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MicroRNAs: At the Interface of Metabolic Pathways and Inflammatory Responses by Macrophages

Morgan C Nelson1,2, Ryan M O'Connell1,2

  • 1Department of Pathology, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.

Frontiers in Immunology
|September 14, 2020
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate macrophage metabolism and inflammation. This review explores the interplay between miRNAs and metabolic reprogramming in macrophages during inflammatory responses and its implications for human diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Metabolic research
  • Molecular biology

Background:

  • Macrophages are crucial innate immune cells involved in tissue homeostasis and inflammation.
  • Macrophage functions are regulated by coordinated metabolic programs, adapting nutrient utilization to cellular needs.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional regulators of both metabolic and inflammatory processes in macrophages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the interplay between miRNAs and metabolism in macrophage inflammatory responses.
  • To highlight critical miRNAs and miRNA families involved in these networks.
  • To discuss the implications for human diseases and future research directions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review integrating recent advances in miRNA and metabolism research.
  • Analysis of miRNA-mediated regulation of metabolic pathways in macrophages.
  • Examination of the role of metabolic reprogramming in macrophage polarization and function.

Main Results:

  • Emerging data reveal a significant interplay between miRNAs and metabolic reprogramming in activated macrophages.
  • Specific miRNAs directly target key metabolic regulators and inflammatory mediators, influencing macrophage phenotype.
  • Dysregulation of these miRNA-metabolism networks is implicated in various human diseases.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs are critical regulators of metabolic adaptation in macrophages during inflammation.
  • Understanding these miRNA-metabolism interactions offers potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases.
  • Further research into these networks is essential for advancing human health.
Keywords:
immunometabolisminflammationmacrophagemacrophage polarizationmetabolismmicroRNA

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