-1) expressions, and NF-κB activation in LPS-treated ACEII cells. Besides, miR-9 directly targeted RUNX1, inhibiting TF and PAI-1 expression and attenuating NF-κB activation in LPS-treated AECII cells. Clinically, we preliminarily found that the expression of miR-9 was significantly reduced in ARDS patients compared to non-ARDS patients. ConclusionOur experimental data indicate that by directly targeting RUNX1, miR-9 improves alveolar hypercoagulation and fibrinolysis inhibition via suppressing NF-κB pathway activation in LPS-induced rat ARDS, implying that miR-9/RUNX1 is expected to be a new therapeutic target for ARDS treatment.

MiR-217 regulates autophagy through OPG/RANKL/RANK in giant cell tumors

BackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in cancer development and progression. Our previous study showed remarkably lower levels of miR-217 in GCT cells and tissues, and miR-217 re-expression inhibited the occurrence and development of GCT in vitro; however, the associated mechanisms remain unknown. Thus, this study aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying the proliferation inhibitory effect of miR-217 in GCT cells.MethodsThe proliferative potential of the GCT cells was measured with an MTT assay and BrdU straining. Changes in GCT cell migration and invasion was assessed by a transwell assay. Finally, Western blot and RT-PCR assays were employed to evaluate OPG/RANKL/RANK signaling pathway-related protein expression.ResultsThe excessive upregulation of miR-217 markedly suppressed GCT cell proliferation and tumorigenesis both in vitro and in vivo. miR-217 overexpression could inhibit the OPG/RANKL/RANK signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, ALP activity was significantly decreased in GCT cells following miR-217 treatment. Importantly, miR-217 could inhibit autophagy-related protein expression and autophagosome/autolysosome formation in GCT cells and tissues.ConclusionThese results suggest that miR-217 upregulation could inhibit the occurrence and development of GCT by blocking autophagy. These findings offer an effective therapeutic target to improve the survival rates of patients with CGT in the future.

TNF inhibits AQP2 expression via a miR137-dependent pathway

We previously showed that production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) by the kidney, under normotensive, non-inflammatory conditions, inhibits expression of angiotensinogen in the proximal tubule and NKCC2 isoform A in the thick ascending limb of Henle’s loop via micro-RNA (miRNA)-dependent mechanisms. As miR-137 is a regulator of aquaporin-2 (AQP2) expression and TNF inhibits the expression of several extrarenal aquaporins, we tested the hypothesis that TNF inhibits AQP2 in the kidney via a miR-137-dependent mechanism. Target seed regions of mmu-miR-137 are conserved in the 3'-untranslated region (3’-UTR) of mouse AQP2 mRNA and luciferase assays showed that mmu-miR-137 directly targeted the 3’-UTR of mouse AQP2. Moreover, AQP2 expression was decreased by approximately 70% (P&lt;0.05) in primary renal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells transfected with a miRNA mimic of mmu-miR-137, indicating that miR-137 directly targets AQP2 mRNA in these cells. The decrease in AQP2 mRNA accumulation was accompanied by a 53% decrease (P&lt;0.05) in AQP2 protein expression when mmu-miR-137 was overexpressed in IMCD cells. Exposure of IMCD cells for 2 hr to 400 mosmol/kg H2O medium, made by increasing the osmolality by adding NaCl, increased mmu-miR-137 mRNA expression about 2-fold (P&lt;0.05) as determined by quantitative RT-PCR analysis. These conditions also increased TNF production approximately 2-fold (P&lt;0.05). To determine if the increase in mmu-miR-137 mRNA expression was related to the concomitant increase in TNF, cells were transfected with either a lentivirus construct to silence TNF or a control construct. The silencing construct, EGFP-shTNF-ex4, but not U6 control, decreased mmu-miR-137 mRNA expression in the IMCD cells exposed to 400 mosmol/kg H2O medium by approximately 63% (P&lt;0.05) indicating that TNF upregulates mmu-miR-137 mRNA expression in IMCD cells. The levels of miR-137 also increased approximately 2-fold (P&lt;0.05) in inner medulla isolated from age- and sex-matched male or female mice given 1% NaCl in the drinking water (HS) for 3 days. Six days after intrarenal injection of lentivirus EGFP-shTNF-ex4 to silence TNF, renal AQP2 mRNA levels increased approximately 3-fold (P&lt;0.05) in inner medullary tissue isolated from male or female mice given HS compared with their respective control groups. In addition, renal silencing of TNF in male or female mice given HS exhibited an increase in AQP2 protein expression the inner medulla compared with control group as determined by Western blot analysis. Similarly, EGFP-shTNF-ex4, but not U6, decreased miR-137 levels in the inner medulla in male or female mice given HS. Taken together, these data reveal a novel mechanism by which TNF mediates the inhibition of AQP2 via miR-137, indicating that miR-137 may be important for studying TNF-regulated effects involving the AQP2 pathway on renal water excretion and blood pressure regulation. NIH grants R01 HL133077 and HL153525 This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

