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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 991 records · Page 55
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Improved tumor-targeting MRI contrast agents: Gd(DOTA) conjugates of a cycloalkane-based RGD peptide

Highlights: • Development of improved tumor-targeting MRI contrast agents. • To increase the targeting ability of RGD, we developed cycloalkane-based RGD peptides. • Gd(DOTA) conjugates of cycloalkane-based RGD peptide show improved tumor signal enhancement in vivo MR images. - Abstract: Two new MRI contrast agents, Gd-DOTA-c(RGD-ACP-K) (1) and Gd-DOTA-c(RGD-ACH-K) (2), which were designed by incorporating aminocyclopentane (ACP)- or aminocyclohexane (ACH)-carboxylic acid into Gd-DOTA (gadolinium-tetraazacyclo dodecanetetraacetic acid) and cyclic RGDK peptides, were synthesized and evaluated for tumor-targeting ability in vitro and in vivo. Binding affinity studies showed that both 1 and 2 exhibited higher affinity for integrin receptors than cyclic RGDyK peptides, which were used as a reference. These complexes showed high relaxivity and good stability in human serum and have the potential to improve target-specific signal enhancement in vivo MR images.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Identification and characterization of DNAzymes targeting DNA methyltransferase I for suppressing bladder cancer proliferation

Epigenetic inactivation of genes plays a critical role in many important human diseases, especially in cancer. A core mechanism for epigenetic inactivation of the genes is methylation of CpG islands in genome DNA, which is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). The inhibition of DNMTs may lead to demethylation and expression of the silenced tumor suppressor genes. Although DNMT inhibitors are currently being developed as potential anticancer agents, only limited success is achieved due to substantial toxicity. Here, we utilized a multiplex selection system to generate efficient RNA-cleaving DNAzymes targeting DNMT1. The lead molecule from the selection was shown to possess efficient kinetic profiles and high efficiency in inhibiting the enzyme activity. Transfection of the DNAzyme caused significant down-regulation of DNMT1 expression and reactivation of p16 gene, resulting in reduced cell proliferation of bladder cancers. This study provides an alternative for targeting DNMTs for potential cancer therapy. - Highlights: • Identified DNMT1-targeted DNAzymes by multiplex selection system. • Biochemically characterized a lead DNAzyme with high kinetic efficiency. • Validated DNMT1-targeted DNAzyme in its enzymatic and cellular activities.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

miR-129 suppresses tumor cell growth and invasion by targeting PAK5 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Emerging evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in regulating HCC development and progression; however, the mechanisms by which their specific functions and mechanisms remained to be further explored. miR-129 has been reported in gastric cancers, lung cancer and colon cancer. In this study, we disclosed a new tumor suppresser function of miR-129 in HCC. We also found the downregulation of miR-129 occurred in nearly 3/4 of the tumors examined (56/76) compared with adjacent nontumorous tissues, which was more importantly, correlated to the advanced stage and vascular invasion. We then demonstrated that miR-129 overexpression attenuated HCC cells proliferation and invasion, inducing apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, we used miR-129 antagonist and found that anti-miR-129 promoted HCC cells malignant phenotypes. Mechanistically, our further investigations revealed that miR-129 suppressed cell proliferation and invasion by targeting the 3’-untranslated region of PAK5, as well as miR-129 silencing up-regulated PAK5 expression. Moreover, miR-129 expression was inversely correlated with PAK5 expression in 76 cases of HCC samples. RNA interference of PAK5 attenuated anti-miR-129 mediated cell proliferation and invasion in HCC cells. Taken together, these results demonstrated that miR-129 suppressed tumorigenesis and progression by directly targeting PAK5, defining miR-129 as a potential treatment target for HCC. - Highlights: • Decreased of miR-129 is found in HCC and associated with advanced stage and metastasis. • miR-129 suppresses proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. • miR-129 directly targets the 3′ UTR of PAK5 and diminishes PAK5 expression. • PAK5 is involved in miR-129 mediated suppression functions.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

miR-543 promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation by targeting SIRT1

