Effect of miR-133 targeting NLRP3 on inflammatory activation of mouse Kupffer cells

AIMTo explore the effect of microRNA-133 (miR-133) targeting nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) on the inflammatory activation of Kupffer cells (KCs). METHODSThe KCs were isolated from mouse liver and identified. After successful identification, 1 mg/L lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce the KCs transfected with miR-133 inhibitor or miR-133 mimic. The mRNA expression levels of miR-133 and NLRP3 were detected by RT-qPCR. The levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in cell culture medium were measured by ELISA. The protein levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) and caspase-1 were determined by Western blot. TargetScan was used to find the binding site of miR-133 and 3'UTR of NLRP3 mRNA, and the target relationship was identified by dual-luciferase reporter detection kit. RESULTSThe volume of KCs at 72 h was larger than that at 24 h, with clear boundary and stable shape. The result of carbon ink experiment showed that a large number of black particles were observed in the cells, which proved that the cells had strong phagocytic capacity and were KCs. After the KCs was induced by LPS at 1 mg/L, the level of miR-133 was decreased, while the expression of NLRP3 at mRNA and protein levels, the caspase-1 protein in the cells, and the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in cell culture medium were increased (P<0.05). After transfection with miR-133 inhibitor, the level of miR-133 in the cells was decreased, while the expression of NLRP3 at mRNA and protein levels, the caspase-1 protein in the cells, and the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in cell culture medium were increased (P<0.05). After transfection with miR-133 mimic, the level of miR-133 in the cells was increased, while the expression of NLRP3 at mRNA and protein levels, the caspase-1 protein in the cells, and the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in cell culture medium were decreased (P<0.05). TargetScan analysis showed that the 3'UTR of NLRP3 mRNA contained the conservative bases of miR-133 sequence. Relative activity of luciferase in the cells transfected with miR-133 mimic was decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION miR-133 attenuates inflammation of mouse KCs by targeting NLRP3, thus protecting the KCs.     

miR-221 changes resistance of lung cancer cells to gefitinib by regulating PTEN

AIM: To explore the effect of microRNA-221 (miR-221) on resistance of lung cancer cells to gefitinib, and to investigate its related mechanism. METHODS: RT-qPCR was used to detect the levels of miR-221 expression between gefitinib-sensitive cell line PC9 and gefitinib-resistant cell line PC9/GR. The PC9/GR cells were transfected with miR-221 inhibitor by Lipofectamine 2000. The drug sensitivity of these cells to gefitinib was determined by CCK-8 assay. The protein expression level of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) was determined by Western blot. The 3'-UTR of PTEN was cloned into luciferase reporter vector and its luciferase activity was detected to verify whether miR-221 targets PTEN. RESULTS: The expression level of miR-221 in the PC9/GR cells was significantly higher than that in the PC9 cells (P<0.05). The protein expression level of PTEN in the PC9/GR cells was lower than that in the PC9 cells (P<0.05). The IC₅₀ of gefitinib was significantly reduced in the PC9/GR cells after transfection with miR-221 inhibitor (P<0.05). The protein expression level of PTEN in the cells transfected with miR-221 inhibitor was increased as compared with control group and blank group (P<0.05). Inhibition of miR-221 expression enhanced the enzymatic activity of luciferase reporter vector of PTEN. CONCLUSION: miR-221 enhances the resistance of lung cancer cells to gefitinib by down-regulating the protein expression of PTEN.     

Effects of miR-92a and miR-19b on insulin gene expression in mouse pancreatic β-cells

AIM To investigate the effect of microRNA-92a （miR-92a） and microRNA-19b （miR-19b） on the insulin expression in mouse pancreatic β-cells. METHODS The relative expression levels of endogenous miR-92a and miR-19b in mouse insulinoma MIN6 cells were detected by qPCR. The MIN6 cells were divided into control group， and experimental groups I and II， with 3 samples in each group， and transfected with negative control miRNA （NC）， miR-92a and miR-19b， respectively. The over-expression of the miRNAs was detected by qPCR. The morphological changes and viability of the cells were detected by optical microscopy and CCK8 assay， respectively. The expression of insulin was detected by qPCR， Western blot and immunofluorescence. The possible mechanisms of miR-92a and miR-19b regulating insulin expression were analyzed by bioinformatics prediction， dual-luciferase reporter assay， and Western blot. RESULTS Compared with the adult pancreatic progenitor cells， the expression of endogenous miR-92a and miR-19b in the MIN6 cells was decreased significantly （P<0.05）. Over-expression of miR-92a and miR-19b had no effect on the viability of MIN6 cells， but inhibited the expression of insulin at mRNA and protein levels. miR-19b significantly inhibited the luciferase activity of NeuroD1 3′UTR and the protein expression of NeuroD1 （P<0.05）. miR-92a had a fine-tuning effect on the luciferase activity of NeuroD1 3′UTR and the protein expression of NeuroD1. CONCLUSION miR-92a and miR-19b inhibit the insulin expression in mouse pancreatic β-cells.     

