scholarly journals MicroRNA-132, Delivered by Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes, Promote Angiogenesis in Myocardial Infarction

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teng Ma ◽  
Yueqiu Chen ◽  
Yihuan Chen ◽  
Qingyou Meng ◽  
Jiacheng Sun ◽  
...  

Background. To cure ischemic diseases, angiogenesis needs to be improved by various strategies in ischemic area. Considering that microRNA-132 (miR-132) regulates endothelial cell behavior during angiogenesis and the safe and efficacious delivery of microRNAs in vivo is rarely achieved, an ideal vehicle for miR-132 delivery could bring the promise for ischemic diseases. As a natural carrier of biological molecules, exosomes are more and more developed as an ideal vehicle for miRNA transfer. Meanwhile, mesenchymal stem cells could release large amounts of exosomes. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether MSC-derived exosomes can be used for miR-132 delivery in the treatment of myocardial ischemia. Methods. MSC-derived exosomes were electroporated with miR-132 mimics and inhibitors. After electroporation, miR-132 exosomes were labelled with DiI and added to HUVECs. Internalization of DiI-labelled exosomes was examined by fluorescent microscopy. Expression levels of miR-132 in exosomes and HUVECs were quantified by real-time PCR. The mRNA levels of miR-132 target gene RASA1 in HUVECs were quantified by real-time PCR. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to examine the targeting relationship between miR-132 and RASA1. The effects of miR-132 exosomes on the angiogenic ability of endothelial cells were evaluated by tube formation assay. Matrigel plug assay and myocardial infarction model were used to determine whether miR-132 exosomes can promote angiogenesis in vivo. Results. miR-132 mimics were effectively electroporated and highly detected in MSC-derived exosomes. The expression level of miR-132 was high in HUVECs preincubated with miR-132 mimic-electroporated exosomes and low in HUVECs preincubated with miR-132 inhibitor-electroporated exosomes. The expression level of RASA1, miR-132 target gene, was reversely correlated with miR-132 expression in HUVECs pretreated with exosomes. Luciferase reporter assay further confirmed that RASA1 was a direct target of miR-132. Exosomes loaded with miR-132, as a vehicle for miRNA transfer, significantly increased tube formation of endothelial cells. Moreover, subcutaneous injection of HUVECs pretreated with miR-132 exosomes in nude mice significantly increased their angiogenesis capacity in vivo. In addition, transplantation of miR-132 exosomes in the ischemic hearts of mice markedly enhanced the neovascularization in the peri-infarct zone and preserved heart functions. Conclusions. The findings suggest that the export of miR-132 via MSC-derived exosomes represents a novel strategy to enhance angiogenesis in ischemic diseases.

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoting Li ◽  
Xiang Xue ◽  
Yuejun Sun ◽  
Lei Chen ◽  
Ting Zhao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Our study sought to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of miR-326-5p-overexpressing endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) on acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods Mouse EPCs were isolated, purified, and identified by flow cytometry and uptake of DiI-ac-LDL. The target gene of miR-326-5p was predicted using target prediction algorithms and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RT-qPCR, and Western blot. After EPCs were transfected with the agomir or antagomir of miR-326-5p, tube formation assay and Matrigel plug angiogenesis assay were conducted in four groups (NC, miR-326-5p agomir, miR-326-5p antagomir, and miR-326-5p agomir+Wnt1 agonist). In addition, a mouse model of MI was established and treated with the injection of miR-326-5p-EPCs, miR-326-5p-EPCs+ Wnt1 agonist, EPCs-NC, or PBS/control into the peri-infarcted myocardium. Subsequently, cardiac function was monitored by echocardiography at 7 and 28 days postoperatively. Finally, the infarcted hearts were collected at 28 days, and the size of myocardial infarction was measured by Masson’s trichrome staining and the neovascularization in the peri-infarcted area was examined through immunofluorescence staining. Results Luciferase reporter assay indicated that Wnt1 was a direct target of miR-326-5p. Using RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis, we further demonstrated that the expression level of Wnt1 was negatively correlated with miR-326-5p expression in EPCs. Both in vitro study of tube formation assay and in vivo investigation of subcutaneous Matrigel plug assay revealed that the miR-326-5p agomir could significantly enhance the angiogenic capacity of EPCs, and this effect was partially inhibited by Wnt1 agonist. Meanwhile, miR-326-5p antagomir could obviously reduce the the angiogenic capacity of EPCs in vivo compared with that in the NC group. Moreover, the transplantation of miR-326-5p-overexpressing EPCs in the ischemic hearts of mice significantly enhanced the angiogenesis in the peri-infarcted zone and improved the cardiac function. However, the enhanced capacity of angiogenesis of miR-326-5p-overexpressing EPCs was remarkably neutralized by Wnt1 agonist, accompanied by the decreased improvement in cardiac function. Conclusion miR-326-5p significantly enhanced the angiogenic capacity of EPCs. Transplantation of miR-326-5p-overexpressing EPCs improved cardiac function for AMI therapy, which can be a novel strategy for enhancing therapeutic angiogenesis in ischemic heart diseases.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (45) ◽  
pp. 4806-4812 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhibo Sun ◽  
Fei Wu ◽  
Yue Yang ◽  
Feng Liu ◽  
Fengbo Mo ◽  
...  

