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Published on: January 7, 2019
MicroRNA let-7a up-regulates OPN expression in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis
1Department of Infectious Diseases,Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College,Huazhong University of Science and Technology,Wuhan,P R China.
Objective:
To investigate the effect of microRNA let-7a on OPN expression in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis.
Methods:
Thirty-two mature female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups, with eight mice in each group: microRNA let-7a, microRNA control, OVA and phosphate-buffered saline groups. The microRNA let-7a, microRNA control and OVA groups were sensitised with OVA to establish a mouse model of allergic rhinitis. Nose-scratching events were counted. Nasal mucosa was used to evaluate histological changes of goblet cell hyperplasia. Interleukins 5 and 13 were detected. Interferon-γ levels in the nasal lavage fluid were assayed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. OPN expression was estimated with polymerase chain reaction.
Results:
Compared with microRNA control mice, microRNA let-7a treated mice had a significantly increased number of nose-scratching events, nasal mucosal eosinophilia and goblet cell hyperplasia (p 0.05). In addition, microRNA let-7a treated mice had significantly enhanced OPN expression in nasal mucosa (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
MicroRNA let-7a can promote allergic rhinitis development partly by regulating OPN expression.
Insights
MicroRNA let-7a exacerbates allergic rhinitis in mice by increasing OPN expression. This study highlights microRNA let-7a
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis is a common condition.
- MicroRNAs play a role in immune responses.
- Osteopontin (OPN) is implicated in allergic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effect of microRNA let-7a on osteopontin (OPN) expression.
- To investigate the role of microRNA let-7a in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis.
Main Methods:
- A mouse model of allergic rhinitis was established using ovalbumin (OVA).
- Mice were treated with microRNA let-7a or a control.
- Nose-scratching, histological changes, cytokine levels (IL-5, IL-13, IFN-γ), and OPN expression were assessed.
Main Results:
- MicroRNA let-7a treatment significantly increased nose-scratching, goblet cell hyperplasia, and eosinophilia.
- Osteopontin (OPN) expression was significantly upregulated in the nasal mucosa of mice treated with microRNA let-7a.
- Interleukin-5, Interleukin-13, and Interferon-γ levels were also affected.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNA let-7a promotes the development of allergic rhinitis.
- This promotion is partly mediated by the regulation of osteopontin (OPN) expression.
- MicroRNA let-7a is a potential therapeutic target for allergic rhinitis.
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