SIRT1, a class III histone deacetylase, exerts inhibitory effects on tumorigenesis and is downregulated in gastric cancer. However, the role of microRNAs in the regulation of SIRT1 in gastric cancer is still largely unknown. Here, we identified miR-543 as a predicted upstream regulator of SIRT1 using 3 different bioinformatics databases. Mimics of miR-543 significantly inhibited the expression of SIRT1, whereas an inhibitor of miR-543 increased SIRT1 expression. MiR-543 directly targeted the 3′-UTR of SIRT1, and both of the two binding sites contributed to the inhibitory effects. In gastric epithelium-derived cell lines, miR-543 promoted cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, and overexpression of SIRT1 rescued the above effects of miR-543. The inhibitory effects of miR-543 on SIRT1 were also validated using clinical gastric cancer samples. Moreover, we found that miR-543 expression was positively associated with tumor size, clinical grade, TNM stage and lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer patients. Our results identify a new regulatory mechanism of miR-543 on SIRT1 expression in gastric cancer, and raise the possibility that the miR-543/SIRT1 pathway may serve as a potential target for the treatment of gastric cancer. - Highlights: • SIRT1 is a novel target of miR-543. • miR-543 promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation and cell cycle progression by targeting SIRT1. • miR-543 is upregulated in GC and positively associated with tumor size, clinical grade, TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. • miR-543 is negatively correlated with SIRT1 expression in gastric cancer tissues.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

miR-4458 suppresses glycolysis and lactate production by directly targeting hexokinase2 in colon cancer cells

miR-4458, a new tumor-suppressor, was reported to down-regulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma. The expression status, roles and inhibitory mechanisms of miR-4458 in other tumors still need to be clarified. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of miR-4458 and to elucidate the potential mechanism in colon cancer cells. Using bioinformatic databases, we predicted that hexokinase2 (HK2), a rate-limiting enzyme in the glycolytic pathway, was a target of miR-4458, so the effects of miR-4458 on glycolysis and lactate production was assessed in colon cancer cells. We found that miR-4458 was down-regulated and HK2 was up-regulated in colon cancer cells. Overexpression of miR-4458 inhibited proliferation, glycolysis, and lactate production under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Luciferase activity assays showed that HK2 was a direct target of miR-4458. Moreover, knockdown of HK2 by specific RNAi also suppressed proliferation, glycolysis, and lactate production under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. In conclusion, our findings suggested that miR-4458 inhibited the progression of colon cancer cells by inhibition of glycolysis and lactate production via directly targeting HK2 mRNA. - Highlights: • miR-4458 is down-regulated in colon cancer cells. • miR-4458 suppresses proliferation, glycolysis, and lactate production. • HK2 is a target of miR-4458. • HK2 knockdown inhibits proliferation, glycolysis, and lactate production.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

MicroRNA-613 represses prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion through targeting Frizzled7

A growing number of studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of carcinogenesis and cancer progression and may serve as potential therapeutic tools for cancer therapy. Frizzled7 (Fzd7), the most important receptor of the Wnt signaling pathway, is extensively involved in cancer development and progression. However, the role of Fzd7 in prostate cancer remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the expression of Fzd7 in prostate cancer and test whether modulating Fzd7 expression by miR-613 would have an impact on prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion. We found that Fzd7 was highly expressed in prostate cancer cell lines. Through bioinformatics analysis, Fzd7 was predicted as a target gene of miR-613, which was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assays, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. By gain of function experiments, we showed that overexpression of miR-613 significantly suppressed prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, miR-613 overexpression markedly downregulated the Wnt signaling pathway. Through a rescue experiment, we showed that overexpression of Fzd7 could abrogate the inhibitory effect of miR-613 on cell proliferation and invasion as well as Wnt signaling. Additionally, these results were further strengthened by data showing that miR-613 was significantly downregulated in prostate cancer tissues, exhibiting an inverse correlation with Fzd7 expression. In conclusion, our study suggests that miR-613 functions as a tumor suppressor, partially through targeting Fzd7, and is a potential therapeutic target for prostate cancer. - Highlights: • Fzd7 was highly expressed in prostate cancer. • Fzd7 was predicted as a target gene of miR-613. • MiR-613 negatively regulated prostate cancer by Fzd7. • MiR-613 inversely correlated with Fzd7 in prostate cancer.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

miR-625 suppresses cell proliferation and migration by targeting HMGA1 in breast cancer

