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Published on: August 23, 2019
Assessing the survival of exogenous plant microRNA in mice
GaoFeng Liang1, YanLiang Zhu2, Bo Sun2
1State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University Nanjing, 210096, China ; School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology Luo Yang 471003, Henan, China.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small RNAs, are important molecules that influence several developmental processes and regulate RNA interference (RNAi), and are abundant in animals, plants, and plant tissues that are traditionally consumed in the diet. The survival of plant small RNAs from the diet in animals, however, remains unclear, and the persistence of miRNAs from dietary plants in the animal gastrointestinal (GI) tract is still under debate. In this study, ICR mice were fed plant total RNAs in quantities of 10-50 μg, extracted from Brassica oleracea. Serum, feces, and various tissues were collected from the mice after RNA consumption and analyzed for several miRNAs. Exogenous plant miRNAs were present in the sera, feces, and tissues of animals and these exogenous plant miRNAs were primarily acquired orally. MiR-172, the most highly enriched exogenous plant miRNA in B. oleracea, was found in the stomach, intestine, serum, and feces of mice that were fed plant RNA extracts including miR-172. The amount of miR-172 that survived passage through the GI tract varied among individuals, with a maximum of 4.5% recovered at the stomach of one individual, and had a range of 0.05-4.5% in different organs. Furthermore, miR-172 was detected in the blood, spleen, liver, and kidney of mice.
Insights
Dietary plant microRNAs (miRNAs) can survive passage through the mouse gastrointestinal tract. These exogenous plant miRNAs were detected in serum, feces, and various tissues, indicating oral uptake and systemic distribution.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs crucial for biological processes.
- The presence and persistence of dietary plant miRNAs in animals are not well understood.
- Plant miRNAs are abundant in commonly consumed foods like Brassica oleracea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the survival and distribution of exogenous plant miRNAs in the animal gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
- To determine if plant miRNAs from consumed food can be absorbed and detected in animal tissues and circulation.
Main Methods:
- ICR mice were orally administered plant total RNAs (10-50 μg) from Brassica oleracea.
- Serum, feces, and various tissues were collected post-consumption.
- miRNA analysis was performed to detect and quantify exogenous plant miRNAs, particularly miR-172.
Main Results:
- Exogenous plant miRNAs were detected in mouse serum, feces, and tissues, confirming oral acquisition.
- miR-172, a prominent miRNA in Brassica oleracea, was found in the stomach, intestine, serum, and feces.
- The survival rate of miR-172 through the GI tract varied (0.05-4.5%), with detection in blood, spleen, liver, and kidney.
Conclusions:
- Dietary plant miRNAs can survive GI transit and be absorbed into the animal's system.
- Exogenous plant miRNAs, like miR-172, are orally acquired and detectable in systemic circulation and organs.
- This study provides evidence for the potential biological relevance of plant-derived miRNAs in animal diets.
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