Background: MicroRNAs have recently been recognized to be engaged in the development of bone diseases. Objective: This study was performed to elucidate the effects of miR-144-3p on proliferation and osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the patients with steroid-associated osteonecrosis (ONFH) and its related mechanism. Method: The expression level of miR-144-3p in the MSCs from the proximal femur of the patients was examined by Real-time PCR. The cell proliferation ability was assayed by MTT. The differentiation ability of MSCs was assayed by Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining. The interaction between miR-144-3p and frizzled4 (FZD4) was investigated by Real-time PCR, western blot and luciferase reporter assay. Results: ONFH samples had the obviously high expression of miR-144-3p compared to the control. MiR-144-3p had a negative effect on the proliferation and osteogenesis of MSCs. Via targeting FZD4, miR-144-3p decreased β-catenin nuclear translocation, the transcription of RUNX2 and COL1A1. Over-expression of FZD4 partially reversed miR-144-3p-induced decrease in the proliferation and osteogenesis of MSCs. Conclusion: MiR-144-3p might play an important role in the development of ONFH and might be used as a novel class of therapeutic targets for this disease.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (02) ◽  
pp. 341-356
Author(s):  
Chiu-Mei Lin ◽  
Wei-Jen Fang ◽  
Bao-Wei Wang ◽  
Chun-Ming Pan ◽  
Su-Kiat Chua ◽  
...  

MicroRNA 145 (miR-145) is a critical modulator of cardiovascular diseases. The downregulation of myocardial miR-145 is followed by an increase in disabled-2 (Dab2) expression in cardiomyocytes. (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a flavonoid that has been evaluated extensively due to its diverse pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective effects of EGCG under hypoxia-induced stress in vitro and in vivo. The hypoxic insult led to the suppression of miR-145 expression in cultured rat cardiomyocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blotting and real-time PCR were performed. In rat myocardial infarction study, in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescent analyses were adopted. The western blot and real-time PCR data revealed that hypoxic stress with 2.5% O2 suppressed the expression of miR-145 and Wnt3a/[Formula: see text]-catenin in cultured rat cardiomyocytes but augmented Dab2. Treatment with EGCG attenuated Dab2 expression, but increased Wnt3a and [Formula: see text]-catenin in hypoxic cultured cardiomyocytes. Following in vivo myocardial infarction (MI) study, the data revealed the myocardial infarct area reduced by 48.5%, 44.6%, and 48.5% in EGCG (50[Formula: see text]mg/kg) or miR-145 dominant or Dab2 siRNA groups after myocardial infarction for 28 days, respectively. This study demonstrated that EGCG increased miR-145, Wnt3a, and [Formula: see text]-catenin expression but attenuated Dab2 expression. Moreover, EGCG ameliorated myocardial ischemia in vivo. The novel suppressive effect was mediated through the miR-145 and Dab2/Wnt3a/[Formula: see text]-catenin pathways.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiong Wang ◽  
Guanwen Wang ◽  
Lianjie Niu ◽  
Shaorong Zhao ◽  
Jianjun Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer, rely on the formation of new blood vessel for growth and frequent intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastasis. Therefore, it is important to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis of HCC. Recently, microRNAs have been shown to modulate angiogenic processes by modulating the expression of critical angiogenic factors. However, the potential roles of tumor-derived exosomal microRNAs in regulating tumor angiogenesis remain to be elucidated. Methods: MiRNome sequencing was performed to uncover the miRNAs that are dysregulated in HCC patient serum-derived exosomes. Expression levels of miR-1290 in tissues and cells were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The effect of mir-1290 on proliferation was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. The angiogenic ability of cells were determined by transwell, wound-healing, tube formation and matrigel plug assays. SMMC-7721 xenograft tumor model was established in NOD-SCID nude mice using miR-1290 and NC antagomirs to determin the angiogenic effect of mir-1290 in vivo. Target protein expression was determined by western blotting. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the action of miR-1290 on downstream target genes including SMEK1. Results are reported as means ± S.D. and differences were tested for significance using 2-sided Student’s t-test.Results: In this study, our miRNome sequencing demonstrated that miR-1290 was overexpressed in HCC patient serum-derived exosomes, and we found that delivery of miR-1290 into human endothelial cells enhanced their angiogenic ability. Our results further revealed that SMEK1 is a direct target of miR-1290 in endothelial cells. MiR-1290 exerted its pro-angiogenic function, at least in part, by alleviating the inhibition of VEGFR2 phosphorylation done by SMEK1. Conclusions: Collectively, our findings provide evidence that miR-1290 is overexpressed in HCC and promotes tumor angiogenesis via exosomal secretion, implicating its potential role as a therapeutic target for HCC.


Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 2450-2450
Author(s):  
Pedro De Alarcon ◽  
Manu Gnanamony ◽  
Jessica Garcia

Abstract Introduction: Iron deficiency (ID) is one of the recognized causes of reactive thrombocytosis in children. Factors that are commonly associated with megakaryopoiesis such as thrombopoietin (TPO), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-11 are not altered in patients with iron deficiency and thrombocytosis suggesting the role of alternate mechanisms in controlling this process. We have previously shown using an ID rat model that ID increased the number of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. We have also shown an increase in VEGFR (FLT1) and CXCR4 staining in bone marrow slides of ID rats. This data suggests that angiogenesis plays a vital role in the development of reactive thrombocytosis in response to ID. In this report, we have expanded our study to identify specific angiogenic signaling molecules associated with ID and used functional assays to validate it. Methods: For this study, we used the megakaryoblast cell line MEG-01 as an in vitro model of megakaryopoiesis. MEG-01 cells were adapted to grow in chemically defined serum free medium containing iron (iron replete media). For iron deficiency, serum free iron free media was mixed with iron replete media at a 1% v/v concentration (iron deplete media). For our experiments, MEG-01 cells were grown in both iron replete and depleted media for 7 days. Cell viability was measured using the trypan blue exclusion assay. Messenger-RNA expression of iron-related markers (TFR1, TFR2, FLT1, FLT3, FTL, FTH1, TF, HMOX1 and HMOX2) and angiogenic markers (VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFC, PDGF, ANGPTL1, ANGPTL2, FGF2) was studied using real time PCR. We performed functional validation of angiogenesis with an in vitro tube formation assay using human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cells. For statistical analysis of the data we performed the t test using graph pad prism software and we considered p<0.05 as statistically significant. Results: In low iron conditions, MEG-01 cells showed a significant increase in FLT1 (4 fold) and FLT3 (3 fold) expression using real time PCR (p<0.001). Iron deficiency also induced a 2 fold increase in the mRNA expression of angiogenic molecules VEGFB, VEGFC, FGF2 and PDGFA (p<0.001). Using the tube formation assay, we also show that conditioned media collected from iron deficient MEG-01 cells induced increased vessel formation in endothelial cells. Conclusion: In this study, we were able to validate our earlier in vivo findings on iron deficiency induced reactive thrombocytosis. We show that cells adapt to low iron conditions by upregulating FLT1, FLT3 and FTL. We also show that several markers in the angiogenesis pathway like VEGFB, VEGFC, FGF2 and PDGFA are upregulated in response to iron deficiency. We were also able to show that an increase in these angiogenic molecules induced increased vessel formation in endothelial cells. This report, along with our previous findings, points to the importance of the angiogenic pathway in reactive thrombocytosis induced by iron deficiency. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Author(s):  
Yulang Huang ◽  
Lifang Chen ◽  
Zongming Feng ◽  
Weixin Chen ◽  
Shaodi Yan ◽  
...  