Dysregulation of microRNA contributes to the high incidence and mortality of breast cancer. Here, we show that miR-625 was frequently down-regulated in breast cancer. Decrease of miR-625 was closely associated with estrogen receptor (P = 0.004), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (P = 0.003) and clinical stage (P = 0.001). Kaplan–Meier and multivariate analyses indicated miR-625 as an independent factor for unfavorable prognosis (hazard ratio = 2.654, 95% confident interval: 1.300–5.382, P = 0.007). Re-expression of miR-625 impeded, whereas knockdown of miR-625 enhanced cell viabilities and migration abilities in breast cancer cells. HMGA1 was confirmed as a direct target of miR-625. The expressions of HMGA1 mRNA and protein were induced by miR-625 mimics, but reduced by miR-625 inhibitor. Re-introduction of HMGA1 in cells expressing miR-625 distinctly abrogated miR-625-mediated inhibition of cell growth. Taken together, our data demonstrate that miR-625 suppresses cell proliferation and migration by targeting HMGA1 and suggest miR-625 as a promising prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer. - Highlights: • miR-625 expression was significantly decreased in breast cancer. • Decrease of miR-625 was associated with poor clinical outcomes and unfavorable overall survival. • miR-625 overexpression inhibits cell proliferation and migration in vitro. • miR-625 directly targets and suppresses the expression of HMGA1.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

microRNA-150 inhibits the formation of macrophage foam cells through targeting adiponectin receptor 2

Transformation of macrophages into foam cells plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine the expression and biological roles of microRNA (miR)-150 in the formation of macrophage foam cells and to identify its functional target(s). Exposure to 50 μg/ml oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) led to a significant upregulation of miR-150 in THP-1 macrophages. Overexpression of miR-150 inhibited oxLDL-induced lipid accumulation in THP-1 macrophages, while knockdown of miR-150 enhanced lipid accumulation. apoA-I- and HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux was increased by 66% and 43%, respectively, in miR-150-overexpressing macrophages relative to control cells. In contrast, downregulation of miR-150 significantly reduced cholesterol efflux from oxLDL-laden macrophages. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assay revealed adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) as a direct target of miR-150. Small interfering RNA-mediated downregulation of AdipoR2 phenocopied the effects of miR-150 overexpression, reducing lipid accumulation and facilitating cholesterol efflux in oxLDL-treated THP-1 macrophages. Knockdown of AdipoR2 induced the expression of proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), ABCA1, and ABCG1. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of PPARγ or LXRα impaired AdipoR2 silencing-induced upregulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1. Taken together, our results indicate that miR-150 can attenuate oxLDL-induced lipid accumulation in macrophages via promotion of cholesterol efflux. The suppressive effects of miR-150 on macrophage foam cell formation are mediated through targeting of AdipoR2. Delivery of miR-150 may represent a potential approach to prevent macrophage foam cell formation in atherosclerosis. -- Highlights: •miR-150 inhibits macrophage foam cell formation. •miR-150 accelerates cholesterol efflux from oxLDL-laden macrophages. •miR-150 suppresses macrophage foam cell formation by targeting AdipoR2.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Identification of poly(rC) binding protein 2 (PCBP2) as a target protein of immunosuppressive agent 15-deoxyspergualin

15-Deoxyspergualin (DSG) is an immunosuppressive agent being clinically used. Unlike tacrolimus and cyclosporine A, it does not inhibit the calcineurin pathway, and its mechanism of action and target molecule have not been elucidated. Therefore, we previously prepared biotinylated derivative of DSG (BDSG) to fish up the target protein. In the present research, we identified poly(rC) binding protein 2 (PCBP2) as a DSG-binding protein using this probe. DSG was confirmed to bind to PCBP2 by pull-down assay. Intracellular localization of PCBP2 was changed from the nucleus to the cytoplasm by DSG treatment. DSG inhibited the cell growth, and over-expression of PCBP2 reduced the anti-proliferative activity of DSG. PCBP2 is known to regulate various proteins including STAT1/2. Thus, we found PCBP2 as the first target protein of DSG that can explain the immunosuppressive activity. -- Highlights: •Fifteen-deoxyspergualin (DSG) is an immunosuppressive agent clinically used. •We have identified PCBP2, an RNA-binding protein, as a molecular target of DSG. •Alteration of PCBP2 activity may explain the immunosuppressive activity of DSG.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Identification of miR-125b targets involved in acute promyelocytic leukemia cell proliferation

