Generation of heterozygous (MCRIi030-A-1) and homozygous (MCRIi030-A-2) NR2F2/COUP-TFII knockout human iPSC lines.

The NR2F2 gene encodes the transcription factor COUP-TFII, which is upregulated in embryonic mesoderm. Heterozygous variants in NR2F2 cause a spectrum of congenital anomalies including cardiac and gonadal phenotypes. We generated heterozygous (MCRIi030-A-1) and homozygous (MCRIi030-A-2) NR2F2-knockout induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from human fibroblasts using a one-step protocol for CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing and episomal-based reprogramming. Both iPSC lines exhibited a normal karyotype, typical pluripotent cell morphology, pluripotency marker expression, and the capacity to differentiate into the three embryonic germ layers. These lines will allow us to explore the role of NR2F2 during development and disease.

Targeted deletion of NR2F2 and VCAM1 in theca cells impacts ovarian follicular development: insights into polycystic ovary syndrome?†.

Defining features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) include elevated expression of steroidogenic genes, theca cell androgen biosynthesis, and peripheral levels of androgens. In previous studies, we identified vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) as a selective androgen target gene in specific NR2F2/SF1 (+/+) theca cells. By deleting NR2F2 and VCAM1 selectively in CYP17A1 theca cells in mice, we documented that NR2F2 and VCAM1 impact distinct and sometimes opposing theca cell functions that alter ovarian follicular development in vivo: including major changes in ovarian morphology, steroidogenesis, gene expression profiles, immunolocalization images (NR5A1, CYP11A1, NOTCH1, CYP17A1, INSL3, VCAM1, NR2F2) as well as granulosa cell functions. We propose that theca cells impact follicle integrity by regulating androgen production and action, as well as granulosa cell differentiation/luteinization in response to androgens and gonadotropins that may underlie PCOS.

Transcriptional regulatory mechanism of NR2F2 and ZNF423 in avian preadipocyte differentiation.

In the poultry industry, excessive abdominal fat deposition is not conducive to meat quality. Therefore, selection for optimal fat content levels in poultry has become a major breeding goal. We previously constructed NR2F2 overexpression (NR2F2OE) and knockout (NR2F2Δ/Δ/83-125aa) cell lines using Piggybac and CRISPR/Cas9 techniques, and confirmed that the transcription factor NR2F2 can significantly inhibit the differentiation of avian preadipocytes. In this study, we identified a downstream gene ZNF423 regulated by NR2F2, which is also involved in regulating avian fat deposition. First, we performed transcriptome analysis of the NR2F2-edited lines, which has been proven to be an inhibitor of avian fat deposition in our previous studies. Our findings revealed that NR2F2 affects a series of candidate regulators related to adipogenesis. Among these, we focused on ZNF423, which was significantly down-regulated in the NR2F2OE cell line and up-regulated in the NR2F2Δ/Δ/83-125aa cell line. Next, dual luciferase reporter assay results showed that the DNA-binding domain (DBDΔ72-143aa) of transcription factor NR2F2 may negatively affect the expression of downstream target gene ZNF423 by binding to its distal promoter region (-2356 to -2346). Moreover, we constructed a function analytical model and found that overexpression of ZNF423 significantly facilitated the differentiation of adipocytes in immortalized chicken preadipocytes (ICP1). Consistent with these findings, global transcriptome analysis of the ZNF423-overexpressed cell line (ZNF423OE) further demonstrated that the process of adipogenesis was significantly enriched. These results indicate that ZNF423 is a positive regulator of avian adipocyte differentiation. Overexpression of ZNF423 in the NR2F2OE cell line compensated for the inhibition of fat deposition phenotype, further suggesting that ZNF423 is a downstream target gene of NR2F2. These findings uncover a novel function of ZNF423 in avian adipocyte differentiation and analyzed the transcriptional regulation by its upstream transcription factor NR2F2. Additionally, we identified a list of functional candidate genes, providing important insights for further research on the mechanism of avian fat deposition.

The NR2F2-HAND2 signaling axis regulates progesterone actions in the uterus at early pregnancy.

