Project description:miR-146a is a known anti-inflammatory miRNA. Intringuigly, it is overexpressed in RAS-induced senescent cells which is accompanied with a rich pro-inflammatoy secretpry phenotype. We aim to study possible sponges for miR-146a.
Project description:miR-146a is a known anti-inflammatory miRNA. Intringuigly, it is overexpressed in RAS-induced senescent cells which is accompanied with a rich pro-inflammatoy secretpry phenotype. We aim to study possible sponges for miR-146a.
Project description:Noncoding RNAs include small transcripts, such as microRNAs and piwi-interacting RNAs, and a wide range of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Although many lncRNAs have been identified, only a small number of lncRNAs have been characterized functionally. Here, we sought to identify lncRNAs differentially expressed during replicative senescence. We compared lncRNAs expressed in proliferating, early-passage, 'young' human diploid WI-38 fibroblasts [population doubling (PDL) 20] with those expressed in senescent, late-passage, 'old' fibroblasts (PDL 52) by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Numerous transcripts in all lncRNA groups (antisense lncRNAs, pseudogene-encoded lncRNAs, previously described lncRNAs and novel lncRNAs) were validated using reverse transcription (RT) and real-time, quantitative (q)PCR. Among the novel senescence-associated lncRNAs (SAL-RNAs) showing lower abundance in senescent cells, SAL-RNA1 (XLOC_023166) was found to delay senescence, because reducing SAL-RNA1 levels enhanced the appearance of phenotypic traits of senescence, including an enlarged morphology, positive β-galactosidase activity, and heightened p53 levels. Our results reveal that the expression of known and novel lncRNAs changes with senescence and suggests that SAL-RNAs play direct regulatory roles in this important cellular process. RNA was extracted from both young and senescent WI-38 cells and used for total RNA-Seq.
Project description:Noncoding RNAs include small transcripts, such as microRNAs and piwi-interacting RNAs, and a wide range of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Although many lncRNAs have been identified, only a small number of lncRNAs have been characterized functionally. Here, we sought to identify lncRNAs differentially expressed during replicative senescence. We compared lncRNAs expressed in proliferating, early-passage, 'young' human diploid WI-38 fibroblasts [population doubling (PDL) 20] with those expressed in senescent, late-passage, 'old' fibroblasts (PDL 52) by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Numerous transcripts in all lncRNA groups (antisense lncRNAs, pseudogene-encoded lncRNAs, previously described lncRNAs and novel lncRNAs) were validated using reverse transcription (RT) and real-time, quantitative (q)PCR. Among the novel senescence-associated lncRNAs (SAL-RNAs) showing lower abundance in senescent cells, SAL-RNA1 (XLOC_023166) was found to delay senescence, because reducing SAL-RNA1 levels enhanced the appearance of phenotypic traits of senescence, including an enlarged morphology, positive β-galactosidase activity, and heightened p53 levels. Our results reveal that the expression of known and novel lncRNAs changes with senescence and suggests that SAL-RNAs play direct regulatory roles in this important cellular process.
Project description:Activated Ha-ras was introduced to HMF3A cells. HMF3A cells are conditionally immortalised human mammary fibroblasts. They undergo co-ordinated senescence upon inactivation of LT antigen, when cultured at 39C. The introduction of Ras did not prevent this but affected the molecular profile. Keywords = Senescence Keywords = fibroblast Keywords = Ras Keywords = immortalization Keywords = transformation
Project description:Activated Ha-ras was introduced to HMF3A cells. HMF3A cells are conditionally immortalised human mammary fibroblasts. They undergo co-ordinated senescence upon inactivation of LT antigen, when cultured at 39C. The introduction of Ras did not prevent this but affected the molecular profile. Keywords = Senescence Keywords = fibroblast Keywords = Ras Keywords = immortalization Keywords = transformation Keywords: ordered
Project description:Endothelial cell senescence is one of the most important causes of vascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous RNA molecules with covalently closed-loop structures, which have been reported to be abnormally expressed in many human diseases. However, the potential role of circRNAs in endothelial cell senescence remains unknown. Here, we compared the expression patterns of circRNAs in young and senescent human endothelial cells using RNA sequencing. Among the differentially expressed endothelial cell senescence-associated circRNAs, we identified circGNAQ, generated by circularization of exons 4 and 5 of the GNAQ gene, as a circRNA showing markedly reduced levels in senescent endothelial cells. CircGNAQ silencing in young endothelial cells triggered senescence, as determined by a rise in senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, reduced cell proliferation, and suppressed angiogenesis; circGNAQ overexpression showed the opposite effects. Mechanistic studies revealed that circGNAQ acted as an endogenous miR-146a-5p sponge to sequester and inhibit miR-146a-5p activity, leading to increased PLK2 expression. In vivo studies showed that circGNAQ overexpression delayed endothelial cell senescence and atherosclerosis progression in ApoE-/- mice. These results revealed an important role for circGNAQ in cellular senescence and provide novel insight into the role of circRNAs in atherosclerosis progression.