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Protective Effect of Circular RNA (CircRNA) Ddx17 in Ovalbumin (OVA)-Induced Allergic Rhinitis (AR) Mice
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tongliao Hospital, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, China (mainland).
Abstract:
BACKGROUND CircRNAs are involved in multiple biological processes, especially when they act as sponges of miRNA. Thus, the present study investigated the effect of circDdx17 on allergic rhinitis (AR) in an animal model, and determined the miRNA that was involved in this effect. MATERIAL AND METHODS The AR model was created by repetitive stimulation of ovalbumin (OVA). The levels of mRNAs in plasma were determined by qPCR. CircDdx17 stability was assessed using RNase R. The interaction between circDdx17 and miR-17-5p was predicted by bioinformatics and confirmed by dual luciferase assay. Moreover, the frequencies of rubbing and sneezing and pathological changes were recorded, and OVA-specific IgE, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-5 levels were detected by ELISA. RESULTS Levels of circDdx17 were decreased in OVA-induced AR mice, and miR-17-5p interacted with circDdx17 in spleen cells derived from mice. Moreover, circDdx17 overexpression reduced the expression of miR-17-5p, OVA-specific IgE, TNF-alpha, IL-4, and IL-5, as well as the frequencies of rubbing and sneezing, and alleviated pathological changes in OVA-induced AR mice. CONCLUSIONS CircDdx17 appears to have a protective effect on mice in the progression of AR. Specifically, overexpression of circDdx17 inhibited the expression of miR-17-5p and alleviated the condition of AR. Therefore, circDdx17 appears to be a good candidate for use in prevention of AR. However, the detailed mechanism underlying the circDdx17/miR-17-5p regulatory pathway requires further study.
Insights
Circular RNA Ddx17 (circDdx17) shows protective effects against allergic rhinitis (AR) in a mouse model. Overexpression of circDdx17 alleviates AR symptoms by inhibiting miR-17-5p, suggesting its potential for AR prevention.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play roles in biological processes, often by sponging microRNAs (miRNAs).
- Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory condition with complex molecular underpinnings.
- Understanding novel regulatory mechanisms in AR is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of circDdx17 in an animal model of allergic rhinitis (AR).
- To identify and validate the specific miRNA involved in the circDdx17-mediated effect on AR.
- To assess the therapeutic potential of circDdx17 in AR.
Main Methods:
- An ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse model of AR was established.
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and RNase R were used to assess circDdx17 levels and stability.
- Bioinformatics, dual-luciferase assays, and ELISA were employed to confirm circDdx17-miR-17-5p interaction and measure inflammatory markers.
- Clinical signs (rubbing, sneezing) and pathological changes were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Levels of circDdx17 were decreased in the OVA-induced AR mouse model.
- circDdx17 directly interacted with miR-17-5p in spleen cells.
- Overexpression of circDdx17 significantly reduced miR-17-5p expression, OVA-specific IgE, TNF-alpha, IL-4, and IL-5 levels.
- circDdx17 overexpression alleviated AR-associated clinical symptoms and pathological damage.
Conclusions:
- circDdx17 exerts a protective effect against the progression of allergic rhinitis in mice.
- circDdx17 functions, in part, by inhibiting miR-17-5p expression, thereby mitigating AR.
- circDdx17 represents a promising therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of AR, though further mechanistic studies are warranted.