H19X-encoded non-coding RNAs are associated with loss of muscle and old age in human: A quantitative histological study using the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database

Loss of skeletal muscle mass and function is commonly seen in individuals with chronic illness, older age, and altered hormonal and/or endocrine functions. Whole-genome survey of human muscle biopsies has identified several miRNAs which are associated with chronic diseases and thus named “atromiRs.” Using murine models, we have showed that H10X-encoded atromiRs miR-424/miR-503 downregulates muscle mass by directly targeting protein translation initiation factors. We hypothesized that H19X-encoded non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of muscle atrophy/wasting in humans, and the levels of the ncRNAs are correlated with the loss of skeletal muscle mass in old age. A total of 803 samples from the GTEx project, which contains both skeletal muscle RNA expression information and skeletal muscle biopsy images, were included in the study. The samples were further classified into eight groups based on the levels of miR-503HG (host gene of miR-424/miR-503) reported in the database. Quantification of histopathology in HE-stained muscle sections were manually performed in group 1 (n=89) and 8 (n=100), which had the lowest levels or highest levels of miR-424/miR-503, respectively. The degree of muscle atrophy, fibrosis, and interfascicular/perifascicular fat accumulation were assessed with a grading scale of 0-3. The total muscle histology score was also calculated as a sum of all three scores. Unpaired student t-tests were used to compare histological scores, BMI, and age between the two groups. All tests were two-tailed and p-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. There is no significant difference between the two groups in sex ( p= 0.55). In agreement with our recent study, high levels of miR-503HG (group 8) are associated with old age ( p= 0.02), and a trend of higher BM ( p= 0.07). Notably, high levels of miR-503HG are significantly correlated with muscle atrophy ( p= 0.001) and a total muscle wasting score ( p= 0.03) from histological assessment. These findings suggest the increased levels of H19X-encoded ncRNAs in human skeletal muscle are associated with muscle mass loss and potential sarcopenia. The results of our study may provide insight into the underlying role of H19X-encoded ncRNAs in the pathogenesis of geriatric muscle loss. The research was funded by the University of Houston internal fund to enhance and advance research (to YL). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Clinical significance of Notch pathway-associated microRNA-107 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Background & aim: MicroRNAs associated with the Notch pathway play a critical role in the progression of pancreatic carcinoma. Our aim was to study the clinical significance of miR-107 and NOTCH2 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods: The circulating miR-107 levels in PDAC and controls were determined by qPCR. NOTCH2 protein (target) expression in tissue of PDAC, periampullary carcinoma, chronic pancreatitis and normal pancreatic tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results: The circulating miR-107 levels were found to be significantly reduced in PDAC as compared with controls. Additionally, NOTCH2 protein expression was higher in PDAC tissue as compared with controls and was clinically associated with metastasis. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the utility of circulating miR-107 as a potential differentiating marker in PDAC.

Metastatic breast tumors downregulate miR-145 regulating the hypoxia-induced vasculogenic mimicry

Tumor cells grow in three-dimensional (3D) channels-like structures denoted as vasculogenic mimicry (VM), which provides a route for nutrients and oxygen acquisition. VM is activated by hypoxia and associated with metastasis and poor prognosis. MetastamiRs are microRNAs regulating metastasis, however, if they control VM in breast cancer remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of VM-associated microRNAs in tumors of metastatic breast cancer patients. Firstly, we constructed microRNAs/mRNAs coregulation networks using expression data from TCGA databases. Dozens of microRNAs regulating genes involved in VM and metastasis were found. Of these, we selected 10 microRNAs for further characterization. The presence of VM in histological samples from patients with or without metastasis was evaluated using CD31-/PAS+ immunophenotyping. Remarkably, data showed that VM was significantly increased in tumors from patients with metastasis in comparison with no-metastatic group. Gene expression analysis indicated that miR-145, miR-142-3p, miR-31, miR-148a, miR-200b-3p and miR-526b were downregulated in primary tumors from patients with metastatic disease and positive for VM. Moreover, modulated microRNAs showed a predictive clinical value in overall survival in a cohort (n=1262) of breast cancer patients. Of these, we evaluated the role of miR-145 in formation of hypoxia-induced 3D channels-like using an in vitro model that recapitulates the early stages of VM. Data showed that miR-145 mimics was able to abolish the VM development in both metastatic Hs578t and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. In conclusion, manipulation of miR-145 levels may represent a therapeutic approach in metastatic breast cancer patients that developed VM.