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by the presence of the PML-RARα fusion protein. We have previously found that PML-RARα-regulated miR-125b is highly expressed in APL; however, the characteristics of the regulatory effects and mechanisms of miR-125b involved in APL proliferation have yet to be clarified. In this study, we demonstrate that miR-125b promotes the proliferation of APL cells with the involvement of the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, we identified BTG2, MAP3K11, RPS6KA1 and PRDM1 as putative targets of miR-125b, which we verified using luciferase reporter constructs. Moreover, we demonstrate that the expression of miR-125b targets is downregulated in leukemic cells in patients with APL. Thus, our results provide evidence that miR-125b can modulate multiple oncogenic cell proliferation pathways and may be a novel therapeutic target for APL. - Highlights: • miR-125b promotes cell proliferation by AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. • miR-125b target to MAP3K11,BTG2, RPS6KA1 and PRDM1. • MAP3K11,BTG2, RPS6KA1 and PRDM1 were dowregulated by miR-125b in NB4 and primary cells from APL patients.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

miR-144-3p serves as a tumor suppressor for renal cell carcinoma and inhibits its invasion and metastasis by targeting MAP3K8

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators involved in various cancers, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The role of the miRNAs involved in RCC progress and metastasis is largely unknown. Here, miRNA microarray analysis was performed to screen the significant miRNAs involved in RCC progress, and miR-144-3p was chosen for further study. We found that the expression of miR-144-3p was significantly lower in RCC specimens and cell lines. In addition, low expression level of miR-144-3p is correlated with tumor progression and poor survival in RCC patients. Based on in vitro assays, we found that miR-144-3p significantly inhibit cancer cell proliferation and progression. Furthermore, function studies revealed that miR-144-3p was significantly correlated with the metastasis potential by affecting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, Mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (MAP3K8) is direct target of miR-144-3p, while the expression levels of MAP3K8 were inversely correlated with the expression levels of miR-144-3p in RCC tissues. Overall, our findings demonstrate that miR-144-3p targeted the MAP3K8 pathway to reduce tumor cells proliferation and metastasis in RCC, suggesting that this axis may provide a novel therapeutic target for RCC therapy. - Highlights: • Downregulation of miR-144-3p expression was significantly associated with the poor survival in RCC patients. • Ectopic expression of miR-144-3p inhibits viability and metastasis of RCC cells in vitro. • miR-144-3p suppresses the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in RCC cells. • MAP3K8 is a direct target of miR-144-3p, and miR-144-3p downregulation is a factor in RCC progression through potentiation of MAP3K8 expression.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

MicroRNA-1297 inhibits prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion by targeting the AEG-1/Wnt signaling pathway

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been known to be implicated in tumorigenic programs. miR-1297 has been reported to be dysregulated and involved in cancer progression in many types of human cancers. However, the expression level and the role of miR-1297 in prostate cancer remain unclear. Herein, we aimed to investigate the potential role and molecular mechanism of miR-1297 in prostate cancer progression. We found that miR-1297 was significantly downregulated in human prostate cancer specimens as well as in several prostate cancer cell lines. In addition, functional experiments demonstrated that overexpression of miR-1297 remarkably inhibited prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion whereas miR-1297 suppression significantly promoted prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1), a well-known oncogene, is a predicted target of miR-1297. Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-1297 was able to directly target the 3’-untranslated region of AEG-1. In addition, RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis showed that miR-1297 regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of AEG-1. We also showed that miR-1297 was able to regulate the Wnt signaling pathway. Moreover, rescue assays indicated that AEG-1 contributed to miR-1297-endowed effects on cell proliferation and invasion as well as Wnt signaling pathway. Taken together, these findings suggest that miR-1297 inhibits prostate cancer proliferation and invasion by targeting AEG-1, thereby providing novel insight into understanding the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. Thus, miR-1297 may be a novel potential therapeutic candidate to treat prostate cancer. - Highlights: • miR-1297 is decreased in prostate cancer. • miR-1297 inhibits prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion. • miR-1297 targets and inhibits AEG-1. • miR-1297 regulates AEG-1/Wnt signaling pathway.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

MicroRNA-187 regulates gastric cancer progression by targeting the tumor suppressor CRMP1

