Medpor regulates osteoblast's microRNAs

Porous polyethylene (PP or Medpor) is an alloplastic material worldwide used for craniofacial reconstruction. Although several clinical studies are available, there is a lack as regard the genetic effects. Because PP is always fixed on bone and the mechanism by which PP acts on osteoblasts is unknown, we therefore attempted to address this question by using microRNA microarray techniques to investigate the translation regulation in osteoblasts exposed to PP. The miRNA oligonucleotide microarray provides a novel method to carry out genome-wide microRNA profiling in human samples.By using miRNA microarrays containing 329 probe designed from Human miRNA sequence, we identified in osteoblast-like cells line (MG-63) cultured with Medpor (Porex Corporation, Fairburn, Georgia, USA) several miRNA which expression is significantly modified.We identified 16 up-regulated miRNA (i.e. mir-337, mir-515-3p, mir-377, mir-153, mir-367, mir-152, let-7b, mir-92, mir-155, mir-424, mir-148b, mir-368, mir-18b, mir-520d, mir-20b, mir-128a) and 2 down-regulated miRNA (i.e. mir-143, mir-32).The data reported are, to our knowledge, the first study on translation regulation in osteoblasts exposed to PP. They can be relevant to better understand the molecular mechanism of bone regeneration and as a model for comparing other materials with similar clinical effects.     

Calcium sulfate: analysis of MG63 osteoblast-like cell response by means of a microarray technology

Calcium sulfate (CaS) is an highly biocompatible material that has the characteristic of being one of the simplest as well as one of the synthetic bone-like graft with the longest clinical history, spanning more than 100 years. Solidified or crystallized CaS is very osteogenic in vivo. As the surface CaS dissolves in body fluid, the calcium ions form calcium phosphate that reprecipitates on the surface forming an osteoblast "friendly" environment. How this "friendly" environment alters osteoblast activity to promote bone formation is poorly understood. We therefore attempted to address this question by using microarray techniques to identified genes that are differently regulated in osteoblasts exposed to CaS. By using DNA microarrays containing 19,200 genes, we identified in osteoblast-like cells line (MG-63) cultured with CaS (Surgiplaster, Classimplant, Roma, Italy) several genes that expression was significantly upregulated. The differentially expressed genes cover a broad range of functional activities: (a) immunity, (b) lysosomal enzymes production, (c) cell cycle regulation, (d) and signaling transduction. It was also possible to detect some genes whose function is unknown. The data reported are, to our knowledge, the first genetic portrait of CaS effects. They can be relevant to better understand the molecular mechanism of bone regeneration and as a model for comparing other materials with similar clinical effects.     

Microarray-based gene expression analysis of human osteoblasts in response to different biomaterials

Several biomaterials have been widely used in bone regeneration/substitution procedures in orthopedic and oral surgery. However, how these biomaterials alter osteoblast gene expression is poorly understood. We therefore attempted to address this question by using cDNA microarray technique to identify genes that are differentially regulated in osteoblasts exposed to biomaterials comprehending the biocompatibility spectrum of bioactive (bioglass and hydroxyapatite), bioinert (Ti and stainless steel), and biotolerant (polymethylmethacrylate). By using a cDNA microarray containing 687 human IMAGE sequences, we identified in primary cultures of osteoblastic cells differentiated from the human bone marrow and exposed to these biomaterials, genes whose expression was significantly upregulated or downregulated. Among the differentially expressed genes we have found those involved with cell cycle regulation, cell differentiation and proliferation, apoptosis, cell adhesion, bone mineralization and skeletal development. These results can be relevant to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the behavior of osteoblasts in bone regenerative procedures.     

RNAi in Xenopus: look before you leap

RNAi has revolutionized reverse genetics; however, RNAi is not necessarily ubiquitous or constitutive. Lund and colleagues (pp. 1121-1131) show that microRNA (miRNA) effector Argonautes (Agos) are limiting and easily saturated during early Xenopus embryogenesis. Moreover, this stage is devoid of slicing capacity. Supplementation of Ago proteins rescued endogenous miRNA activity in the presence of exogenous siRNAs, and, excitingly, ectopic Ago2 could now support RNAi in Xenopus. These observations may potentially facilitate RNAi in other recalcitrant model organisms.     

