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Published on: February 14, 2020
Eimeria papillata: upregulation of specific miRNA-species in the mouse jejunum
Mohamed Dkhil1, Abdel Azeem Abdel-Baki, Denis Delić
1Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia. mohameddkhil@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Increasing evidence indicates miRNAs as critical regulators of gene expression, but little information is available for miRNAs in intestinal diseases. Here, we investigated intestinal infections of male Balb/c mice with the coccidian parasite Eimeria papillata. On day 4 after oral infection, mice were shedding 3150 ± 430 oocysts per gram feces. This was associated with a low inflammatory response of the jejunum of mice evidenced by histology, non-response of IL-1β mRNA, even slight downregulation of IL-6 mRNA, only slight increases in iNOS mRNA, nitrate/nitrate, malondialdehyde, and a small decrease in glutathione, respectively. Only IFNγ mRNA was strongly induced. Using miRNA microarray technology, there were significantly upregulated the four miRNA species miR-1959, MCMV-miR-M23-1-5P, miR-203, and miR-21 out of 634 miRNAs, which was also confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Our data provide evidence that E. papillata parasites are able to induce specific miRNA species in their host target organ.
Insights
Eimeria papillata intestinal infection in mice induced specific microRNAs (miRNAs). This study identified four upregulated miRNA species, offering insights into host-parasite interactions during infection.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key gene expression regulators.
- Limited data exists on miRNA roles in intestinal diseases.
- Coccidian parasites like Eimeria papillata cause significant intestinal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of miRNAs during Eimeria papillata intestinal infection in mice.
- To identify specific miRNA changes induced by the parasite in the host's jejunum.
Main Methods:
- Male Balb/c mice were orally infected with Eimeria papillata.
- Fecal oocyst shedding was quantified.
- Jejunal inflammation was assessed via histology and molecular markers (IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS mRNA, nitrate/nitrite, malondialdehyde, glutathione, IFNγ).
- miRNA expression profiling was performed using microarray technology, with validation by quantitative RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- Infection led to low jejunal inflammation, with strong IFNγ mRNA induction.
- Four miRNA species (miR-1959, MCMV-miR-M23-1-5P, miR-203, miR-21) were significantly upregulated out of 634 analyzed.
- Quantitative RT-PCR confirmed the upregulation of these specific miRNAs.
Conclusions:
- Eimeria papillata infection induces distinct miRNA expression profiles in the host jejunum.
- These findings highlight specific miRNAs as potential players in the host response to intestinal parasitic infections.
- Further research can explore the functional roles of these induced miRNAs in host-parasite dynamics.
