MiR-29 Targets PUMA to Suppress Oxygen and Glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced Cell Death in Hippocampal Neurons

Introduction: We previously demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNA) play an important role in Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest (DHCA)-associated neural injury. However, the specific role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of DHCA-induced neuron death is still unclear. Material and Methods: Thus, in the present study, we investigated miR-29 expression and roles in neuronal HT-22 cells with Oxygen-glucose Deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). In this study, the model of OGD/R was established using an airtight culture container and the anaeropack. Measurement of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP) was done using the probes of JC-1 and H2DCFDA. The microRNA (miRNA) profile in hippocampal neurons from rat model of DHCA was determined by miRNA deep sequencing. Results: We found that the expression of the miR-29 family (miR-29a/b/c) was significantly reduced in model of DHCA and OGD/R. Overexpression of the miR-29 family inhibited the OGD/R-induced elevation of ROS and reduction of MMP in HT-22 cells. In addition, administration of the miR-29 family suppressed proteins of Keapl, Bax and PUMA and increased Nrf2 expression. We further demonstrated that the miR-29 family targeted the PUMA by luciferase reporter assay and Western blot analysis. Conclusion: In conclusion, our data suggest that by targeting a pro-apoptotic BCL2 family member PUMA, the miR-29 family might emerge as a strategy for protection against DHCA-mediated neural cell injury.