Long non-coding RNA XIST negatively regulates thoracic aortic aneurysm cell proliferation by targeting the...

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are key regulators in disease pathogenesis.
• Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a rare but serious vascular condition.
• The specific roles of lncRNA XIST and miR-193a-5p in TAA remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional roles of lncRNA XIST and miR-193a-5p in TAA.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying XIST and miR-193a-5p involvement in TAA.
• To identify potential therapeutic targets for TAA.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of miR-193a-5p expression in TAA patient blood samples.
• In vitro loss-of-function and gain-of-function assays on TAA cells.
• Identification and validation of lncRNA XIST as a target of miR-193a-5p.
• Investigation of KLF7 as a downstream effector in the XIST/miR-193a-5p pathway.
• Rescue experiments to confirm the regulatory axis.

Main Results:

• miR-193a-5p expression was significantly decreased in TAA patients.
• miR-193a-5p levels influenced TAA cell proliferation.
• XIST was identified as a highly overexpressed lncRNA sponging miR-193a-5p.
• The XIST/miR-193a-5p/KLF7 axis was confirmed to regulate TAA progression.
• XIST promotes TAA by upregulating KLF7 via miR-193a-5p inhibition.

Conclusions:

• XIST plays a crucial role in TAA pathogenesis.
• The XIST/miR-193a-5p/KLF7 axis represents a novel regulatory mechanism in TAA.
• Targeting this axis may offer new therapeutic strategies for TAA.