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MiR-7 Regulates Pathogen-Induced Immune Response via PAK1 in the Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

Tanjun Zhao1,2, Liyuan Ren2, Chengda Li2

  • 1College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China.

Frontiers in Immunology
|August 1, 2022
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNA-7 (miR-7) regulates the innate immune response in sea cucumbers by targeting the PAK1 gene. This interaction influences key immune functions like phagocytosis and lysozyme production during bacterial infections.

Area of Science:

  • Marine Biology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • MicroRNA-7 (miR-7) is a conserved non-coding RNA regulating gene expression.
  • Echinoderms possess innate immune systems crucial for defense against pathogens.
  • Understanding microRNA roles in invertebrate immunity is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the miR-7 and PAK1 gene interaction in sea cucumbers.
  • Explore the function of miR-7, PAK1, and their axis in immune response.
  • Elucidate the role of miR-7/PAK1 in pathogen-induced immunity.

Main Methods:

  • Identified miR-7 binding site in the 3'UTR of the PAK1 gene.
  • Manipulated miR-7 and PAK1 expression levels in Apostichopus japonicus.
  • Assessed immune parameters including phagocytosis, agglutination, and lysozyme content.
  • Infected sea cucumbers with Vibrio splendidus to study immune response.

Main Results:

  • miR-7 directly binds to and negatively regulates PAK1 expression in A. japonicus.
  • Modulation of miR-7 or PAK1 impacts phagocytosis, agglutination, and lysozyme.
  • Both miR-7 and PAK1 are involved in defense against Vibrio splendidus.
  • The miR-7/AjPAK1 axis exhibits immune regulatory function post-infection.

Conclusions:

  • miR-7 targets PAK1 to regulate innate immunity in sea cucumbers.
  • The miR-7/PAK1 pathway plays a significant role in the immune defense of A. japonicus.
  • This study enhances understanding of microRNA-mediated immune regulation in echinoderms.
Keywords:
Apostichopus japonicusMiR-7PAK1Vibrio splendidusinnate immune regulation

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