Endometrial function is dependent on a tight crosstalk between the epithelial and stromal cells of the endometrium. This communication is critical to ensure a fertile uterus and relies on progesterone and estrogen signaling to prepare a receptive uterus for embryo implantation in early pregnancy. One of the key mediators of this crosstalk is the orphan nuclear receptor NR2F2, which regulates uterine epithelial receptivity and stromal cell differentiation. In order to determine the molecular mechanism regulated by NR2F2, RNAseq analysis was conducted on the uterus of PgrCre;Nr2f2f/f mice at Day 3.5 of pregnancy. This transcriptomic analysis demonstrated Nr2f2 ablation in Pgr-expressing cells leads to a reduction of Hand2 expression, increased levels of Hand2 downstream effectors Fgf1 and Fgf18, and a transcriptome manifesting suppressed progesterone signaling with an altered immune baseline. ChIPseq analysis conducted on the Day 3.5 pregnant mouse uterus for NR2F2 demonstrated the majority of NR2F2 occupies genomic regions that have H3K27ac and H3K4me1 histone modifications, including the loci of major uterine transcription regulators Hand2, Egr1, and Zbtb16. Furthermore, functional analysis of an NR2F2 occupying site that is conserved between human and mouse was capable to enhance endogenous HAND2 mRNA expression with the CRISPR activator in human endometrial stroma cells. These data establish the NR2F2 dependent regulation of Hand2 in the stroma and identify a cis-acting element for this action. In summary, our findings reveal a role of the NR2F2-HAND2 regulatory axis that determines the uterine transcriptomic pattern in preparation for the endometrial receptivity.

Heterozygous rare variants in NR2F2 cause a recognizable multiple congenital anomaly syndrome with developmental delays.

Nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 2 (NR2F2 or COUP-TF2) encodes a transcription factor which is expressed at high levels during mammalian development. Rare heterozygous Mendelian variants in NR2F2 were initially identified in individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD), then subsequently in cohorts of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and 46,XX ovotesticular disorders/differences of sexual development (DSD); however, the phenotypic spectrum associated with pathogenic variants in NR2F2 remains poorly characterized. Currently, less than 40 individuals with heterozygous pathogenic variants in NR2F2 have been reported. Here, we review the clinical and molecular details of 17 previously unreported individuals with rare heterozygous NR2F2 variants, the majority of which were de novo. Clinical features were variable, including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), CHD, CDH, genital anomalies, DSD, developmental delays, hypotonia, feeding difficulties, failure to thrive, congenital and acquired microcephaly, dysmorphic facial features, renal failure, hearing loss, strabismus, asplenia, and vascular malformations, thus expanding the phenotypic spectrum associated with NR2F2 variants. The variants seen were predicted loss of function, including a nonsense variant inherited from a mildly affected mosaic mother, missense and a large deletion including the NR2F2 gene. Our study presents evidence for rare, heterozygous NR2F2 variants causing a highly variable syndrome of congenital anomalies, commonly associated with heart defects, developmental delays/intellectual disability, dysmorphic features, feeding difficulties, hypotonia, and genital anomalies. Based on the new and previous cases, we provide clinical recommendations for evaluating individuals diagnosed with an NR2F2-associated disorder.

Inflammation and DKK1-induced AKT activation contribute to endothelial dysfunction following NR2F2 loss.

NR2F2 is expressed in endothelial cells (ECs) and Nr2f2 knockout produces lethal cardiovascular defects. In humans, reduced NR2F2 expression is associated with cardiovascular diseases including congenital heart disease and atherosclerosis. Here, NR2F2 silencing in human primary ECs led to inflammation, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), proliferation, hypermigration, apoptosis-resistance, and increased production of reactive oxygen species. These changes were associated with STAT and AKT activation along with increased production of DKK1. Co-silencing DKK1 and NR2F2 prevented NR2F2-loss-induced STAT and AKT activation and reversed EndMT. Serum DKK1 concentrations were elevated in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and DKK1 was secreted by ECs in response to in vitro loss of either BMPR2 or CAV1, which are genetic defects associated with the development of PAH. In human primary ECs, NR2F2 suppressed DKK1, whereas its loss conversely induced DKK1 and disrupted endothelial homeostasis, promoting phenotypic abnormalities associated with pathologic vascular remodeling. Activating NR2F2 or blocking DKK1 may be useful therapeutic targets for treating chronic vascular diseases associated with EC dysfunction.NEW & NOTEWORTHY NR2F2 loss in the endothelial lining of blood vessels is associated with cardiovascular disease. Here, NR2F2-silenced human endothelial cells were inflammatory, proliferative, hypermigratory, and apoptosis-resistant with increased oxidant stress and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. DKK1 was induced in NR2F2-silenced endothelial cells, while co-silencing NR2F2 and DKK1 prevented NR2F2-loss-associated abnormalities in endothelial signaling and phenotype. Activating NR2F2 or blocking DKK1 may be useful therapeutic targets for treating vascular diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction.