Genetic effect of zirconium oxide coating on osteoblast-like cells

Zirconium is widely used as material for prosthetic devices because its good mechanical and chemical properties. When exposed to oxygen, zirconium becomes zirconium oxide (ZrO(2)), which is biocompatible. ZrO(2) can be also prepared as a colloidal suspension and then used to coat surfaces. Zirconium oxide coating (ZrO(2)C) can potentially have specific biologic effects, and among them is bone formation related to implant osseointegration. How this biomaterial alters osteoblast activity to promote bone formation is poorly understood. We therefore attempted to address this question by using microarray techniques to identify genes that are differently regulated in osteoblasts exposed to ZrO(2)C. By using DNA microarrays containing 20,000 genes, we identified in osteoblast-like cell lines (MG-63) cultured with ZrO(2)C several genes whose expression was significantly upregulated or downregulated. The differentially expressed genes cover a broad range of functional activities: (a) cell cycle regulation, (b) signal transduction, (c) immunity, and (d) cytoskeleton component. The data reported are, to our knowledge, the first genetic portrait of ZrO(2)C effects. They can be relevant to better understand the molecular mechanism of bone regeneration and as a model for comparing other materials with similar clinical effects.     

破骨细胞释放凋亡小体微小RNA-30a对成骨活性的影响

目的 探讨破骨细胞凋亡释放凋亡小体介导成骨活性的作用.方法 通过小鼠(n=10)骨髓单核细胞体外诱导破骨细胞,用抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(TRAP)染色和细胞骨架F-actin与DAPI双标免疫荧光鉴定破骨细胞,破骨细胞与小鼠成骨细胞MC-3T3E1共培养体系,DNA片段化ELISA分析破骨细胞凋亡,凋亡小体标志物检测,骨形...     

卵巢早衰microRNA的差异表达及其作用

目的探讨卵巢早衰患者（POF）与正常人血浆microRNA（miRNA）表达差异,研究差异miRNA表达与卵巢早衰的关系。方法应用microarray芯片技术检测卵巢早衰患者和正常人血浆中的miRNA表达差异,实时定量PCR（qRT-PCR）验证从microarray芯片中筛选出来的明显差异表达的miRNA。结果 microarray芯片技术结果显示,与正常组比较,卵巢早衰患者的血浆中10种miRNA表达显著上调：mir-202、mir-146a、mir-125b-2、mir-139-3p、mir-654-5p、mir-27a、mir-765、mir-23a、mir-342-3p及mir-126,2种miRNA表达显著下调：let-7c和mir-144。结论卵巢早衰患者和正常人血浆中miRNAs表达谱有差异,这种差异可能与POF发病有关。     

Bone mass regulation by leptin: a hypothalamic control of bone formation

Bone mass is maintained constant between puberty and menopause by the balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts activity. The existence of a hormonal control of osteoblast activity has been speculated for years by analogy to osteoclast biology. Through the search for such humoral signal(s) regulating bone formation, leptin has been identified as a powerful inhibitor of bone formation. Furthermore, by means of intracerebroventricular infusion of leptin, it has been shown that the effect of this adipocyte-derived hormone on bone is mediated via a brain relay, like all its other functions. Subsequent studies have led to the identification of hypothalamic neurons involved in leptin's antiosteogenic function. In addition, it has been shown that those neurons or neuronal pathways are distinct from neurons responsible for the regulation of energy metabolism. Finally, the peripheral mediator of leptin's antiosteogenic function has been identified as being the sympathetic nervous system. Catecholamine-deficient mice have a high bone mass and sympathomimetics administered to mice decreased bone formation and bone mass. Conversely, beta-blockers increased bone formation and bone mass and blunt the bone loss induced by ovariectomy.     

应用基因芯片检测喉鳞状细胞癌甲醛固定石蜡包埋组织microRNA表达谱

目的 建立以甲醛固定石蜡包埋组织为材料、基于基因芯片技术的microRNA(miRNA)表达谱的分析方法 ;筛选与喉鳞状细胞癌(简称喉癌)生物学特征密切相关的差异表达miRNA.方法 从喉癌甲醛固定石蜡包埋组织中制备总RNA,经质量鉴定后进行荧光标记.采用Agilent公司的容纳723条人类miRNA探针的基因芯片完成杂交实验,以获得喉癌的miRNA表达谱.以GeneSpring GX和R-Project软件处理分析基因芯片实验数据,筛选与喉癌转移相关的差异表达miRNA.结果 从24例甲醛固定石蜡包埋组织标本中获得了符合基因芯片实验质量标准的RNA样品,并完成了基因芯片杂交及数据分析.从中共鉴定到319个miRNA,有96个miRNA在24例喉癌中均有表达,其中与淋巴结转移密切相关的(检错率<0.05)差异表达miRNA有5个,分别为miR-23a* 、miR-28-5p、miR-15a、miR-16和miR-425.结论 甲醛固定石蜡包埋组织可以提供符合基因芯片分析质量要求的miRNA,是研究miRNA的重要样品资源.从喉癌的miRNA表达谱中筛选出的转移相关差异表达miRNA(miR-23a*、miR-28-5p、miR-15a、miR-16和miR-425)有可能成为评估喉癌转移风险的新型分子标志.     