miR-130b reverses temozolomide resistance in glioma

AIM:To investigate the expression level of microRNA-130b (miR-130b) and the molecular me-chanisms of miR-130b in temozolomide (TMZ)-resistant glioma. METHODS:The relative levels of miR-130b in 3 glioma cell lines (U251, SHG-44 and U87) were assessed by RT-qPCR. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of TMZ for the glioma cell lines was analyzed. To establish the TMZ-resistant glioma cell line, U251 cells were exposed to gradually increasing concentrations of TMZ. The IC₅₀ and resistance index (RF) were calculated with GraphPad Prism software. miR-130b-overexpressing U251/TR cells and miR-130b-knockdown U251 cells were established by transient transfection with miR-130b mimics and miR-130b inhibitor, respectively. The viability of the glioma cells was measured by CCK-8 assay. The apoptosis of glioma cells was analyzed by Annexin V/PI apoptosis assay. Bioinformatics software was used to predict the potential target gene of miR-130b, and such prediction was validated by luciferase reporter assay. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay was performed to detect the DNA binding ability of NF-κB. Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Bcl-2, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) and survivin in the glioma cells. RESULTS:The IC₅₀ values of TMZ for the giloma cell lines U251, SHG-44 and U87 were 54.8, 94.8 and 149.6 μmol/L, respectively. U251/TR cells were approximately 8.1 times resistant to TMZ as compared with its parental cells. Up-regulation of miR-130b significantly reduced the resistance of U251/TR cells to TMZ. On the contrary, down-regulation of miR-130b dramatically increased the tolerance of U251 cells to TMZ. The overexpression of miR-130b promoted apoptosis induced by TMZ in the U251/TR cells. However, the knockdown of miR-130b expression decreased the percentage of apoptotic cells in the U251 cells induced by TMZ (P<0.05). Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that TNF-α was a direct target gene of miR-130b. Knockdown of miR-130b in the U251 cells significantly promoted, while overexpression of miR-130b in the U251/TR cells reduced the DNA binding ability of NF-κB as well as the levels of TNF-α, Bcl-2, XIAP and survivin. Furthermore, NF-κB inhibitor Bay 11-7082 enhanced TMZ-induced apoptosis in the U251/TR cells. CONCLUSION:The expression of miR-130b is significantly decreased in TMZ-resistant glioma cells. miR-130b inhibits resistance of glioma to TMZ by targeting TNF-α/NF-κB pathway.     

miR-134 regulates cisplatin resistance of human lung adenocarcinoma cells

AIM: To investigate the roles of microRNA-134 (miR-134) in the cisplatin resistance of lung adenocarcinoma cells. METHODS: miRNA microarray was applied to compare the miRNA expression profile between A549/CDDP and A549 cells. Real-time PCR was used to confirm the expression of miR-134. miR-134 mimics and inhibitors were transfected into A549/CDDP and A549 cells, respectively. MTT assay was used to detect the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to cisplatin. Western blot was applied to test whether miR-134 regulated forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) and multidrug-associated protein 1 (MRP1) expression. RESULTS: Based on the data of miRNA microarray, 13 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in A549/CDDP cells compared with A549 cells, among which miR-134 was the most significantly down-regulated one. Compared with control group, A549/CDDP cells transfected with miR-134 mimics showed greatly enhanced sensitivity to cisplatin as indicated by IC₅₀ values (P<0.01). In contrast, suppression of the miR-134 level in the A549 cells resulted in a decreased sensitivity to cisplatin (P<0.01). FOXM1 siRNA down-regulated the protein levels of FOXM1. A549/CDDP cells transfected with si-FOXM1 showed enhanced sensitivity to cisplatin (P<0.01). In addition, the result of Western blot showed that miR-134 repressed MRP1 protein expression. CONCLUSION: miR-134 effectively increases the sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma cells to cisplatin, and this effect of miR-134 may be partly due to its regulation of FOXM1 and MRP1 expression.     

