Rho family guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) 3 (Rnd3), a member of the small Rho GTPase family, is involved in the regulation of cell actin cytoskeleton dynamics, cell migration, and proliferation through the Rho kinase-dependent signaling pathway. We report a role of Rnd3 in the pathogenesis of hydrocephalus disorder. Mice with Rnd3 genetic deletion developed severe obstructive hydrocephalus with enlargement of the lateral and third ventricles, but not of the fourth ventricles. The cerebral aqueducts in Rnd3-null mice were partially or completely blocked by the overgrowth of ependymal epithelia. We examined the molecular mechanism contributing to this Rnd3-deficiency–mediated hydrocephalus and found that Rnd3 is a regulator of Notch signaling. Rnd3 deficiency, through either gene deletion or siRNA knockdown, resulted in a decrease in Notch intracellular domain (NICD) protein degradation. However, there was no correlated change in mRNA change, which in turn led to an increase in NICD protein levels. Immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that Rnd3 and NICD physically interacted, and that down-regulation of Rnd3 attenuated NICD protein ubiquitination. This eventually enhanced Notch signaling activity and promoted aberrant growth of aqueduct ependymal cells, resulting in aqueduct stenosis and the development of congenital hydrocephalus. Inhibition of Notch activity rescued the hydrocephalus disorder in the mutant animals.

Activation of NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells)-mediated hypertrophic signaling is a major regulatory response to hypertrophic stimuli. A recent study unveiled potential regulatory roles for microRNA-133a (miR-133a) in cardiac hypertrophy. To date, however, no connection has been made between miR-133a and NFAT signaling. In this study, we determined that NFATc4, a hypertrophy-associated mediator, is negatively regulated by miR-133a. Two conserved base-pairing sites between the NFATc4 3'-untranslated region (UTR) and miR-133a were verified. Mutation of these sites in the NFATc4 3'-UTR completely blocked the negative effect of miR-133a on NFATc4, suggesting that NFATc4 is a direct target for miR-133a regulation. Using a gain-of-function approach, we demonstrate that miR-133 significantly reduces the endogenous level of, as well as the hypertrophic stimulus-mediated increase in, NFATc4 gene expression. This latter effect of miR-133a on NFATc4 gene expression was coincided with an attenuated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by an alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist. Conversely, cells treated with miR-133a inhibitor resulted in an increase in NFATc4 expression level. Application of miR-133a had no apparent effect on NFATc4 nuclear localization. We conclude that the negative regulation of NFATc4 expression contributes to miR-133a-mediated hypertrophic repression.

Rnd3, also known as RhoE, belongs to the Rnd subclass of the Rho family of small GTP-binding proteins. Rnd proteins are unique due to their inability to switch from a GTP-bound to GDP-bound conformation. Even though studies of the biological function of Rnd3 are far from being concluded, information is available regarding its expression pattern, cellular localization, and its activity, which can be altered depending on the conditions. The compiled data from these studies implies that Rnd3 may not be a traditional small GTPase. The basic role of Rnd3 is to report as an endogenous antagonist of RhoA signaling-mediated actin cytoskeleton dynamics, which specifically contributes to cell migration and neuron polarity. In addition, Rnd3 also plays a critical role in arresting cell cycle distribution, inhibiting cell growth, and inducing apoptosis and differentiation. Increasing data have shown that aberrant Rnd3 expression may be the leading cause of some systemic diseases; particularly highlighted in apoptotic cardiomyopathy, developmental arrhythmogenesis and heart failure, hydrocephalus, as well as tumor metastasis and chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, a better understanding of the function of Rnd3 under different physiological and pathological conditions, through the use of suitable models, would provide a novel insight into the origin and treatment of multiple human diseases.

The polymorphisms of the promoter region of IL-18 gene at position -607 and -137 are closely associated with susceptibility to chronic hepatitis B. The people with allele C at position -137 in the promoter of IL-18 gene may be protected against HBV infection; moreover AA genotype at position -607 may be closely linked to inhibit HBV-DNA replication. These findings give some new clues to the study of pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B.