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Updated: May 27, 2026
Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils
Published on: January 21, 2020
Comparison of inflammatory microRNA expression in healthy and periodontitis tissues
Young Hwa Lee1, Hee Sam Na, So Yeon Jeong
1Department of Oral Microbiology, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Korea.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNA molecules that negatively regulate gene expression primarily by degrading target mRNA or inhibit the translation of protein product. Recently, many reports have shown the altered miRNA expression in various diseases. However, there are no reports on miRNA expression related to periodontitis. Thus, this study aimed to compare the miRNAs differentially expressed in healthy and chronic periodontitis tissues and to determine the miRNAs closely associated with chronic periodontitis. To find out the miRNAs differentially induced in healthy and chronic periodontitis tissues, miRNA microarray was carried out and the expression of miRNAs was confirmed by real-time PCR. According to miRNA microarray analyses, six miRNA genes, let-7a, let-7c, miR-130a, miR301a, miR-520d, and miR-548a, were up-regulated more than 8 fold compared to the healthy gingiva. The expression of twenty-two miRNAs was increased more than 4 fold. Among these miRNAs, eight miRNAs which are known to be closely related to inflammation were selected. Six of these miRNA genes, miR-181b, miR-19b, miR-23a, miR-30a, miR-let7a, and miR-301a, were amplified successfully and increased much more in periodontitis gingivae than in healthy ones. In summary, this study indicate that six miRNAs up-regulated in periodontitis gingiva may play a key role in chronic periodontitis.
Insights
This study identified six microRNAs (miRNAs) significantly upregulated in chronic periodontitis tissues. These specific miRNAs may play a crucial role in the development and progression of this common gum disease.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Oral Health Research
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, with altered levels implicated in various diseases.
- Previous research has not investigated miRNA expression patterns in periodontitis.
- Chronic periodontitis is a prevalent inflammatory gum disease affecting millions worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare miRNA expression profiles between healthy and chronic periodontitis gingival tissues.
- To identify specific miRNAs differentially expressed in periodontitis.
- To determine the association of these miRNAs with chronic periodontitis pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- MicroRNA microarray analysis to screen for differentially expressed miRNAs.
- Real-time PCR to validate the expression levels of selected miRNAs.
- Comparison of miRNA expression in human gingival tissues from healthy and periodontitis patients.
Main Results:
- Six miRNA genes (let-7a, let-7c, miR-130a, miR301a, miR-520d, miR-548a) were significantly upregulated (>8-fold) in periodontitis tissues.
- Twenty-two miRNAs showed increased expression (>4-fold) in periodontitis.
- Six inflammation-related miRNAs (miR-181b, miR-19b, miR-23a, miR-30a, let-7a, miR-301a) were confirmed to be elevated in periodontitis gingiva.
Conclusions:
- This study reveals a distinct miRNA expression signature in chronic periodontitis.
- Upregulation of specific miRNAs, including let-7a and miR-301a, is strongly associated with periodontitis.
- These identified miRNAs represent potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for chronic periodontitis.