Aberrant expression of microRNAs contributes to the initiation and progression of numerous human cancers. The underlying effects and molecular mechanisms of microRNA-187 (miR-187) in gastric cancer (GC) remain unclear. The present study reports that miR-187 was significantly overexpressed in GC tissues compared to that in non-tumor tissues and was associated with malignant clinical factors such as depth of invasion (P = 0.005), tumor size (P = 0.024), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.048), and TNM stage (P = 0.035). Additionally, miR-187 promoted tumor growth in vivo, and significantly increased migration, invasion, and proliferation, but inhibited apoptosis in GC cells. It was found that collapsin response mediator protein 1 (CRMP1), a tumor suppressor, was a direct downstream target of miR-187 in GC. Furthermore, CRMP1 silencing resulted in similar effects on cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis as those of miR-187 overexpressing GC cells. Additionally, the effects of miR-187 inhibitor on cell migration and cell apoptosis were reversed by CRMP1 downregulation. In summary, miR-187 promotes tumor progression by regulating CRMP1 expression in GC and may thus be a potential prognostic marker and a therapeutic target in GC. - Highlights: • miR-187 was significantly overexpressed in GC tissues and associated with malignant clinical factors. • miR-187 significantly increased migration, invasion, and proliferation, but inhibited apoptosis in GC cells. • CRMP1 tumor suppressor is a direct target of miR-187 in GC. • Overexpression of miR-187 promoted GC progression by targeting tumor suppressor gene CRMP1.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Intracellular delivery and passive tumor targeting of a self-assembled nanogel containing carborane clusters for boron neutron capture therapy

Boron neutron capture therapy, based on the release of thermal neutron irradiation from boron, is a targeted radiation therapy for cancer. Targeted and sufficient accumulation of boron in tumor cells to achieve cytotoxic efficacy and reduce off-target effects remains a challenge. Carborane has been investigated for use as a delivery agent in boron neutron capture therapy because of its high boron content and chemical stability; however, it is cytotoxic, making safe delivery difficult. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of carborane-bearing pullulan nanogels to safely and effectively deliver boron to tumor cells in vitro and in vivo and, consequently, assess their potential as a boron neutron capture therapeutic. Murine fibrosarcoma cells (CMS5a) were used for in vitro investigations of nanogel cytotoxicity, cell uptake. A mouse fibrosarcoma xenograft model was used to investigate the bio-distribution of nanogels after intravenous administration. The nanogels produced no apparent cytotoxicity and underwent cell uptake in CMS5a cells after a 24 h incubation at up to 2000 μg/mL and 400 μg/mL, respectively. The internalized nanogels were localized around the nuclear membrane. The nanogels were administered intravenously to mice bearing fibrosarcoma xenografts. Nanogel tumor localization likely occurred through the enhanced permeation and retention effect. The nanogels successfully reduced the cytotoxicity of carborane, were internalized into tumor cells, acted as a dual-delivery therapeutic and accumulated in tumors in vivo. Consequently, they demonstrate significant potential as a boron neutron capture therapeutic. - Highlights: • A carborane-bearing pullulan nanogel is developed as a boron delivery agent. • The nanogels are cell-friendly and show effective cell uptake for drug delivery. • The nanogels show passive tumor targeting by enhanced permeation and retention.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

MicroRNA-939 governs vascular integrity and angiogenesis through targeting γ-catenin in endothelial cells

Coronary collateral circulation (CCC) functions as a natural bypass in the event of coronary obstruction, which markedly improves prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in multiple physiological and pathological processes, including angiogenesis involved in CCC growth. The roles that miRNA-939 (miR-939) plays in angiogenesis remain largely unknown. We conducted this study to explore the expression of miR-939 in CAD patients and its role in angiogenesis. For the first time, our results indicated that the expression of circulating miR-939 was down-regulated in patients with sufficient CCC compared with patients with poor CCC. Overexpression of miR-939 in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) significantly inhibited the proliferation, adhesion and tube formation, but promoted the migration of cells. In contrast, miR-939 knockdown exerted reverse effects. We further identified that γ-catenin was a novel target of miR-939 by translational repression, which could rescue the effects of miR-939 in HUVECs. In summary, this study revealed that the expression of circulating miR-939 was down-regulated in CAD patients with sufficient CCC. MiR-939 abolished vascular integrity and repressed angiogenesis through directly targeting γ-catenin. It provided a potential biomarker and a therapeutic target for CAD. - Highlights: • Circulating miR-939 is decreased in sufficient coronary collateral circulation. • MiR-939 abolishes vascular integrity in endothelial cells. • MiR-939 represses angiogenesis. • γ-catenin is a novel target of miR-939.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

MicroRNA-99a inhibits insulin-induced proliferation, migration, dedifferentiation, and rapamycin resistance of vascular smooth muscle cells by inhibiting insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor and mammalian target of rapamycin

