MALAT1 Activates the P53 Signaling Pathway by Regulating MDM2 to Promote Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Background/aims: This study focused on evaluating the effect of MALAT1 and MDM2 on ischemic stroke through regulation of the p53 signaling pathway.

Materials: Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify abnormally expressed lncRNAs, mRNAs and their associated pathways. Oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in cells and middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) in mice were performed to simulate an ischemic stroke environment. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to examine lncRNA expression and mRNA levels. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) LncRNA was used to locate mRNA. MTT and flow cytometry were performed to examine cell proliferation and apoptosis. Finally, immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression of genes in vivo.

Results: MALAT1 and MDM2, which exhibit strong expression in stroke tissues, were subjected to bioinformatics analysis, and the p53 pathway was chosen for further study. MALAT1, MDM2 and p53 signaling pathway-related proteins were all up regulated in OGD/R cells. Furthermore, Malat1, Mdm2 and p53 pathway related-proteins were also up regulated in MCAO/R mice. Both MALAT1 and MDM2 were localized in the nuclei. Down regulation of MALAT1 and MDM2 enhanced cell proliferation ability and reduced apoptosis, resulting in decreased infarct size in MCAO/R brains.

Conclusion: These results indicate that MALAT1/MDM2/p53 signaling pathway axis may provide more effective clinical therapeutic strategy for patients with ischemic stroke.

Keywords: Ischemic stroke; MALAT1; MDM2; P53 pathway.