Stable reversal of multidrug resistance in A549/DDP cells by shRNA targeting MRP1 gene

AIM: To reverse multidrug resistance (MDR) of A549/DDP cells with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression vectors. METHODS: Two multidrug resistance-associated protein 1( MRP1 ) gene-specific shRNA expression plasmids pSilencer 2.1-U6 neo-MRP1 were constructed and introduced into A549/DDP cells. MRP1 mRNA was assayed by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The MRP1 function was determined by rhodamine 123(Rho123) retention and the protein expression of MRP1 was detected by immunofluorescent staining. The viability of A549/DDP cells was evaluated by MTT method. RESULTS: MRP1 shRNA expression plasmids were successfully constructed. The expression of MRP1 at mRNA and protein levels was significantly decreased after sh-MRP1-2.1-1 and sh-MRP1-2.1-2 were transfected into A549/DDP cells. The intracellular accumulation of Rho123 significantly increased from(16.93±0.58)% to (89.02±0.59)% and (82.56±1.37)%. IC₅₀ of cisplatin were decreased from (101.45±0.64) μmol/L to (38.06±0.05) μmol/L and (53.72±0.36) μmol/L. IC₅₀ of 5-fluorouracil were decreased from (263.20±2.00) μmol/L to (98.82±1.16) μmol/L and (141.81±0.49) μmol/L. CONCLUSION: The shRNA expression plasmid pSilencer 2.1-U6 neo-MRP1 can stably and permanently inhibit MRP1 gene. The sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to drug is reversed.     

Down-regulation of microRNA-181b has protective effect on cerebral ischemic injury of mice

AIM: To explore the role of microRNA-181b(miR-181b) in ischemic injury and autophagy protein 5(Atg5) levels of mice. METHODS: Oxygen-glucose depletion(OGD) model in N2A cells to mimic ischemic injury in vitro was established. A middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) model to mimic ischemic injury in vivowas also induced in mice. The N2A cell apoptosis after OGD was assessed by in situ cell death detection kit. The Atg5 and caspase-9 expressions were determined by Western blotting. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify the direct binding of miR-181b with 3'-UTR of Atg5 mRNA. RESULTS: The alteration of miR-181b expression level by transfection with pre-miR-181b or anti-miR-181b significantly affected N2A cell apoptosis(P<0.05). Accordingly, the changes of miR-181b levels significantly altered the protein level of Atg5(P<0.05). Co-transfection of the luciferase reporters with pre-miR-181b or anti-miR-181b resulted in the inhibition or enhancement of the luciferase activities of luciferase expressing plasmid containing 3'-UTR of Atg5 mRNA (P<0.05). In addition, the miR-181b antagonist significantly reduced the cleaved caspase-9 levels in cerebral ischemic cortex of the mice after MCAO (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Down-regulation of miR-181b plays an important role in ischemic injury of mice through regulating Atg5 protein level.     

Expression of miR-125b in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia and the effect of anti-miR-125b oligonucleotide on proliferation of human leukemic cells

AIM: To investigate the expression of miR-125b in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and to explore the inhibitory effect of anti-miR-125b oligonucleotide on human leukemic cells. METHODS: The expression of miRNAs in pediatric AML bone marrow cells was analyzed by gene microarray and real-time quantitative PCR. HL-60 cells were transfected with anti-miR-125b, which was complementary to miR-125b in sequence, and the viability of HL-60 cells was measured by CCK-8 assay 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h after electroporation. RESULTS: The expression levels of miR-125b in the cells of newly diagnosed pediatric AML patients was almost 12 times as high as that in the cells of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura cases.However, the decreased levels of miR-125b in the cells of partial remission patients and returned to normal in the cells of completely remission patients were observed. At the same time, the growth rate of the cells treated with anti-miR-125b oligonucleotide was obviously decreased compared with that of control cells. CONCLUSION: miR-125b may take effect as an oncogene in pediatric AML. Anti-miR-125b oligonucleotide may be useful as a new drug for treating pediatric AML.     

miR-125a-5p reverses cisplatin resistance of non-small-cell lung cancer A549/DDP cells by targeting LIMK1

