miR-190a-5p regulates cardiomyocytes response to ferroptosis via directly targeting GLS2

Xiaodao Zhou1, Mali Zhuo2, Yayun Zhang2

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Ningbo Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Ningbo Yinzhou No 2. Hospital, 998 North Qianhe Road, Yinzhou District, Ningbo, 315100, Zhejiang, China.

Insights

MicroRNAs regulate ferroptosis, a cell death form implicated in myocardial infarction. This study identifies miR-190a-5p as a key regulator of ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes by targeting GLS2, offering a potential therapeutic avenue for heart attack.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Cell Death Mechanisms
  • Molecular Regulation

Background:

  • Ferroptosis, a regulated cell death, is implicated in myocardial infarction (MI) pathology.
  • Mechanisms of ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes remain largely unknown.
  • The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cardiomyocyte ferroptosis is poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of microRNAs in regulating ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes.
  • To identify specific miRNAs involved in ferroptosis pathways within cardiac cells.
  • To elucidate the molecular targets and mechanisms underlying miRNA-mediated ferroptosis regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized rat cardiomyocyte H9c2 cell line.
  • Manipulated miR-190a-5p expression (forced expression and inhibition).
  • Assessed GLS2 expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and iron (Fe 2+) accumulation.
  • Employed a GLS2 inhibitor (compound 968) to validate findings.

Main Results:

  • miR-190a-5p was found to negatively regulate ferroptosis in H9c2 cells.
  • Forced miR-190a-5p expression inhibited GLS2, decreasing ROS, MDA, and Fe 2+.
  • Inhibition of miR-190a-5p upregulated GLS2, leading to increased ferroptosis markers, which was reversible with a GLS2 inhibitor.

Conclusions:

  • miR-190a-5p plays a critical role in the regulation of cardiomyocyte ferroptosis.
  • The miR-190a-5p/GLS2 axis is a key pathway controlling ferroptosis in cardiac cells.
  • miR-190a-5p represents a potential therapeutic target for myocardial infarction.