An epigenetic switch controls an alternative NR2F2 isoform that unleashes a metastatic program in melanoma.

Metastatic melanoma develops once transformed melanocytic cells begin to de-differentiate into migratory and invasive melanoma cells with neural crest cell (NCC)-like and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like features. However, it is still unclear how transformed melanocytes assume a metastatic melanoma cell state. Here, we define DNA methylation changes that accompany metastatic progression in melanoma patients and discover Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 2 Group F, Member 2 - isoform 2 (NR2F2-Iso2) as an epigenetically regulated metastasis driver. NR2F2-Iso2 is transcribed from an alternative transcriptional start site (TSS) and it is truncated at the N-terminal end which encodes the NR2F2 DNA-binding domain. We find that NR2F2-Iso2 expression is turned off by DNA methylation when NCCs differentiate into melanocytes. Conversely, this process is reversed during metastatic melanoma progression, when NR2F2-Iso2 becomes increasingly hypomethylated and re-expressed. Our functional and molecular studies suggest that NR2F2-Iso2 drives metastatic melanoma progression by modulating the activity of full-length NR2F2 (Isoform 1) over EMT- and NCC-associated target genes. Our findings indicate that DNA methylation changes play a crucial role during metastatic melanoma progression, and their control of NR2F2 activity allows transformed melanocytes to acquire NCC-like and EMT-like features. This epigenetically regulated transcriptional plasticity facilitates cell state transitions and metastatic spread.

COUP-TFII plays a role in cAMP-induced Schwann cell differentiation and in vitro myelination by up-regulating Krox20.

Schwann cells (SCs) are known to produce myelin for saltatory nerve conduction in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Schwann cell differentiation and myelination processes are controlled by several transcription factors including Sox10, Oct6/Pou3f1, and Krox20/Egr2. Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II (COUP-TFII/NR2F2) is an orphan receptor that plays a role in the development and differentiation. However, the role of COUP-TFII in the transcriptional regulatory network of SC differentiation has not been fully identified yet. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the role and molecular hierarchy of COUP-TFII during cAMP-induced SC differentiation. Our results showed that dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP) increased expression levels of COUP-TFII along with the expressions of Oct6, Krox20, and myelin-related genes known to be related to SC differentiation. Our mechanistic studies showed that COUP-TFII acted downstream of Hsp90/ErbB2/Gab1/ERK-AKT pathway during db-cAMP-induced SC differentiation. In addition, we found that COUP-TFII induced Krox20 expression by directly binding to Krox20-MSE8 as revealed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and promoter activity assay. In line with this, the expression of COUP-TFII was increased before up-regulation of Oct6, Krox20, and myelin-related genes in the sciatic nerves during early postnatal myelination period. Finally, COUP-TFII knockdown by COUP-TFII siRNA or via AAV-COUP-TFII shRNA in SCs inhibited db-cAMP-induced SC differentiation and in vitro myelination of sensory axons, respectively. Taken together, these findings indicate that COUP-TFII might be involved in postnatal myelination through induction of Krox20 in SCs. Our results present a new insight into the transcriptional regulatory mechanism in SC differentiation and myelination.