AIM:To explore the effect of microRNA-125a-5p (miR-125a-5p) on cisplatin (DDP) resistance of non-small-cell lung cancer A549/DDP cells and its related mechanisms. METHODS:The expression levels of miR-125a-5p and LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) in non-small-cell lung cancer tissues, A549 cells and A549/DDP cells were detected by RT-qPCR. The A549/DDP cell viability, apoptotic rate and expression of drug resistance-related proteins after over-expression or knockdown of miR-125a-5p and/or LIMK1 expression were detected by MTT assay, flow cytometry and Western blot, respectively. The targeting relationship between miR-125a-5p and LIMK1 was verified by TargetScan online prediction and dual-luciferase reporter system. The cell viability, apoptotic rate and expression of drug resistance-related proteins after co-expression of miR-125a-5p and LIMK1 were also determined. RESULTS:The expression level of miR-125a-5p was down-regulated and LIMK1 expression was up-regulated in non-small-cell lung cancer tissues and cell lines (P<0.05). The results of dual-luciferase assay indicated that miR-125a-5p negatively regulated the expression of LIMK1. The expression of drug resistance-related proteins and the viability of A549/DDP cells were inhibited after over-expression of miR-125a-5p or knockdown of LIMK1, while the apoptosis was enhanced. Over-expression of LIMK1 attenuated the inhibitory effect of miR-125a-5p on A549/DDP cell viability and drug resistance-related protein expression (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:miR-125a-5p reverses the resistance of A549/DDP cells to DDP by inhibiting the expression of LIMK1 and drug resistance-related proteins.     

Up-regulation of miR-133a expression attenuates myocardial fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of up-regulated expression of microRNA-133a (miR-133a) on myocardial fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS: Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats with homologous normal blood pressure served as the normal control group. SHR were divided into SHR group, SHR+ adeno-associated virus (AAV) group and SHR+miR-133a-AAV group randomly. miR-133a carried by miR-133a-AAV was transfected into SHR heart by coronary perfusion. The rat tail artery pressure was monitored. The myocardial collagen deposition was observed by Masson staining. The expression of miR-133a in myocardial tissue was detected by real-time PCR. The protein levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the WKY rats, the tail artery pressure of the SHR increased significantly. The expression of miR-133a in heart decreased, and the expression levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF increased (P<0.05), and myocardial fibrosis occurred. After up-regulating the expression level of miR-133a in the heart of SHR, the myocardial fibrosis was significantly reduced, and the expression levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Up-regulation of the miR-133a expression improves myocardial fibrosis induced by hypertension, which may be related to inhibiting the protein expression of TGF-β1 and CTGF in myocardium.     

lncRNA-MALAT1 targets and downregulates miR-570-3p expression to promote proliferation of gastric cancer cells

AIM:To investigate whether long non-coding RNA MALAT1 (lncRNA-MALAT1) targets and down-regulates microRNA-570-3p (miR-570-3p) expression to further promote the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. METHODS:Gastric cancer cell line SGC7901 was cultured in vitro and divided into 3 groups:blank control, si-MALAT1 and si-MALAT1 NC. The si-MALAT1 and si-MALAT1 NC groups were transfected with MALAT1 siRNA and its negative control, respectively. The cell proliferation was evaluated by MTS assay. The expression of miR-570-3p was detected at different time points in the pure SGC7901 gastric cancer cell line, and the expression of lncRNA-MALAT1 and miR-570-3p in different groups was detected by RT-qPCR. The potential complementary binding sites of lncRNA-MALAT1 and miR-570-3p were predicted by RegRNA. The MALAT1 gene and its mutant fragment were cloned into luciferase reporter vector psiCHECK-2. Restriction enzyme analysis and sequencing were used to identify whether the recombinant plasmids carrying MALAT1 or MALAT1-Mut were successfully constructed. miR-570-3p mimic, miR-570-3p inhibitor, miR-570-3p mimic negative control and miR-570-3p inhibitor negative control were co-transfected into the 293T cells with the luciferase repor-ters containing MALAT1 or MALAT1-Mut. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to detect luciferase activity in different groups in order to verify the relationship between lncRNA-MALAT1 and miR-570-3p. RESULTS:Compared with blank control group and si-MALAT1 NC group, the A₄₉₀ value in si-MALAT1 group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of miR-570-3p presented an obvious declining trend over time. The expression of lncRNA-MALAT1 in si-MALAT1 group was remarkably decreased, whereas the expression of miR-570-3p was obviously increased. The dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that the MALAT1 reporter luciferase activity decreased significantly in miR-570-3p mimic group compared with mimic negative control (P<0.01), and the luciferase activity of MALAT1 reporter was obviously up-regulated in miR-570-3p inhibitor group compared with miR-570-3p mimic group (P<0.01). However, miR-570-3p mi-mic, miR-570-3p inhibitor, miR-570-3p mimic negative control and miR-570-3p inhibitor negative control showed no effect on the luciferase activity of MALAT1-Mut reporter. CONCLUSION:lncRNA-MALAT1 targets and down-regulates miR-570-3p expression to further promote the proliferation of gastric cancer cells.     