Circulating miR-107 as a diagnostic biomarker of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture increases bone formation in vitro and in vivo

AimsThis study aimed to examine the key circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in the plasma of patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture and assess their potential role as diagnostic biomarkers and explore their function in vitro and in vivo. MethodsWeighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to identify hub miRNAs for subsequent analysis. The candidate miRNAs were tested using plasma from 144 patients and the results were applied to construct receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to assess their diagnostic value. In addition, the function of the target miRNA was validated in MC3T3-E1 cells, human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs), and an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model. Key findingsSeven modules were obtained by WGCNA analysis. The expression levels of circulating miR-107 in the red module were significantly lower in osteoporotic patients than in healthy controls. In addition, miR-107 provided discrimination with an AUC > 85 % by ROC analyses to differentiate women osteoporosis patients from healthy controls and differentiate women osteoporotic patients with vertebral compression fractures from osteoporotic patients without vertebral compression fractures. In vitro experiments revealed that miR-107 levels were increased in osteogenically induced MC3T3-E1 cells and BMSCs and transfection with synthetic miR-107 could promote bone formation. Lastly, the bone parameters were improved by miR-107 upregulation in OVX mice. SignificanceOur findings show that circulating miR-107 plays an essential role in facilitating osteogenesis and may be a useful diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target in osteoporosis.

Investigating miR-9 as a mediator in laryngeal cancer health disparities.

For several decades, Black patients have carried a higher burden of laryngeal cancer among all races. Even when accounting for sociodemographics, a disparity remains. Differentially expressed microRNAs have been linked to racially disparate clinical outcomes in breast and prostate cancers, yet an association in laryngeal cancer has not been addressed. In this study, we present our computational analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs in Black compared with White laryngeal cancer and further validate microRNA-9-5p (miR-9-5p) as a potential mediator of cancer phenotype and chemoresistance. Bioinformatic analysis of 111 (92 Whites, 19 Black) laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) specimens from the TCGA revealed miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in Black compared with White LSCC. We focused on miR-9-5 p which had a significant 4-fold lower expression in Black compared with White LSCC (p<0.05). After transient transfection with either miR-9 mimic or inhibitor in cell lines derived from Black (UM-SCC-12) or White LSCC patients (UM-SCC-10A), cellular migration and cell proliferation was assessed. Alterations in cisplatin sensitivity was evaluated in transient transfected cells via IC50 analysis. qPCR was performed on transfected cells to evaluate miR-9 targets and chemoresistance predictors, ABCC1 and MAP1B. Northern blot analysis revealed mature miR-9-5p was inherently lower in cell line UM-SCC-12 compared with UM-SCC-10A. UM -SCC-12 had baseline increase in cellular migration (p < 0.01), proliferation (p < 0.0001) and chemosensitivity (p < 0.01) compared to UM-SCC-10A. Increasing miR-9 in UM-SCC-12 cells resulted in decreased cellular migration (p < 0.05), decreased proliferation (p < 0.0001) and increased sensitivity to cisplatin (p < 0.001). Reducing miR-9 in UM-SCC-10A cells resulted in increased cellular migration (p < 0.05), increased proliferation (p < 0.05) and decreased sensitivity to cisplatin (p < 0.01). A significant inverse relationship in ABCC1 and MAP1B gene expression was observed when miR-9 levels were transiently elevated or reduced in either UM-SCC-12 or UM-SCC-10A cell lines, respectively, suggesting modulation by miR-9. Collectively, these studies introduce differential miRNA expression in LSCC cancer health disparities and propose a role for low miR-9-5p as a mediator in LSCC tumorigenesis and chemoresistance.

The polymorphism rs4705342 in the promoter of miR-143/145 is related to the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer and patient prognosis.

To evaluate the effects of two genetic variants in the promoter of the miR-143/145 cluster on the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and the prognosis of EOC patients. Genotypes were determined by the polymerase chain reaction and ligase detection reaction method in 563 EOC patients and 576 healthy women. The expression of miR-143 and miR-145 were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in fifty-two EOC tissues. The rs4705342 CC genotype frequencies in EOC patients were higher than those in the controls (P = 0.014). Furthermore, the CC genotype of rs4705342 was associated with an advanced FIGO stage of EOC patients (P = 0.046). Patients with the rs4705342 CC genotype had shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) times than those carrying the TT genotype in multivariable analysis adjusting for clinical variables (HR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.04-1.62, P = 0.020; HR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.05-1.70, P = 0.020). In addition, the miR-145 levels were lower in EOC tissues with the rs4705342 CC genotype than in those with the TT genotype (P = 0.005). The CC genotype of rs4705342 was related to an increased risk of EOC and poor prognosis of EOC patients, and rs4705342 may serve as a molecular marker for predicting the development of EOC and the clinical outcome of EOC patients.