Long non-coding RNA NR2F2-AS1 regulates human osteosarcoma growth and metastasis through miR-425-5p-mediated HMGB2.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have revealed that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) NR2F2-AS1 plays a role in affecting cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Here, both in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed for investigating the function and mechanism of NR2F2-AS1 in human osteosarcoma (OS). METHODS: The NR2F2-AS1 level in human OS tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues was examined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The NR2F2-AS1 overexpression model was constructed in OS cells, then cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis were monitored. The OS xenograft model was established in nude mice using NR2F2-AS1-overexpressed OS cells. The downstream target genes of NR2F2-AS1 were predicted. qRT-PCR and Western blot were implemented to validate the profiles of miR-425-5p and HMGB2. The targeting link between NR2F2-AS1 and miR-425-5p, miR-425-5p and HMGB2 was further probed by dual-luciferase reporter experiment. RESULTS: In comparison to adjacent non-tumor tissues, OS tissues showed upregulated NR2F2-AS1 expression. Higher NR2F2-AS1 level was predominantly correlated with worse clinical stages. In vivo and in vitro tests corroborated that NR2F2-AS1 overexpression spurred OS cell proliferation, growth, invasion, and choked apoptosis. Mechanistically, NR2F2-AS1 hampered miR-425-5p expression as its competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA). Thus, NR2F2-AS1 facilitated the HMGB2 expression. However, miR-425-5p inhibited HMGB2 expression by targeting the latter. CONCLUSION: NR2F2-AS1 expedited the evolution of OS by elevating HMGB2 levels through sponging miR-425-5p. The NR2F2-AS1/miR-425-5p/HMGB2 regulatory axis is a promising target in treating human OS.

Nr2f2 Overexpression Aggravates Ferroptosis and Mitochondrial Dysfunction by Regulating the PGC-1α Signaling in Diabetes-Induced Heart Failure Mice.

Diabetes is well recognized to increase the risk of heart failure, which is associated with higher mortality and morbidity. It is important for the development of novel therapeutic methods targeting heart failure in diabetic patients. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death, has been implicated in the progression of diabetes-induced heart failure (DIHF). This study was designed to investigate the contribution of Nr2f2 to the activation of ferroptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in DIHF. We established a diabetic model by a high-fat feeding diet combined with an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. After 16 weeks, Nr2f2 expression was increased in heart tissue of DIHF mice. In vivo, DIHF mice overexpressing Nr2f2 (AAV9-cTNT-Nr2f2) exhibited severe heart failure and enhanced cardiac ferroptosis compared with DIHF control mice (AAV9-cTNT-ctrl), accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction and aggravated oxidative stress reaction. In vitro, Nr2f2 knockdown ameliorated ferroptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction by negatively regulating PGC-1α, a crucial metabolic regulator. PGC-1α knockdown counteracted the protective effect of Nr2f2 knockdown. These data suggest that Nr2f2 promotes heart failure and ferroptosis in DIHF by modulating the PGC-1α signaling. Our study provides a new idea for the treatment of diabetes-induced heart failure.

Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor type II interacts and functionally cooperates with GATA4 to regulate anti-Müllerian hormone receptor type 2 transcription in mouse MA-10 Leydig cells.

BACKGROUND: Leydig cells produce testosterone and insulin-like 3, two hormones essential for male sex differentiation and reproductive function. The orphan nuclear receptor, chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor type II (COUP-TFII), and the zinc finger factor GATA4 are two transcription factors involved in Leydig cell differentiation, gene expression, and function. OBJECTIVES: Several Leydig cell gene promoters contain binding motifs for both GATA factors and nuclear receptors. The goal of the present study is to determine whether GATA4 and COUP-TFII cooperate to regulate gene expression in Leydig cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The transcriptomes from GATA4- and COUP-TFII-depleted MA-10 Leydig cells were analyzed using bioinformatic tools. Functional cooperation between GATA4 and COUP-TFII, and other related family members, was assessed by transient transfections in Leydig (MA-10 and MLTC-1) and fibroblast (CV-1) cell lines on several gene promoters. Recruitment of GATA4 and COUP-TFII to gene promoters was investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to determine whether GATA4 and COUP-TFII interact in MA-10 Leydig cells. RESULTS: Transcriptomic analyses of GATA4- and COUP-TFII-depleted MA-10 Leydig cells revealed 44 commonly regulated genes including the anti-Müllerian hormone receptor type (Amhr2) gene. GATA4 and COUP-TFII independently activated the Amhr2 promoter, and their combination led to a stronger activation. A GC-rich element, located in the proximal Amhr2 promoter was found to be essential for GATA4- and COUP-TFII-dependent activation as well as for the COUP-TFII/GATA4 cooperation. COUP-TFII and GATA4 directly interacted in MA-10 Leydig cell extracts. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that GATA4 and COUP-TFII are recruited to the proximal Amhr2 promoter, which contains binding sites for both factors in addition to the GC-rich element. Cooperation between COUP-TFII and GATA6, but not GATA1 and GATA3, was also observed. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our results establish the importance of physical and functional cooperation between COUP-TFII/GATA4 in the regulation of gene expression in MA-10 Leydig cells, and more specifically the Amhr2 gene.

