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Published on: September 22, 2023
MicroRNA Expression Profiling of Human Respiratory Epithelium Affected by Invasive Candida Infection
Syed Aun Muhammad1, Nighat Fatima2, Nawazish-I-Husain Syed3
1Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan, Pakistan.
Abstract:
Invasive candidiasis is potentially life-threatening systemic fungal infection caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans). Candida enters the blood stream and disseminate throughout the body and it is often observed in hospitalized patients, immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic diseases. This infection is opportunistic and risk starts with the colonization of C. albicans on mucocutaneous surfaces and respiratory epithelium. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs which are involved in the regulation of virtually every cellular process. They regulate and control the levels of mRNA stability and post-transcriptional gene expression. Aberrant expression of miRNAs has been associated in many disease states, and miRNA-based therapies are in progress. In this study, we investigated possible variations of miRNA expression profiles of respiratory epithelial cells infected by invasive Candida species. For this purpose, respiratory epithelial tissues of infected individuals from hospital laboratory were accessed before their treatment. Invasive Candida infection was confirmed by isolation of Candia albicans from the blood cultures of the same infected individuals. The purity of epithelial tissues was assessed by flow cytometry (FACSCalibur cytometer; BD Biosciences, Heidelberg, Germany) using statin antibody (S-44). TaqMan quantitative real-time PCR (in a TaqMan Low Density Array format) was used for miRNA expression profiling. MiRNAs investigated, the levels of expression of 55 miRNA were significantly altered in infected tissues. Some miRNAs showed dramatic increase (miR-16-1) or decrease of expression (miR-17-3p) as compared to control. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of these miRNA-targeted genes suggests that Candidal infection affect many important biological pathways. In summary, disturbance in miRNA expression levels indicated the change in cascade of pathological processes and the regulation of respiratory epithelial functions following invasive Candidal infection. These findings contribute to our understanding of host cell response to Candidal systemic infections.
Insights
Invasive candidiasis, a serious fungal infection, alters microRNA (miRNA) expression in respiratory cells. These changes in miRNA profiles reveal new insights into host responses during Candida albicans infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Invasive candidiasis is a life-threatening systemic infection caused by Candida albicans, particularly affecting hospitalized and immunocompromised patients.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, and their aberrant levels are linked to various diseases, including infections.
- Understanding host responses at the molecular level is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies against invasive fungal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the variations in miRNA expression profiles within respiratory epithelial cells during invasive Candida infections.
- To identify specific miRNAs that are differentially expressed in response to Candida albicans colonization and invasion.
- To elucidate the functional implications of altered miRNA expression on host cell pathways.
Main Methods:
- Respiratory epithelial tissues from patients with confirmed invasive Candida infection were analyzed.
- MicroRNA expression profiling was performed using TaqMan quantitative real-time PCR in a Low Density Array format.
- Gene ontology enrichment analysis was employed to understand the biological pathways affected by altered miRNA expression.
Main Results:
- Significant alterations in the expression levels of 55 miRNAs were observed in infected respiratory tissues compared to controls.
- Specific miRNAs, such as miR-16-1 and miR-17-3p, showed marked increases or decreases in expression, respectively.
- Gene ontology analysis indicated that the identified miRNAs target genes involved in critical biological pathways disrupted by Candidal infection.
Conclusions:
- Disturbances in miRNA expression levels are indicative of altered pathological processes and regulatory functions in respiratory epithelial cells following invasive candidiasis.
- These findings enhance our understanding of the host cell's response to systemic Candida infections.
- The study highlights the potential role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions of invasive candidiasis.