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are characterized by insulin resistance and are subsequently at high risk for atherosclerosis. Hyperinsulinemia has been associated with proliferation, migration, and dedifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) during the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Moreover, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) have been demonstrated to be the underlying signaling pathways. Recently, microRNA-99a (miR-99a) has been suggested to regulate the phenotypic changes of VSMCs in cancer cells. However, whether it is involved in insulin-induced changes of VSCMs has not been determined. In this study, we found that insulin induced proliferation, migration, and dedifferentiation of mouse VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the stimulating effects of high-dose insulin on proliferation, migration, and dedifferentiation of mouse VSMCs were found to be associated with the attenuation of the inhibitory effects of miR-99a on IGF-1R and mTOR signaling activities. Finally, we found that the inducing effect of high-dose insulin on proliferation, migration, and dedifferentiation of VSMCs was partially inhibited by an active mimic of miR-99a. Taken together, these results suggest that miR-99a plays a key regulatory role in the pathogenesis of insulin-induced proliferation, migration, and phenotype conversion of VSMCs at least partly via inhibition of IGF-1R and mTOR signaling. Our results provide evidence that miR-99a may be a novel target for the treatment of hyperinsulinemia-induced atherosclerosis. - Highlights: • Suggesting a new mechanism of insulin-triggered VSMC functions. • Providing a new therapeutic strategies that target atherosclerosis in T2DM patients. • Providing a new strategies that target in-stent restenosis in T2DM patients.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Upregulation of miR-181a suppresses the formation of glioblastoma stem cells by targeting the Notch2 oncogene and correlates with good prognosis in patients with glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs) are responsible for the initiation and progression of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), and microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in this disease. However, the mechanisms underlying the role of miRNAs in the stemness of GSCs have not been completely elucidated. We previously showed that miR-181a is downregulated in GBM and may predict prognosis in patients with this disease. Here, we demonstrate that the upregulation of miR-181a suppressed GSC formation and inhibited GBM tumorigenesis by targeting the Notch2 oncogene. We found that miR-181a was downregulated in GSCs derived from human glioblastoma U87MG and U373MG cells. The high expression of miR-181a inhibited the levels of stemness-related markers CD133 and BMI1, attenuated sphere proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis, and reduced the tumorigenicity of GSCs. MiR-181a decreased the expression of Notch2 by targeting the 3’-untranslated region of its mRNA. Notch2 overexpression inhibited the effects of miR-181a downregulation on GSCs, and was negatively correlated with miR-181a expression. Moreover, high Notch2 expression together with low miR-181a expression was correlated with a shorter median overall survival for GBM patients. Together, these data show that miR-181a may play an essential role in GSC formation and GBM progression by targeting Notch2, suggesting that Notch2 and miR-181a have potential prognostic value as tumor biomarkers in GBM patients. - Highlights: • MiR-181a suppressed GSC formation and GBM tumorigenesis by targeting Notch2. • Notch2 and miR-181a expression were correlated with OS for GBM patients. • Notch2 and miR-181a have potential prognostic value in GBM patients.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Overexpression of microRNA-125b inhibits human acute myeloid leukemia cells invasion, proliferation and promotes cells apoptosis by targeting NF-κB signaling pathway

microRNA-125b has been reported to play an novel biological function in the progression and development of several kinds of leukemia. However, the detail role of miR-125b in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is remains largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the biological role of miR-125b in AML and the potential molecular mechanism involved in this process. Our results showed that overexpression of miR-125b suppressed AML cells proliferation, invasion and promotes cells apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, while the miR-NC did not show the same effect. In addition, miR-125b induced AML cells G2/M cell cycle arrest in vitro. Overexpression of miR-125b resulted in a significant decrease of the expression of p-IκB-α and inhibition of IκB-α degradation, and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB subunit p65 was abrogated by miR-125b simutaneously. To further verify that miR-125b targeted NF-κB signaling pathway, the NF-κB-regulated downstream genes that were associated with cell cycle arrest and apoptosis was also determined. The results showed that, miR-125b also affect NF-κB-regulated genes expression involved in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In conclusion, the present work certificates that miR-125b can significantly inhibit human AML cells invasion, proliferation and promotes cells apoptosis by targeting the NF-κB signaling pathway, and thus it can be viewed as an promising therapeutic target for AML. - Highlights: • Overexpression of miR-125b suppressed AML cells proliferation, invasion and promotes cells apoptosis. • miR-125b induced AML cells G2/M cell cycle arrest in vitro. • miR-125b suppressed AML cells tumorigenicity and promoted cells apoptosis by targeting NF-κB pathway.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