NR2F2 Regulates Cell Proliferation and Immunomodulation in Whartons' Jelly Stem Cells.

(1) Background: Wharton's Jelly stem cells (WJ-MSCs) are multipotent mesenchymal stem cells that can proliferate rapidly and have low immunogenicity. Therefore, WJ-MSCs have gained considerable attention in the fields of immunomodulation and disease treatment and have entered clinical trials for the treatment of various diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to study the underlying mechanisms of WJ-MSCs proliferation, immune regulation, and disease treatment. Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 2 Group F Member 2 (NR2F2) is a transcription factor that is involved in the regulation of many different genes. However, it remains unknown how NR2F2 regulates stem cell identity in WJ-MSCs. (2) Methods: We used RNAi technology to knock down NR2F2 in WJ-MSCs, and studied the regulatory role of NR2F2 in WJ-MSCs by MTT, flow cytometry, RNA-seq, and other methods. We also utilized a co-culture system in which NR2F2-depleted WJ-MSCs with MH7A and HCT116/HepG2 were used to investigate the role of NR2F2 in immunomodulation and the inhibition of cancer cell growth. (3) Results: NR2F2 knockdown resulted in decreased expressions of Cyclin D1 and CDK4, slower cell proliferation, and increased expressions of IL6 and IL8. Furthermore, Cyclin D1, CDK4, and inflammatory factors were increased in human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocyte line MH7A if co-cultured with NR2F2 depleted WJ-MSCs. In addition, we observed increased p53, decreased BCL-2, and increased cell apoptosis in liver cancer cell line HepG2 if co-cultured with NR2F2-depleted WJ-MSCs. (4) Conclusions: NR2F2 not only plays an important role in the cell cycle and immune regulation of WJ-MSCs but also has potential effects on the WJ-MSCs treatment of related diseases.

Long non-coding RNA NR2F2-AS1: its expanding oncogenic roles in tumor progression.

Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) is a new type of non-coding RNA whose transcription is more than 200 nucleotides in length and can be up to 100 kb. The crucial regulatory function of lncRNAs in different cellular processes is now notable in many human diseases, especially in different steps of tumorigenesis, making them clinically significant. This research tried to collect all evidence obtained so far regarding Nuclear Receptor subfamily 2 group F member 2 Antisense RNA 1 (NR2F2-AS1) to explore its role in carcinogenesis and molecular mechanism in several cancers. Collecting evidence value an oncogenic role for NR2F2-AS1, whose dysregulation changes the status for cancerous cells to gain the supremacy toward cellular proliferation, dissemination, and ultimately migration. The NR2F2-AS1 acts as competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and contains several microRNA response elements (MREs) for different microRNAs involved in various pathways such as PI3K/AKT, Wnt/ß-catenin, and TGF-ß. This clinically makes NR2F2-AS1 a remarkable lncRNA which contributes to cancer progression and invasion and perhaps could be a candidate as a prognostic marker or even a therapeutic target.

The nuclear receptors SF1 and COUP-TFII cooperate on the Insl3 promoter in Leydig cells.

