MiR-137-5p alleviates inflammation by upregulating IL-10R1 expression in rats with spinal cord injury

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Spinal cord injury (SCI) triggers significant immune inflammation, leading to secondary damage and functional deficits.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating cellular responses, including inflammation, following SCI.
• Identifying specific miRNAs and their targets involved in SCI pathogenesis is essential for developing therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional role of miR-137-5p in the inflammatory response post-SCI.
• To elucidate the relationship between miR-137-5p and interleukin-10 receptor 1 (IL-10R1) in SCI.
• To assess the impact of miR-137-5p modulation on locomotor recovery after SCI.

Main Methods:

• Primary rat microglia were cultured and stimulated to assess miR-137-5p and IL-10R1 expression via qRT-PCR.
• A rat SCI model was established, with groups receiving sham surgery, SCI, or miR-137-5p mimics.
• Expression of miR-137-5p, IL-10R1, JAK1, STAT3, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) was quantified.
• Locomotor function was evaluated using the BBB rating scale.

Main Results:

• Overexpression of miR-137-5p upregulated IL-10R1, JAK1, and STAT3 in microglia and in vivo.
• The IL-10R1/JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway was activated by miR-137-5p mimics.
• miR-137-5p overexpression significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6.
• Administration of miR-137-5p mimics improved locomotor function in rats following SCI.

Conclusions:

• MiR-137-5p functions as an anti-inflammatory agent in the context of spinal cord injury.
• Upregulation of IL-10R1 by miR-137-5p is a key mechanism mediating its protective effects.
• Modulating miR-137-5p offers a promising therapeutic avenue for alleviating SCI and promoting functional recovery.