应用基因芯片检测喉鳞状细胞癌甲醛固定石蜡包埋组织microRNA表达谱

目的 建立以甲醛固定石蜡包埋组织为材料、基于基因芯片技术的microRNA(miRNA)表达谱的分析方法 ;筛选与喉鳞状细胞癌(简称喉癌)生物学特征密切相关的差异表达miRNA.方法 从喉癌甲醛固定石蜡包埋组织中制备总RNA,经质量鉴定后进行荧光标记.采用Agilent公司的容纳723条人类miRNA探针的基因芯片完成杂交实验,以获得喉癌的miRNA表达谱.以GeneSpring GX和R-Project软件处理分析基因芯片实验数据,筛选与喉癌转移相关的差异表达miRNA.结果 从24例甲醛固定石蜡包埋组织标本中获得了符合基因芯片实验质量标准的RNA样品,并完成了基因芯片杂交及数据分析.从中共鉴定到319个miRNA,有96个miRNA在24例喉癌中均有表达,其中与淋巴结转移密切相关的(检错率<0.05)差异表达miRNA有5个,分别为miR-23a* 、miR-28-5p、miR-15a、miR-16和miR-425.结论 甲醛固定石蜡包埋组织可以提供符合基因芯片分析质量要求的miRNA,是研究miRNA的重要样品资源.从喉癌的miRNA表达谱中筛选出的转移相关差异表达miRNA(miR-23a*、miR-28-5p、miR-15a、miR-16和miR-425)有可能成为评估喉癌转移风险的新型分子标志.     

Intronic microRNA (miRNA)

Nearly 97% of the human genome is composed of noncoding DNA, which varies from one species to another. Changes in these sequences often manifest themselves in clinical and circumstantial malfunction. Numerous genes in these non-protein-coding regions encode microRNAs, which are responsible for RNA-mediated gene silencing through RNA interference (RNAi)-like pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small single-stranded regulatory RNAs capable of interfering with intracellular messenger RNAs (mRNAs) with complete or partial complementarity, are useful for the design of new therapies against cancer polymorphisms and viral mutations. Currently, many varieties of miRNA are widely reported in plants, animals, and even microbes. Intron-derived microRNA (Id-miRNA) is a new class of miRNA derived from the processing of gene introns. The intronic miRNA requires type-II RNA polymerases (Pol-II) and spliceosomal components for their biogenesis. Several kinds of Id-miRNA have been identified in C elegans, mouse, and human cells; however, neither function nor application has been reported. Here, we show for the first time that intron-derived miRNAs are able to induce RNA interference in not only human and mouse cells, but in also zebrafish, chicken embryos, and adult mice, demonstrating the evolutionary preservation of intron-mediated gene silencing via functional miRNA in cell and in vivo. These findings suggest an intracellular miRNA-mediated gene regulatory system, fine-tuning the degradation of protein-coding messenger RNAs.     

应用基因芯片检测喉鳞状细胞癌甲醛固定石蜡包埋组织microRNA表达谱

目的 建立以甲醛固定石蜡包埋组织为材料、基于基因芯片技术的microRNA(miRNA)表达谱的分析方法 ;筛选与喉鳞状细胞癌(简称喉癌)生物学特征密切相关的差异表达miRNA.方法 从喉癌甲醛固定石蜡包埋组织中制备总RNA,经质量鉴定后进行荧光标记.采用Agilent公司的容纳723条人类miRNA探针的基因芯片完成杂交实验,以获得喉癌的miRNA表达谱.以GeneSpring GX和R-Project软件处理分析基因芯片实验数据,筛选与喉癌转移相关的差异表达miRNA.结果 从24例甲醛固定石蜡包埋组织标本中获得了符合基因芯片实验质量标准的RNA样品,并完成了基因芯片杂交及数据分析.从中共鉴定到319个miRNA,有96个miRNA在24例喉癌中均有表达,其中与淋巴结转移密切相关的(检错率<0.05)差异表达miRNA有5个,分别为miR-23a* 、miR-28-5p、miR-15a、miR-16和miR-425.结论 甲醛固定石蜡包埋组织可以提供符合基因芯片分析质量要求的miRNA,是研究miRNA的重要样品资源.从喉癌的miRNA表达谱中筛选出的转移相关差异表达miRNA(miR-23a*、miR-28-5p、miR-15a、miR-16和miR-425)有可能成为评估喉癌转移风险的新型分子标志.     