In brief: The insulin-like 3 (INSL3) hormone produced by Leydig cells is essential for proper male sex differentiation, but the regulation of Insl3 expression remains poorly understood. This study describes a new physical and functional cooperation between the nuclear receptors SF1 and COUP-TFII in Insl3 expression. Abstract: INSL3, a hormone abundantly produced by Leydig cells, is essential for testis descent during fetal life and bone metabolism in adults. The mechanisms regulating Insl3 expression in Leydig cells have been studied in several species but remain poorly understood. To date, only a handful of transcription factors are known to activate the Insl3 promoter and include the nuclear receptors AR, NUR77, COUP-TFII, and SF1, as well as the Krüppel-like factor KLF6. Some of these transcription factors are known to transcriptionally cooperate on the Insl3 promoter, but the mechanisms at play remain unknown. Here, we report that COUP-TFII and SF1 functionally cooperate on the Insl3 promoter from various species but not on the Inha, Akr1c14, Cyp17a1, Hsd3b1, Star, Gsta3, and Amhr2 promoters that are known to be regulated by COUP-TFII and/or SF1. The Insl3 promoter contains species-conserved binding sites for COUP-TFII (-91 bp) and SF1 (-134 bp). Mutation of either the COUP-TFII or the SF1 sequence had no impact on the COUP-TFII/SF1 cooperation, but the mutation of both binding sites abolished the cooperation. In agreement with this, we found that COUP-TFII and SF1 physically interact in Leydig cells. Finally, we report that the transcriptional cooperation is not limited to COUP-TFII and SF1 as it also occurred between all NR2F and NR5A family members. Our data provide new mechanistic insights into the cooperation between the orphan nuclear receptors COUP-TFII and SF1 in the regulation of Insl3 gene expression in Leydig cells.

Isoforms of the orphan nuclear receptor COUP­TFII differentially modulate pancreatic cancer progression.

The expression of the nuclear receptor transcription factor (TF) COUP­TFII is broadly associated with cell differentiation and cancer development, including of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a devastating disease with one of the poorest prognoses among cancers worldwide. Recent studies have started to investigate the pathological and physiological roles of a novel COUP­TFII isoform (COUP­TFII_V2) that lacks the DNA­binding domain. As the role of the canonical COUP­TFII in PDAC was previously demonstrated, the present study evaluated whether COUP­TFII_V2 may have a functional role in PDAC. It was demonstrated that COUP­TFII_V2 naturally occurs in PDAC cells and in primary samples, where its expression is consistent with shorter overall survival and peripheral invasion. Of note, COUP­TFII_V2, exhibiting nuclear and cytosolic expression, is linked to epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer progression, as confirmed by nude mouse experiments. The present results demonstrated that COUP­TFII_V2 distinctively regulates the EMT of PDAC and, similarly to its sibling, it is associated with tumor aggressiveness. The two isoforms have both overlapping and exclusive functions that cooperate with cancer growth and dissemination. By studying how PDAC cells switch from one isoform to the other, novel insight into cancer biology was gained, indicating that this receptor may serve as a novel possible target for PDAC management.

LncRNA NR2F2-AS1 functions as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer through targeting miR-320b/PDCD4 pathway.

Gastric cancer is among the most frequently occurring gastrointestinal malignancies with a high mortality rate worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are defined as core regulators in the occurrence and progression of multiple cancers, including gastric carcinoma. Mounting evidence has indicated that NR2F2-AS1 can inhibit several malignant tumors. However, the function and potential mechanism of NR2F2-AS1 remain unclear. In the current study, we found that NR2F2-AS1 was weakly expressed in gastric cancer cells in comparison with normal cells. The study has further disclosed that ectopic of NR2F2-AS1 repressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT whereas it promoted cell apoptosis in gastric carcinoma. Subsequently, our results confirmed that miR-320b was negatively regulated and that suppression of miR-320b alleviated the malignant behaviors of GC cells. More importantly, PDCD4 was a target of miR-320b. Mechanistically, NR2F2-AS1 modulated the expression level of PDCD4 by sponging miR-320b. Finally, rescue assays demonstrated that NR2F2-AS1 down-regulated PDCD4 expression to restrain the development of gastric cancer by competitively binding to miR-320b. On the whole, our study revealed the role of NR2F2-AS1/miR-320b/PDCD4 regulatory network in gastric cancer, suggesting NR2F2-AS1 may represent a novel therapeutic target for patients with gastric carcinoma.