Analyzing clinical characteristic of miR-196b in human colorectal cancer using TCGA and effect of miR-196b on 5-FU resistance of CRC cell line

AIM: To investigate the clinical characteristics of microRNA (miR)-196b in colorectal cancer (CRC) and to study its biological function in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance. METHODS: miRNA sequence dataset and the corresponding clinical data of CRC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Expression level and clinical characteristics of miR-196b in CRC patients were analyzed using SPSS 17.0. CRC cell line overexpres-sing miR-196b was established using transient transfection method. MTS test was used to evaluate the effect of miR-196b overexpression on 5-FU resistance. RESULTS: miR-196b expression was associated with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage (P<0.05), but not related with age and sex. Lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis were independent prognostic factors for rectal patients (P<0.05). The expression level of miR-196b was not associated with survival condition of rectal patients. The viability of the cells overexpressing miR-196b treated with different concentrations of 5-FU was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: miR-196b may be a potential biomarker of TNM stage and lymph node metastasis in CRC. miR-196b increases the 5-FU resistance of CRC cells.     

miR-339 suppresses proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells via regulating IGF2BP1

AIM: The present study aimed to investigate the role of microRNA-339 miR-339 in the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). METHODS: After treating with angiotensin Ⅱ of different concentrations for 48 h, miR-339 mimic and miR-339 inhibitor were transfected into PASMCs, respectively. CCK-8 assay and viable cell counting were performed to determine cell proliferation. The expression levels of miR-339 and PCNA mRNA were measured by RT-qPCR. The protein levels were detected by Western blot. The interaction between miR-339 and insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1(IGF2BP1) was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: Angiotensin Ⅱ concentration-dependently increased cell proliferation and mRNA expression of PCNA, and decreased miR-339 expression in the PASMCs. Over-expression of miR-339 inhibited cell proliferation and mRNA expression of PCNA in the PASMCs, while mutation of miR-339 promoted cell proliferation and mRNA expression of PCNA in the PASMCs. In addition, miR-339 inhibited cell proliferation in angiotensin Ⅱ-treated PASMCs. Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-339 targeted the IGF2BP1 3'-UTR, which was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay, and miR-339 negatively regulated the expression of IGF2BP1 in the PASMCs. More importantly, over-expression of IGF2BP1 attenuated the inhibitory effects of miR-339 on cell proliferation and mRNA expression of PCNA in the PASMCs. miR-399 over-expression suppressed phosphorylated p38 protein level but not p38 protein level. CONCLUSION: miR-339 suppresses anti-proliferative effects in PASMCs partly via regulating IGF2BP1 and p38 MAPK signaling pathway.     

Roles of microRNA-29a in expression of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 in rat cardiomyocytes

AIM: To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of microRNA-29a (miR-29a) on the expression of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 in rat cardiomyocytes (CM cells). METHODS: The CM cells were isolated from the hearts of newborn rats and transfected with miR-29a mimic (100 nmol/L) by Lipofectamine RNAiMAX. The expression of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 at mRNA and protein levels was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blotting. The luciferase assay was performed in HEK293T cells and CM cells, which were co-transfected with plasmid DNA and miRNA using Lipofectamine 2000. RESULTS: Transfection of miR-29a mimics significantly reduced the expression levels of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 in CM cells as compared with the control cells (P<0.05). In addition, HEK293T cells co-transfected with miR-29a mimic and Bcl-2-3’UTR-WT or Mcl-1-3’UTR-WT plasmid significantly reduced the luciferase activity as compared with control group (P<0.05). While CM cells transfected with miR-29a inhibitor and Bcl-2-3’UTR-WT or Mcl-1-3’UTR-WT plasmid in succession, the luciferase activity was increased inversely (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: miR-29a may regulate apoptosis by targeting the bcl-2 and mcl-1 genes.     

miR-193b enhances cytotoxicity of doxorubicin by targeting Mcl-1 in breast cancer