Limiting Ago protein restricts RNAi and microRNA biogenesis during early development in Xenopus laevis

We show that, in Xenopus laevis oocytes and early embryos, double-stranded exogenous siRNAs cannot function as microRNA (miRNA) mimics in either deadenylation or guided mRNA cleavage (RNAi). Instead, siRNAs saturate and inactivate maternal Argonaute (Ago) proteins, which are present in low amounts but are needed for Dicer processing of pre-miRNAs at the midblastula transition (MBT). Consequently, siRNAs impair accumulation of newly made miRNAs, such as the abundant embryonic pre-miR-427, but inhibition dissipates upon synthesis of zygotic Ago proteins after MBT. These effects of siRNAs, which are independent of sequence, result in morphological defects at later stages of development. The expression of any of several exogenous human Ago proteins, including catalytically inactive Ago2 (Ago2mut), can overcome the siRNA-mediated inhibition of miR-427 biogenesis and function. However, expression of wild-type, catalytically active hAgo2 is required to elicit RNAi in both early embryos and oocytes using either siRNA or endogenous miRNAs as guides. The lack of endogenous Ago2 endonuclease activity explains why these cells normally are unable to support RNAi. Expression of catalytically active exogenous Ago2, which appears not to perturb normal Xenopus embryonic development, can now be exploited for RNAi in this vertebrate model organism.     

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene-deficient mice demonstrate marked retardation in postnatal bone formation, reduced bone volume, and defects in osteoblast maturation and activity

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in the local regulation of bone metabolism. However, the contribution made by specific NO synthase (NOS) enzymes is unclear. Here we show that endothelial NOS gene knockout mice (eNOS-/-) have marked abnormalities in bone formation. Histomorphometric analysis of eNOS-/- femurs showed bone volume and bone formation rate was reduced by up to 45% (P: < 0.01) and 52% (P: < 0.01), respectively. These abnormalities were prevalent in young (6 to 9 weeks old) adults but by 12 to 18 weeks bone phenotype was restored toward wild-type. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry analysis confirmed the age-related bone abnormalities revealing significant reductions in femoral (P: < 0.05) and spinal bone mineral densities (P: < 0.01) at 8 weeks that were normalized at 12 weeks. Reduction in bone formation and volume was not related to increased osteoclast numbers or activity but rather to dysfunctional osteoblasts. Osteoblast numbers and mineralizing activity were reduced in eNOS-/- mice. In vitro, osteoblasts from calvarial explants showed retarded proliferation and differentiation (alkaline phosphatase activity and mineral deposition) that could be restored by exogenous administration of a NO donor. These cells were also unresponsive to 17ss-estradiol and had an attenuated chemotactic response to transforming growth factor-beta. In conclusion, eNOS is involved in the postnatal regulation of bone mass and lack of eNOS gene results in reduced bone formation and volume and this is related to impaired osteoblast function.     

Dicer-derived microRNAs are utilized by the fragile X mental retardation protein for assembly on target RNAs

In mammalian cells, fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) has been reported to be part of a microRNA (miRNA)-containing effector ribonucleoprotien (RNP) complex believed to mediate translational control of specific mRNAs. Here, using recombinant proteins, we demonstrate that human FMRP can act as a miRNA acceptor protein for the ribonuclease Dicer and facilitate the assembly of miRNAs on specific target RNA sequences. The miRNA assembler property of FMRP was abrogated upon deletion of its single-stranded (ss) RNA binding K-homology domains. The requirement of FMRP for efficient RNA interference (RNAi) in vivo was unveiled by reporter gene silencing assays using various small RNA inducers, which also supports its involvement in an ss small interfering RNA (siRNA)-containing RNP (siRNP) effector complex in mammalian cells. Our results define a possible role for FMRP in RNA silencing and may provide further insight into the molecular defects in patients with the fragile X syndrome.     

喉癌组织中的microRNA差异表达谱及miR-125a-5p抑制喉癌细胞增殖的初步研究

 目的：筛选并分析喉癌组织与周围正常喉黏膜的微小RNA(microRNAs,miRNAs) 之间的表达谱差异,为进一步研究miRNA与喉癌发生、发展的关系提供线索。方法：收集喉癌组织和癌旁正常喉黏膜标本共42对,随机选取10对标本进行miRNA微阵列基因芯片分析, 另选取32对标本进行实时荧光定量PCR （qRT-PCR）验证,获得喉癌组织中的miRNA差异表达谱。应用MTT法和克隆形成实验检测miR-125a-5p对喉癌Hep2细胞增殖的影响。结果：喉癌组织中的let-7f-5p、miR-10a-5p、miR-125a-5p、miR-144-3p、miR-195-5p、miR-203等6个miRNA在基因芯片以及qRT-PCR中表达均显著下调。与对照组相比,转染miR-125a-mimics组的喉癌Hep2细胞增殖能力受到抑制,而转染miR-125a-inhibitor组Hep2细胞增殖能力增强。结论：基因芯片与qRT-PCR结果一致;喉癌与正常喉黏膜之间存在明显的miRNA差异表达,这些miRNA的差异性表达可能与喉癌的发病、侵袭等相关。miR-125a可以抑制喉癌Hep2细胞的增殖,可能作为喉癌生物治疗的新靶点。