Abnormal hsa_circ_0003948 expression affects chronic periodontitis development by regulating miR-144-3p/NR2F2/PTEN signaling.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between chronic periodontitis (CP) and abnormal circular RNA (circRNA) expression and to identify the role of hsa_circ_0003948 in the progression of CP. METHODS: Next-generation sequencing was utilized to investigate abnormal expression of circRNA in gingival tissues from CP patients and healthy control subjects. Bioinformatics and luciferase reporting analyses were used to clarify the interactive relationship among circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA. Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) were employed to analyze proliferation and apoptosis after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment using the cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay and flow cytometry detection. RESULTS: High-throughput sequencing and RT-qPCR analyses confirmed that hsa_circ_0003948 expression decreased dramatically in gingival samples of CP patients. Overexpression of hsa_circ_0003948 alleviated LPS-induced PDLC injury by regulating NR2F2/PTEN signaling. The miR-144-3p and NR2F2 were determined to be hsa_circ_0003948 downstream targets. NR2F2 downregulation or miR-144-3p overexpression reversed the protective effect of hsa_circ_0003948 in PDLCs after treatment with LPS. Upregulation of NR2F2 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-144-3p on surviving PDLCs after LPS treatment. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of hsa_circ_0003948 exerts a protective effect in CP via miR-144-3p/NR2F2/PTEN signaling regulation.

Exome sequencing of fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia supports a causal role for NR2F2, PTPN11, and WT1 variants.

BACKGROUND: To identify genes associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) to help understand the etiology and inform prognosis. METHODS: We performed exome sequencing on fetuses with CDH and their parents to identify rare genetic variants likely to mediate risk. We reviewed prenatal characteristics and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: Data were generated for 22 parent-offspring trios. Six Likely Damaging (LD) variants were identified in five families (23 %). Three LD variants were in genes that contain variants in other CDH cohorts (NR2F2, PTPN11, WT1), while three were in genes that do not (CTR9, HDAC6, TP53). Integrating these data bolsters the evidence of association of NR2F2, PTPN11, and WT1 with CDH in humans. Of the five fetuses with a genetic diagnosis, one was terminated, two underwent perinatal demise, while two survived until repair. CONCLUSIONS: Exome sequencing expands the diagnostic yield of genetic testing in CDH. Correlating CDH patients' exomes with clinical outcomes may enable personalized counseling and therapies.

lncRNA NR2F2-AS1 inhibits the methylation of miR-494 to regulate oral squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the role of lncRNA NR2F2-AS1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The TCGA datasets were used to explore the differential expression of NR2F2-AS1 in OSCC. To further explore the potential interaction between NR2F2-AS1 and miR-494, SCC090 cells were transfected with the NR2F2-AS1 expression vector, NR2F2-AS1 siRNA, and a miR-494 mimic. The effect of NR2F2-AS1 on miR-494 methylation was evaluated by performing methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to assess the effects of NR2F2-AS1 silencing and miR-494 and NR2F2-AS1 overexpression on OSCC cell proliferation. RESULTS: NR2F2-AS1 expression was downregulated in OSCC and positively correlated with miR-494 expression. In OSCC cells, NR2F2-AS1 overexpression upregulated miR-494 level, while NR2F2-AS1 silencing decreased miR-494 expression. MSP results showed that NR2F2-AS1 overexpression decreased miR-494 methylation while NR2F2-AS1 silencing increased miR-494 methylation. In addition, NR2F2-AS1 silencing increased OSCC cell proliferation rate while overexpression of miR-494 and NR2F2-AS1 decreased OSCC cell proliferation. Furthermore, miR-494 overexpression attenuated the effects of NR2F2-AS1 silencing on cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: NR2F2-AS1 may inhibit miR-494 methylation to regulate cell proliferation in OSCC. AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIALS: The analyzed data sets generated during the study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Three chromosome-level duck genome assemblies provide insights into genomic variation during domestication.

Domestic ducks are raised for meat, eggs and feather down, and almost all varieties are descended from the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). Here, we report chromosome-level high-quality genome assemblies for meat and laying duck breeds, and the Mallard. Our new genomic databases contain annotations for thousands of new protein-coding genes and recover a major percentage of the presumed "missing genes" in birds. We obtain the entire genomic sequences for the C-type lectin (CTL) family members that regulate eggshell biomineralization. Our population and comparative genomics analyses provide more than 36 million sequence variants between duck populations. Furthermore, a mutant cell line allows confirmation of the predicted anti-adipogenic function of NR2F2 in the duck, and uncovered mutations specific to Pekin duck that potentially affect adipose deposition. Our study provides insights into avian evolution and the genetics of oviparity, and will be a rich resource for the future genetic improvement of commercial traits in the duck.