LncRNA AK089514/miR-125b-5p/TRAF6 axis mediates macrophage polarization in allergic asthma

Xiaolong Zhu1,2,3,4, Ling He1,2,3,5, Xueqin Li1,2,3

  • 1Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), 2 Zheshan Western Road, Wuhu, 241001, People's Republic of China.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine
|January 30, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-125b-5p is highly expressed in asthma and regulates macrophage polarization. Targeting the AK089514-miR-125b-5p-TRAF6 axis may offer new therapeutic strategies for allergic airway inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of macrophage polarization.
  • The specific role of miRNAs in macrophage polarization during Dermatophagoides farinae protein 1 (Der f1)-induced asthma remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of miRNAs in regulating macrophages within the context of Der f1-induced asthma.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying miRNA-mediated macrophage polarization in asthma.

Main Methods:

  • Microarrays were employed to identify potential asthma-related microRNAs.
  • In vivo experiments assessed the function of miR-125b-5p in macrophages and Der f1-induced asthma models.
  • Bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed the lncRNA AK089514/miR-125b-5p/TRAF6 regulatory axis.

Main Results:

  • miR-125b-5p was found to be highly expressed in M2 macrophages and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells from mice with Der f1-induced asthma.
  • Knockdown of miR-125b-5p (KD) alleviated allergic airway inflammation by inhibiting M2 macrophage polarization.
  • lncRNA AK089514 acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-125b-5p, downregulating its target, TNF receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6).

Conclusions:

  • miR-125b-5p is significantly overexpressed in asthma.
  • The AK089514-miR-125b-5p-TRAF6 axis plays a critical role in asthma pathogenesis by modulating macrophage polarization.
  • This axis represents a potential therapeutic and diagnostic target for asthma.