gga-miR-21 modulates Mycoplasma gallisepticum (HS strain)-Induced inflammation via targeting MAP3K1 and activating

Yabo Zhao1, Mengyun Zou1, Yingfei Sun1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.

Veterinary Microbiology
|October 6, 2019
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals that gga-miR-21 promotes inflammation in chickens infected with Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) by targeting MAP3K1. Upregulation of gga-miR-21 also inhibits MG spread and aids cell survival.

Area of Science:

  • * Avian immunology
  • * Molecular biology
  • * Microbial pathogenesis

Background:

  • * Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) causes chronic respiratory disease (CRD) in chickens.
  • * MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of inflammatory responses during infection.
  • * The specific role of miRNAs in MG-induced inflammation is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To investigate the role of gga-miR-21 in chickens infected with MG.
  • * To identify the molecular targets and pathways regulated by gga-miR-21 during MG infection.
  • * To explore the potential of gga-miR-21 in controlling MG infection and its pathological effects.

Main Methods:

  • * Quantification of gga-miR-21 expression in MG-infected chicken lungs and cells (DF-1).
  • * Functional analysis of gga-miR-21 using overexpression and knockdown techniques.
  • * Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assays, and gene expression analysis to identify targets and pathways (MAP3K1, NF-κB, MAPKs).

Main Results:

  • * gga-miR-21 expression was significantly upregulated in MG-infected chicken tissues and cells.
  • * Overexpression of gga-miR-21 enhanced inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and promoted cell proliferation, while knockdown had inverse effects.
  • * MAP3K1 was identified as a direct target of gga-miR-21, leading to NF-κB activation and subsequent cytokine release. Upregulated gga-miR-21 inhibited MG propagation and promoted DF-1 cell proliferation.

Conclusions:

  • * gga-miR-21 plays a significant role in the inflammatory response to MG infection in chickens.
  • * The pro-inflammatory effects of gga-miR-21 are mediated, at least partly, by targeting MAP3K1, activating MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways.
  • * gga-miR-21 exhibits potential as a therapeutic target for controlling MG infection by inhibiting bacterial spread and promoting host cell survival.