AIM: To investigate the effect of microRNA(miR)-193b on doxorubicin therapy in breast cancer in vitro.METHODS: miR-193b level in plasma was detected by real-time PCR in the patients with breast cancer or the healthy controls. MTT assay was performed to measure the inhibitory effect of miR-193b plus doxorubicin on the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells. Bioinformatics, real-time PCR and Western blot were performed to determine whether the expression of Mcl-1 was regulated by miR-193b. Mcl-1 expression vector was constructed, and the role of Mcl-1 vector toward miR-193b plus doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 cells was observed by MTT assay.RESULTS: Down-regulation of miR-193b was found in breast cancer patients. The miR-193b plus doxorubicin group showed a higher growth inhibition than cisplation group in MDA-MB-231 cells. The expression of Mcl-1 at both mRNA and protein levels was down-regulated after miR-193b transfection. The growth inhibition of MDA-MB-231 cells treated with miR-193b plus doxorubicin was significantly decreased after the transfection of Mcl-1 expression vector.CONCLUSION: miR-193b sensitizes doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity by targeting Mcl-1 in breast cancer.     

MicroRNA-9 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells by NRP1

AIM:To investigate the inhibitory effect of microRNA-9(miR-9) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells and its mechanism.METHODS:The gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 was transfected with miR-9 mimics or negative control mimic (NCM),as miR-9 or NCM group,respectively.The SGC-7901 cells without transfection were used as control group.The expression level of miR-9 in each group was detected by RT-qPCR.The migration and invasion abilities of the SGC-7901 cells in the 3 groups were detected by Transwell assay.The protein expression of N-cadherin,E-cadherin,α-catenin and neuropilin-1(NRP1) was determined by Western blot.Antagonistic effect of NRP1 over-expression on miR-9 inhibition of EMT was detected by Western blot.The relationship between miR-9 and NRP1 was analyzed by dual luciferase assay.RESULTS:The expression level of miR-9 in miR-9 group was significantly up-regulated,which was 538 times higher than that in control group (P<0.05).The number of migratory cells in miR-9 group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05).Compared with control group,the protein expression of N-cadherin and NRP1 in miR-9 group was significantly decreased,while the protein expression of E-cadherin and α-catenin protein was significantly increased.Over-expression of NRP1 resulted in the increase in the protein expression of N-cadherin in the gastric cancer cells of miR-9 group,and the decrease in the protein expression of E-cadherin and α-catenin significantly.The result of dual luciferase assay showed that NRP1 was a downstream target gene of miR-9(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:miR-9 may inhibit the expression of EMT-related proteins through the downstream target gene NRP1,thus inhibiting the EMT of gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells.     

miR-92b-5p attenuates renal injury and inflammatory response in diabetic nephropathy rats by targeting HMGB1

AIM To investigate the effect of microRNA-92b-5p （miR-92b-5p） on renal injury and inflammatory response in diabetic nephropathy （DN） rats and its mechanism. METHODS The rats were divided into control group， DN group， lentiviral negative control （LV-NC） group， LV-miR-92b group， LV-high mobility group protein B1 （LV-HMGB1） group and miR-92b+HMGB1 group， with 15 rats in each group. After fasting for 12 h， the model rats were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin at dose of 60 mg/kg， and the control rats were intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of citrate buffer. Three days later， the rats in each treatment group were intravenously injected with 100 μL LV-NC， LV-miR-92b and LV-HMGB1 （1×10¹¹ U/L） twice a week for 8 consecutive weeks. Urinary protein， blood glucose， blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The expression of miR-92b-5p and HMGB1 mRNA was detected by RT-qPCR. The targeting relationship between miR-92b-5p and HMGB1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. HMGB1 expression in kidney tissue was detected by Western blot. The kidney damage was observed by HE staining. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in renal tissues were detected by ELISA. RESULTS In DN model rats， miR-92b-5p was down-regulated， while HMGB1 was highly expressed. There was a binding site between miR-92b-5p and HMGB1 3'-untranslated region. High expression of miR-92b-5p inhibited the luciferase activity of the wild-type HMGB1 plasmid （P<0.01）， but had no effect on the luciferase activity of the mutant HMGB1 plasmid. Compared with DN group， urinary protein， blood glucose， serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen in LV-miR-92b group were significantly reduced （P<0.01）. The degree of hyperplasia， swelling and inflammatory cell infiltration of glomerular mesangium and basement membrane tubules， the apoptosis rate of renal tissues， and the content of IL-6， IL-1β and TNF-α in renal tissues were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Co-transfection of LV-HMGB1 significantly reversed the effect of miR-92b-5p on DN rats. CONCLUSION miR-92b-5p reduces renal injury and inflammatory response in DN rats by targeting HMGB1 and down-regulating its expression.