LncRNA TUG1 Repressed Angiogenesis by Promoting the Ubiquitination of HuR and Inhibiting Its Nuclear Translocation in Cerebral Ischemic Reperfusion Injury

  • Adv Sci (Weinh). 2025 Jan 31:e2413333. doi: 10.1002/advs.202413333.
Hongxiang Jiang  1 Qiang Cai  1 Peidong He  2 Fei Li  1 Qianxue Chen  1
Affiliations
  • 1. Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430060, China.
  • 2. First School of Clinical Medicine of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430060, China.
Abstract

Although both Taurine Upregulated Gene 1(TUG1) and Human Antigen R (HuR) play significant regulatory roles in Cerebral Ischemic Reperfusion Injury (CIRI), their potential pro-angiogenesis mechanisms in CIRI remain unclear.

Methods: Herein, the biological roles of TUG1 and HuR in angiogenesis are first confirmed. Following that, HuR-binding VEGFA mRNAs are identified via the Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH), RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP), and Cross-Linking Immunoprecipitation (CLIP) assays. Actinomycin D and polysomal assays are also employed to confirm VEGFA mRNA stability. The co-localization of TUG1 with HuR is confirmed using FISH, while the RIP and RNA pull-down assays are employed to elucidate their interplay. The direct binding between TUG1 and HuR is confirmed through the CLIP assay. Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and rescue experiments are performed to further elucidate TUG1-HuR interactions.

Results: While TUG1 repressed angiogenesis and aggravated CIRI, HuR exerted contrary effects. Specifically, HuR bound directly to VEGFA mRNA, a phenomenon that enhanced VEGFA mRNA stability. Conversely, TUG1 binds to HuR directly, inhibiting its nuclear translocation and promoting its ubiquitination, ultimately reducing VEGFA mRNA stability.

Conclusions: It is found that TUG1 can inhibit angiogenesis in CIRI through the HuR/VEGFA mRNA axis.

Keywords
HuR; TUG1; VEGFA mRNA; angiogenesis; cerebral Ischemic reperfusion Injury.
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