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Published on: June 27, 2017
Altered Expression of microRNAs in Serum Extracellular Vesicles in Rats with Severe Burns during Shock Stage
Mengru Dong1, Yanbin Gao1, Minxiong Li1
1Department of Burns, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
Background:
The shock stage of severe burns is a critical determinant of prognosis and the induction of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiple organ failure. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing abundant miRNAs are known to participate in various biological processes. Due to the lack of research on alternations of miRNAs in severe burns, our study analyzed the miRNA profiles of EVs in severe burns during the shock stage.
Methods:
EVs were extracted from the serum of rats with severe burns (30% of total body surface area, III°), and the expression of miRNAs in serum EVs was determined by next-generation sequencing. Functional analysis of target genes of miRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed (DE) was performed using GO Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG).
Results:
Thirty-four DE miRNAs were identified at the early stage of severe burn shock and 63 at the late stage of severe burn shock. In addition, miRNA-339-5p, miRNA-1, miRNA-382-5p, miRNA134-5p, miRNA-133a-5p, and miRNA-365a-5p were DE throughout the entire shock stage, based on P < 0.01 and |log2 (foldchange)| ≥ 1 criteria. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that the target genes of DE miRNAs mainly enriched the metabolic process, immune system processes, and signal pathways.
Conclusion:
To our best knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the miRNA expression profiles of EVs isolated from serum with severe burns during the shock stage. There are significant differences between downregulation and upregulation. Thus, miRNAs have the potential for novel biomarkers for the complication of severe burns.
Insights
This study reveals significant changes in microRNA (miRNA) profiles within extracellular vesicles (EVs) during severe burn shock in rats. These findings suggest miRNAs in EVs could serve as novel biomarkers for burn complications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Burn Research
Background:
- Severe burn shock critically impacts prognosis, potentially leading to systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiple organ failure.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are recognized for their role in intercellular communication via encapsulated microRNAs (miRNAs).
- Limited research exists on miRNA alterations in severe burns, necessitating investigation into their role during the shock phase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the miRNA profiles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the serum of rats during the shock stage of severe burns.
- To identify differentially expressed miRNAs and their potential target genes.
- To explore the potential of these miRNAs as biomarkers for severe burn complications.
Main Methods:
- Extracted EVs from the serum of rats subjected to severe burns (30% total body surface area, III°).
- Determined miRNA expression in serum EVs using next-generation sequencing.
- Performed functional enrichment analysis (GO, KEGG) on target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs.
Main Results:
- Identified 34 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in the early shock stage and 63 in the late shock stage.
- Found specific miRNAs (e.g., miRNA-339-5p, miRNA-1) consistently DE throughout the shock stage.
- Enriched target genes were primarily associated with metabolic processes, immune responses, and signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- This is the first study to profile miRNAs in serum EVs during severe burn shock.
- Significant upregulation and downregulation of specific miRNAs were observed.
- Serum EV-derived miRNAs show potential as novel biomarkers for predicting and managing severe burn complications.