Abstract 3757: miR-200 inhibits the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts in lung tumor microenvironment

Abstract Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key components of the tumor microenvironment and promote cancer progression and metastasis. CAFs are regulated by diverse processes including regulation by miRNAs. To identify miRNAs involved in the regulation of CAF activation, we profiled miRNA expression within mouse lung normal fibroblasts (LFs) and CAFs using the NanoString nCounter method. Among numerous miRNAs differentially expressed between CAFs and LFs, miR-200 was selected for further investigation, which is more highly downregulated in CAFs. Overexpression of miR-200 in CAFs suppressed the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells in co-culture systems and inhibited metastasis in a mouse model. In addition, we verified that lung cancer patients with high miR-200 levels showed a good prognosis than those with low miR-200 levels. Next, we tried to identify novel miR-200 targets based on RNA sequencing data, lung adenocarcinoma TCGA, and TargetScan. NRP2 was confirmed to be a target of miR-200 by 3΄-UTR assay. NRP2 knockdown by siRNAs in CAFs suppressed cancer cell invasion, and NRP2 addback in CAF-200 restored cancer cell invasion inhibited by miR-200. NRP2 functions as a co-receptor with VEGFR, thus, CAF-200 was less responsive to VEGF than control CAFs. Collectively, this study suggests that downregulation of miR-200 in CAFs promotes lung cancer progression in tumor microenvironment; therefore, miR-200 will be a good therapeutic target or a biomarker in lung adenocarcinoma. Citation Format: Inyoung Cheon, Sieun Lee. miR-200 inhibits the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts in lung tumor microenvironment. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 3757.

High expression of miR-107 and miR-17 predicts poor prognosis and guides treatment selection in acute myeloid leukemia.

The prognostic significance of miR-107 and miR-17 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unclear. A total of 173 patients with de novo AML from the Cancer Genome Atlas database were enrolled in this study and further divided into a chemotherapy group (98 cases) and an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) group (75 cases) according to their therapy regimen. In the chemotherapy cohort, high miR-107 or miR-17 expression was associated with poorer overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS). On the other hand, there were no significant differences in OS and EFS between the high- and low-expression subgroups in the allo-HSCT group. Next, we stratified the total number of patients with AML into high- and low-expression groups according to the median expression levels of miR-107 or miR-17. In the high miR-107 or miR-17 expression group, patients treated with allo-HSCT had longer OS than those treated with chemotherapy. In the low miR-107 or miR-17 expression group, no significant differences in OS and EFS were observed between the two therapy subgroups. When patients were further clustered into three groups (both low miR-107 and low miR-17, either high miR-107 or high miR-17, and both high miR-107 and high miR-17), patients with both high miR-107 and high miR-17 expression had the worst OS and EFS of the entire group and of the chemotherapy group. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in OS and EFS among the three subgroups in the allo-HSCT group. Cox regression confirmed the concurrence of high expression of miR-107 and miR-17 might act as an independent prognostic factor for EFS and OS in the entire group and the chemotherapy group. Bioinformatics analysis showed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with miR-107 and miR-17 expression were mainly enriched in multiple metabolic processes. The combination of miR-107 and miR-17 provides prognostic significance for patients with AML and should be considered in the clinical selection of the optimal treatment regimen when deciding between chemotherapy and allo-HSCT.

Osteocalcin, miR-143, and miR-145 Expression in Long-Standing Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Their Correlation with HbA1c.

Inadequate management and control of hyperglycemia predisposes diabetic patients to a wide range of complications. Thus, this opens new windows for exploring and scrutinizing novel candidate biomarkers. This study was designed to scrutinize the relationship between HbA1c, osteocalcin, calcium, phosphorus, and expression levels of miR-143 and miR-145 in individuals with T1DM and explore their correlations and diagnostic potential for T1DM. 120 unrelated participants were included (i.e., 90 participants with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 30 healthy controls) and were allocated into two groups. Participants with T1DM were allocated into three subgroups (i.e., below 1year, 1-8years, and over 8years) based on diabetic duration. Participants with T1DM experienced noticeable HbA1c elevation. However, osteocalcin, phosphorus, and calcium profiles notably declined in participants with diabetes compared with those in healthy controls. Moreover, the expression levels of miR-143 and miR-145 decreased in participants with diabetes with a significant difference between participants with diabetes and healthy controls. Additionally, significant alterations in HbA1c, osteocalcin, phosphorus, and calcium profiles and expression levels of miR-143 and miR-145 were observed with increasing diabetic duration (T1DM > 8years compared with those with a diabetes duration of less than 1year). This study suggests that miR-143 and miR-145 are prospective biomarkers of diabetes mellitus, which may help predict the progression of complications.