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-derived exosomes have been found to be effective in alleviating MI, while the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. The present study aimed to determine the protective effects of EPC-derived exosomal miR-1246 and miR-1290 on MI-induced injury and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. The exosomes were extracted from EPCs; gene expression levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR, and protein expression levels were determined by western blot and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. The angiogenesis and proliferation of human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) were determined by tube formation assay and immunofluorescence staining of PKH67, respectively. Luciferase reporter, CHIP, and EMSA assays determined the interaction between miR-1246/1290 and the targeted genes (EFL5 and SP1). The protective effects of miR-1246/1290 on MI were evaluated in a rat model of MI. EPC-derived exosomes significantly upregulated miR-1246 and miR-1290 expression and promoted phenotypic changes of fibroblasts to endothelial cells, angiogenesis, and proliferation in HCFs. Exosomes from EPCs with miR-1246 or miR-1290 mimics transfection promoted phenotypic changes of fibroblasts to endothelial cells and angiogenesis in HCFs, while exosomes from EPCs with miR-1246 or miR-1290 knockdown showed opposite effects in HCFs. Mechanistically, miR-1246 and miR-1290 from EPC-derived exosomes induced upregulation of ELF5 and SP1, respectively, by targeting the promoter regions of corresponding genes. Overexpression of both ELF5 and SP1 enhanced phenotypic changes of fibroblasts to endothelial cells and angiogenesis in HCFs pretreated with exosomes from EPCs with miR-1246 or miR-1290 mimics transfection, while knockdown of both EFL5 and SP1 exerted the opposite effects in HCFs. Both ELF5 and SP1 can bind to the promoter of CD31, leading to the upregulation of CD31 in HCFs. Furthermore, in vivo animal studies showed that exosomes from EPCs with miR-1246 or miR-1290 overexpression attenuated the MI-induced cardiac injury in the rats and caused an increase in ELF5, SP1, and CD31 expression, respectively, but suppressed α-SMA expression in the cardiac tissues. In conclusion, our study revealed that miR-1246 and miR-1290 in EPC-derived exosomes enhanced in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis in MI, and these improvements may be associated with amelioration of cardiac injury and cardiac fibrosis after MI.


2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 1898-1917 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunyan Yao ◽  
Fengxia He ◽  
Longfei Liu ◽  
Zhiwei Zhang ◽  
Chenhui Zhao ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: The activation of complement system and the formation of C5b-9 complex have been confirmed in the glomeruli of patients with mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN). However, the role and mechanism of C5b-9-induced injury in glomerular mesangial cell (GMC) are poorly understood. Rat Thy-1N is an animal model for studying MsPGN. It has been revealed that the attack of C5b-9 to the GMC in rat Thy-1N is sublytic, and sublytic C5b-9 can cause GMC apoptosis, but the underlying mechanism is not fully elucidated. To explore the role and regulatory mechanism of C5b-9 in MsPGN lesion, we used rat Thy-1N model and first detected the change of microRNA (miRNA) profiles both in Thy-1N rat renal tissues (in vivo) and in the cultured GMCs with sublytic C5b-9 stimulation (in vitro). Then we determined the effect of miR-3546, which increased both in vivo and in vitro, on GMC apoptosis upon sublytic C5b-9 as well as the involved mechanism. Methods: Rat Thy-1N model was established and GMCs were treated with sublytic C5b-9. The rat renal cortex and the stimulated GMCs were obtained for miRNA microarray detection. Subsequently, the increased miRNAs were verified by real-time PCR. Meanwhile, to ascertain the ability of some miRNAs to upregulate cleaved caspase 3 and induce GMC apoptosis, the corresponding miRNA mimics were transfected into GMCs, followed by western blotting (WB) and flow cytometry mesurement. Thereafter, the miR-3546-targeted gene (SOX4) was predicted using bioinformatics approaches, and SOX4 expression in Thy-1N tissues and in the GMCs upon sublytic C5b-9 stimulation or miR-3546 mimic/inhibitor transfection were detected using real-time PCR and WB. To prove that miR-3546 can affect SOX4 gene transcription and SOX4 can regulate survivin expression, dual luciferase reporter assay, real-time PCR, WB and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were performed. Furthermore, the role of miR-3546/SOX4/survivin axis in the GMC apoptosis induced by sublytic C5b-9 was examined using WB and flow cytometry. Results: Compared with normal renal tissues and untreated GMCs, there were 43 and 62 upregulated miRNAs (> 2-fold) in Thy-1N tissues and sublytic C5b-9-stimulated GMCs respectively. A total of 17 miRNAs were increased both in vivo and in vitro, 11 of which were validated by real-time PCR. Among them, miR-3546 could markedly promote GMC apoptosis and inhibit SOX4 or survivin expression in response to sublytic C5b-9, and either SOX4 or survivin overexpression markedly rescued the GMC apoptosis mediated by miR-3546 mimic. Additionally, SOX4 overexpression could reverse the survivin suppression by miR-3546 mimic, and SOX4 could bind to survivin promoter (-1,278 to -853 nt) and activate survivin gene transcription. Conclusion: MiR-3546/ SOX4/survivin axis has a promoting role in the GMC apoptosis triggered by sublytic C5b-9, and our findings may provide a new insight into the pathogenesis of rat Thy-1N and human MsPGN.


