In this study, we performed small RNA library sequencing using human placental tissues to identify placenta-specific miRNAs. We also tested the hypothesis that human chorionic villi could secrete miRNAs extracellularly via exosomes, which in turn enter into maternal circulation. By small RNA library sequencing, most placenta-specific miRNAs (e.g., MIR517A) were linked to a miRNA cluster on chromosome 19. The miRNA cluster genes were differentially expressed in placental development. Subsequent validation by real-time PCR and in situ hybridization revealed that villous trophoblasts express placenta-specific miRNAs. The analysis of small RNA libraries from the blood plasma showed that the placenta-specific miRNAs are abundant in the plasma of pregnant women. By real-time PCR, we confirmed the rapid clearance of the placenta-specific miRNAs from the plasma after delivery, indicating that such miRNAs enter into maternal circulation. By using the trophoblast cell line BeWo in culture, we demonstrated that miRNAs are indeed extracellularly released via exosomes. Taken together, our findings suggest that miRNAs are exported from the human placental syncytiotrophoblast into maternal circulation, where they could target maternal tissues. Finally, to address the biological functions of placenta-specific miRNAs, we performed a proteome analysis of BeWo cells transfected with MIR517A. Bioinformatic analysis suggests that this miRNA is possibly involved in tumor necrosis factor-mediated signaling. Our data provide important insights into miRNA biology of the human placenta.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding small RNAs that can regulate the expression of complementary mRNA targets. Identifying tissue-specific miRNAs is the first step toward understanding the biological functions of miRNAs, which include the regulation of tissue differentiation and the maintenance of tissue identity. In this study, we performed small RNA library sequencing in adult mouse testis and ovary to reveal their characteristic organ-and gender-specific profiles and to elucidate the characteristics of the miRNAs expressed in the reproductive system. We obtained 10 852 and 11 744 small RNA clones from mouse testis and ovary respectively (greater than 10 000 clones per organ), which included 6630 (159 genes) and 10 192 (154 genes) known miRNAs. A high level of efficiency of miRNA library sequencing was achieved: 61% (6630 miRNA clones/10 852 small RNA clones) and 87% (10 192/11 744) for adult mouse testis and ovary respectively. We obtained characteristic miRNA signatures in testis and ovary; 55 miRNAs were detected highly, exclusively, or predominantly in adult mouse testis and ovary, and discovered two novel miRNAs. Male-biased expression of miRNAs occurred on the X-chromosome. Our data provide important information on sex differences in miRNA expression that should facilitate studies of the reproductive organ-specific roles of miRNAs. Reproduction (2008) 136 811-822

No abstract

The oxidation of thiol groups in proteins is a common event in biochemical processes involving disulfide bond formation and in response to an increased level of reactive oxygen species. It has been widely accepted that the oxidation of a cysteine side chain is initiated by the formation of cysteine sulfenic acid (Cys-SOH). Here, we demonstrate a mechanism of thiol oxidation through a hypervalent sulfur intermediate by presenting crystallographic evidence from an archaeal peroxiredoxin (Prx), the thioredoxin peroxidase from Aeropyrum pernix K1 (ApTPx). The reaction of Prx, which is the reduction of a peroxide, depends on the redox active cysteine side chains. Oxidation by hydrogen peroxide converted the active site peroxidatic Cys-50 of ApTPx to a cysteine sulfenic acid derivative, followed by further oxidation to cysteine sulfinic and sulfonic acids. The crystal structure of the cysteine sulfenic acid derivative was refined to 1.77 Å resolution with R cryst and Rfree values of 18.8% and 22.0%, respectively. The refined structure, together with quantum chemical calculations, revealed that the sulfenic acid derivative is a type of sulfurane, a hypervalent sulfur compound, and that the S ␥ atom is covalently linked to the N ␦1 atom of the neighboring His-42. The reaction mechanism is revealed by the hydrogen bond network around the peroxidatic cysteine and the motion of the flexible loop covering the active site and by quantum chemical calculations. This study provides evidence that a hypervalent sulfur compound occupies an important position in biochemical processes.thioredoxin peroxidase ͉ sulfurane ͉ peroxidatic cysteine ͉ Aeropyrum pernix K1 ͉ thiol oxidation

Polyphenol have been reported to have physiological effects with respect to alleviating diseases such as osteoporosis and osteopetrosis. We recently reported that the olive polyphenol hydroxytyrosol accelerates bone formation both in vivo and in vitro. The present study was designed to evaluate the in vivo and in vitro effects of apigenin (4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone), one of the major polyphenols in olives and parsley, on bone formation by using cultured osteoblasts and osteoclasts and ovariectomized (OVX) mice, respectively. Apigenin markedly inhibited cell proliferation and indices of osteoblast differentiation, such as collagen production, alkaline phosphatase activity, and calcium deposition in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells at concentrations of 1–10 μM. At 10 μM, apigenin completely inhibited the formation of multinucleated osteoclasts from mouse splenic cells. Moreover, injection of apigenin at 10 mg kg−1 body weight significantly suppressed trabecular bone loss in the femurs of OVX mice. Our findings indicate that apigenin may have critical effects on bone maintenance in vivo.