Implication of Long noncoding RNAs in the endothelial cell response to hypoxia revealed by RNA-sequencing.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-protein coding RNAs regulating gene expression. Although for some lncRNAs a relevant role in hypoxic endothelium has been shown, the regulation and function of lncRNAs is still largely unknown in the vascular physio-pathology. Taking advantage of next-generation sequencing techniques, transcriptomic changes induced by endothelial cell exposure to hypoxia were investigated.

Exosomal clusterin, identified in the pericardial fluid, improves myocardial performance following MI through epicardial activation, enhanced arteriogenesis and reduced apoptosis.

Background: We recently demonstrated that epicardial progenitor cells participate in the regenerative response to myocardial infarction (MI) and factors released in the pericardial fluid (PF) may play a key role in this process. Exosomes are secreted nanovesicles of endocytic origin, identified in most body fluids, which may contain molecules able to modulate a variety of cell functions. Here, we investigated whether exosomes are present in the PF and their potential role in cardiac repair.

Genome wide identification of aberrant alternative splicing events in myotonic dystrophy type 2.

Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is a genetic, autosomal dominant disease due to expansion of tetraplet (CCTG) repetitions in the first intron of the ZNF9/CNBP gene. DM2 is a multisystemic disorder affecting the skeletal muscle, the heart, the eye and the endocrine system. According to the proposed pathological mechanism, the expanded tetraplets have an RNA toxic effect, disrupting the splicing of many mRNAs.

HDAC-regulated myomiRs control BAF60 variant exchange and direct the functional phenotype of fibro-adipogenic progenitors in dystrophic muscles.

Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) are important components of the skeletal muscle regenerative environment. Whether FAPs support muscle regeneration or promote fibro-adipogenic degeneration is emerging as a key determinant in the pathogenesis of muscular diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, the molecular mechanism that controls FAP lineage commitment and activity is currently unknown.

Transcriptional control of skin reepithelialization.

The wound healing process is characterized by a series of overlapping phases, such as coagulation, inflammation, reepithelialization/granulation tissue generation and remodeling. It is important to obtain a deeper insight into the cutaneous wound repair mechanisms, in order to develop novel pharmacological tools for the treatment of chronic non-healing ulcers which are a frequent and high morbidity complication of diabetes, ischaemia, venous insufficiency, and other local or systemic factors. Several transcription factors, many of which belong to gene families, are known to play a role in cutaneous wound repair through the orchestration of cellular responses which promote the reconstitution of skin integrity.