2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 2207-2219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinxia Yuan ◽  
Hongtao Chen ◽  
Dawei Ge ◽  
Yu Xu ◽  
Haihua Xu ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction (MI) has been identified as an important factor in the deterioration of heart function. Previous studies have demonstrated that miR-21 plays an important role in various pathophysiological processes in the heart. However, the role of miR-21 in fibrosis regulation after MI remains unclear. Methods: To induce cardiac infarction, the left anterior descending coronary artery was permanently ligated of mice. First, we explored the expression of miR-21 in the infarcted zone in mice model of MI via RT-qPCR. Next, we examined the effects of TGF-β1 on miR-21 expression in cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). Then, CFs were infected with miR-21 mimics or miR-21 inhibitors to investigate the effects of miR-21 on the process of CFs activation in vitro. Further, bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were performed to identify and validate the target gene of miR-21. At last, in-vivo study was done to confirm MiR-21 regulated myocardial fibrosis after MI in mice. Results: MiR-21 was up-regulated in the infarcted zone after MI in vivo. TGF-β1 treatment increased miR-21 expression in CFs. Overexpression of miR-21 promoted the effects of TGF-β1-induced activation of CFs, evidenced by increased expression of Col-1, α-SMA and F-actin, whereas inhibition of miR-21 attenuated the process of fibrosis. Bioinformatics, Western blot analysis and luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that Smad7 is a direct target of miR-21. In addition, in-vivo study revealed that MiR-21 regulated myocardial fibrosis after MI in mice. Conclusion: These findings suggested that miR-21 has a critical role in CF activation and cardiac fibrosis after MI through via TGF-β/Smad7 signaling pathway. Thus, miR-21 promises to be a potential therapy in treatment of cardiac fibrosis after MI.


2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 2239-2248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Wang ◽  
Ning Zhang ◽  
Zun Wang ◽  
Dong-mei Ai ◽  
Zhen-yu Cao ◽  
...  

Background: Obesity is now a common risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Thus, it is important to explore its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Total RNA was extracted from peripheral whole blood samples from 50 NAFLD patients and 50 healthy controls. In addition, human liver specimens were obtained through liver biopsies from NAFLD patients and healthy controls. The level of miRNA was studied using real-time PCR. The expression of lipogenic genes was analyzed using western blot, and a dual luciferase reporter assay was conducted to identify the possible target gene. Adenovirus vectors were injected into the tail vein of the high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice to study the role of miR-155 on lipid accumulation in vivo. Results: The level of miR-155 was markedly reduced in the livers and peripheral blood of NAFLD patients compared with healthy controls. Upregulation of miR-155 decreased intracellular lipid content and the SREBP1 and FAS protein levels, while inhibition of miR-155 enhanced the intracellular lipid content. The dual luciferase reporter assay showed that Liver X receptor (LXR)α was the target gene of miR-155, and silencing miR-155 reduced the expression of SREBP1 and FAS. An in vivo study showed that upregulation of miR-155 decreased the hepatic lipid accumulation mainly by suppressing the LXRα-dependent lipogenic signaling pathway. Conclusions: In summary, decreased expression of miR-155 in the peripheral blood may be utilized as a potential novel biomarker for NAFLD screening mainly by targeting LXRα.


Author(s):  
Lanfang Zhang ◽  
Xinwei Jia

Abstract Background Ischemia/hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis has been considered as a main cause of myocardial infarction. Here, we aimed to investigate the functional role of miR-30b-5p in hypoxic cardiomyocytes. Methods AC16 human cardiomyocytes were cultured under hypoxia to simulate myocardial infarction. A qRT-PCR assay was performed to determine miR-30b-5p expression in hypoxic cardiomyocytes. Cell survival, injury and apoptosis were assessed by MTT, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and flow cytometry assays, respectively. The target gene of miR-30b-5p in hypoxic cardiomyocytes was validated by luciferase reporter assay and Western blotting. Results MiR-30b-5p expression was found to be significantly upregulated in hypoxic AC16 cells. The in vitro experiments showed that downregulation of miR-30b-5p effectively alleviated hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte injury. Furthermore, Aven is a potential target gene of miR-30b-5p and its downregulation could partially reverse the influence of miR-30b-5p knockdown on AC16 cells under hypoxia. Conclusions Inhibition of miR-30b-5p could protect cardiomyocytes against hypoxia-induced injury by targeting Aven.


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