Title:Differential Expression of microRNAs and Target Genes Analysis in Olfactory
Ensheathing Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles Versus Olfactory
Ensheathing Cells
Volume: 19
Issue: 1
Author(s): Yubing Yang, Jiaxi Li, Weidong Liu, Dong Guo, Zhengchao Gao, Yingjie Zhao, Minchao Zhao, Xijing He*Su’e Chang*
Affiliation:
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province,
710004, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province,
710004, China
Keywords:
Olfactory ensheathing cells, extracellular vesicles, microRNA, nerve repair, spinal cord injury, DERs.
Abstract:
Introduction: Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are important transplantable cells for the
treatment of spinal cord injury. However, information on the mechanism of OEC-derived extracellular
vesicles (EVs) in nerve repair is scarce.
Methods: We cultured OECs and extracted the OEC-derived EVs, which were identified using a transmission
electron microscope, nanoparticle flow cytometry, and western blotting. High throughput RNA
sequencing of OECs and OEC-EVs was performed, and the differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs)
(DERs) were analyzed by bioinformatics. The target genes of DERs were identified using miRWalk,
miRDB, miRTarBase, and TargetScan databases. Gene ontology and KEGG mapper tools were
used to analyze the predicted target genes. Subsequently, the STRING database and Cytoscape software
platform were used to analyze and construct miRNA target genes' protein-protein interaction (PPI) network.
Results: Overall, 206 miRNAs (105 upregulated and 101 downregulated) were differentially expressed in
OEC-EVs (p < 0.05;|log2 (fold change)|>2). Six DERs (rno-miR-7a-5p, rno-miR-143-3p, rno-miR-182,
rno-miR-214-3p, rno-miR-434-5p, rno-miR-543-3p) were significantly up-regulated , and a total of 974
miRNAs target genes were obtained. The target genes were mainly involved in biological processes such
as regulation of cell size, positive regulation of cellular catabolic process and small GTPase-mediated
signal transduction; positive regulation of genes involved in cellular components such as growth cone,
site of polarized growth, and distal axon; and molecular functions such as small GTPase binding and Ras
GTPase binding. In pathway analysis, target genes regulated by six DERs were mainly enriched in axon
guidance, endocytosis, and Ras and cGMP-dependent protein kinase G signaling pathways. Finally, 19
hub genes were identified via the PPI network.
Conclusion: Our study provides a theoretical basis for treating nerve repair by OEC-derived EVs.
