MiR-195 affects cell migration and cell proliferation by down-regulating DIEXF in Hirschsprung's disease

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is the leading congenital disorder affecting gut motility.
• Investigating the specific molecular mechanisms underlying HSCR pathogenesis is crucial for understanding and potentially treating this condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the role of microRNA-195 (miR-195) in the development of Hirschsprung's disease.
• To determine the relationship between miR-195 expression and its target gene, DIEXF, in HSCR.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative analysis of miRNA, mRNA, and protein expression in colon tissues from HSCR patients (n=78) and controls (n=66).
• In vitro functional assays including Transwell migration, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) for proliferation, and flow cytometry were performed.
• Investigated the regulatory effect of miR-195 on DIEXF expression in cellular models.

Main Results:

• Expression levels of miR-195 were significantly elevated in HSCR patients compared to controls.
• Aberrantly lower expression levels of digestive-organ expansion factor (DIEXF) were observed in HSCR tissues.
• Increased miR-195 suppressed DIEXF levels in cells, leading to impaired cell migration and proliferation.

Conclusions:

• Aberrant upregulation of miR-195 is implicated in Hirschsprung's disease pathogenesis.
• Downregulation of DIEXF by miR-195 contributes to the cellular dysfunction observed in HSCR.
• miR-195 represents a potential molecular target for understanding and managing HSCR.