Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
07:07
Lung microRNA Profiling Across the Estrous Cycle in Ozone-exposed Mice
Published on: January 7, 2019
Airway epithelial miRNA expression is altered in asthma
Owen D Solberg1, Edwin J Ostrin, Michael I Love
1Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|September 8, 2012
Summary
Asthma alters airway epithelial micro-RNA (miRNA) levels, with changes only modestly reversed by corticosteroids. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) may drive these asthma-related miRNA changes, impacting cell differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Asthma involves airway epithelial cell differentiation abnormalities, partly mediated by Interleukin-13 (IL-13).
- Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of cell differentiation and may contribute to asthma-related epithelial dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in airway epithelial miRNA expression in asthma.
- To identify specific miRNAs regulated by IL-13 in the context of asthma.
Main Methods:
- Microarray analysis of bronchial epithelial brushings from asthma patients (steroid-naive and steroid-using) and healthy controls.
- Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to validate microarray findings.
- In vitro studies assessing the effects of IL-13 and corticosteroids on cultured bronchial epithelial cells.
Main Results:
- Markedly abnormal miRNA expression patterns were observed in most steroid-naive asthma patients.
- Significant differential expression of numerous miRNAs was found in both steroid-naive and steroid-using asthma groups compared to controls.
- IL-13 stimulation mimicked many observed miRNA changes, including repression of the miR-34/449 family, with these effects being corticosteroid-resistant.
Conclusions:
- Airway epithelial miRNA dysregulation is a common characteristic of asthma.
- Inhaled corticosteroids have limited impact on correcting these miRNA alterations.
- IL-13-induced changes in miRNAs, particularly the miR-34/449 family, likely contribute to asthma pathogenesis and epithelial differentiation defects.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:22MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
01:22MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...