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Published on: August 25, 2017
MicroRNA-186 is associated with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α expression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
1Department of Geriatrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
Background:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of small noncoding RNAs and are essential in the regulation of gene expression. Their impacts on gene expression have been reported in various diseases. The role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) in the development and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has also been demonstrated. However, the role of microRNA-186 (miR-186) in relation to HIF in COPD is unknown.
Methods:
Cell culture experiments were performed using human lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5). Cell viability was determined by MTT and flow cytometry assays. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were used to assess the expression levels of HIF-1α and inflammatory cytokines. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to reveal the correlation between miR-186 and HIF-1α.
Results:
After miR-186 transfection, the cell lines showed reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis. After overexpression of miR-186, we found that the HIF-1α expression level was reduced in MRC-5 cells. We found that miR-186 can affect apoptosis of inflammatory fibroblasts through the regulation of HIF-1α and affect the downstream signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
These data suggested that miR-186 contributes to the pathogenesis of COPD and that miRNA-186 may also affect the HIF-1α-dependent lung structure maintenance program.
Insights
MicroRNA-186 (miR-186) influences chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by regulating hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α). This study shows miR-186 affects fibroblast apoptosis via HIF-1α, impacting COPD pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression with roles in various diseases.
- Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) is implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) development and progression.
- The specific role of microRNA-186 (miR-186) in relation to HIF in COPD remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microRNA-186 (miR-186) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- To explore the relationship between miR-186 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) in lung fibroblasts.
Main Methods:
- Human lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5) were used for cell culture experiments.
- Assays included MTT, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, Western blot, and dual-luciferase reporter assays.
- Expression levels of HIF-1α and inflammatory cytokines were assessed, along with cell viability and apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Transfection with miR-186 led to reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in MRC-5 cells.
- Overexpression of miR-186 resulted in decreased HIF-1α expression.
- miR-186 was found to regulate HIF-1α, influencing inflammatory fibroblast apoptosis and downstream signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- miR-186 plays a role in the pathogenesis of COPD.
- miR-186 may impact the HIF-1α-dependent lung structure maintenance program in COPD.
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