MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding small RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Ranging from 18 to 24 nt (22 nt in general), miRNAs regulate gene expression by suppressing protein translation of target mRNAs or enhancing their degradation. miRNAs targeting mRNAs depends on the association of the miRNA/mRNA complex with Argonaute (Ago) endonuclease to form the miRNA-induced silencing complex (miRISC). We used sequencing by synthesis (SBS) deep sequencing to study the miRNAs in cultured vascular endothelial cells (ECs) exposed to hypoxia. Bioinformatics approaches were then used to analyze the hypoxia-responsive miRNAs at the genome-wide scale. Among miRNAs with greatly changed expression, Let-7s and miR-103/107 target Ago1. This result suggests that an """"""""miRNA-mediated translational de-suppression"""""""" mechanism may occur in ECs under hypoxia. With these data acquired from high-throughput screening and in silico approaches, two specific aims are proposed to test the hypothesis that under hypoxia, the increased Let-7s and miR- 103/107 down-regulate Ago1. Such a suppression of Ago1 decreases miRISC-mediated miRNA targeting and hence up-regulates targeted mRNAs, which encode highly translated proteins in ECs responding to hypoxia, including vascular endothelial growth factor.
Specific Aim 1 will study the Ago1-regulated miRNA/mRNA targeting in ECs responding to hypoxia. We will use Ago1 cross-linking immunoprecipitation sequencing (CLIP-seq) to profile the miRISC- associated miRNAs and their mRNA targets in ECs under normoxia and hypoxia.
Specific Aim 2 will decipher the functional consequences of the miRNA-mediated translational de- suppression in cultured ECs and mouse hindlimb. Specifically, we will manipulate the expression of Let-7s and miR-103/107 in vitro and in vivo. The miRISC-mediated miRNA/mRNA targeting, mRNA-encoded proteins, and angiogenesis under normoxia and hypoxia will be examined. The elucidated mechanism will reveal mechanistic insights underlying the miRNA-regulated gene expression in ECs in response to hypoxia.

Public Health Relevance

MicroRNAs are non-coding small RNA that regulates gene expression. This project is to study the role of microRNA in regulating gene expression in vascular cells under low oxygen tension, namely, hypoxia. We will use state-of-art sequencing method to obtain microRNA sequences that are increased in cells under hypoxia. As a result, some of the proteins are highly expressed. Results from this research may have translational potential for hypoxia-related diseases such as myocardial infarction and tumor growth.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21HL106567-03
Application #
8534808
Study Section
Vascular Cell and Molecular Biology Study Section (VCMB)
Program Officer
Charette, Marc F
Project Start
2012-08-21
Project End
2015-05-31
Budget Start
2014-06-01
Budget End
2015-05-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$189,875
Indirect Cost
$67,375
Name
University of California San Diego
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
804355790
City
La Jolla
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92093
Chen, Zhen; Lai, Tsung-Ching; Jan, Yi-Hua et al. (2013) Hypoxia-responsive miRNAs target argonaute 1 to promote angiogenesis. J Clin Invest 123:1057-67