Low levels of miR-143-3p are associated with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

V Tubita1, M Fuentes2, B Callejas3

  • 1INGENIO, Clinical and Experimental Respiratory Immunoallergy (IRCE), Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat de Barcelona. Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

Rhinology
|February 1, 2024
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in chronic rhinosinusitis. Specific miRNAs are altered in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, impacting inflammation and airway function.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
  • miRNAs are implicated in various biological and pathological processes, including inflammation.
  • Distinct miRNA expression profiles exist in chronic rhinosinusitis with (CRSwNP) and without (CRSsNP) nasal polyps.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of specific microRNAs in the pathogenesis of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP).
  • To understand how altered miRNA expression affects inflammatory pathways and sinonasal tissue characteristics in CRSwNP.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of miRNA expression patterns in CRSwNP and CRSsNP tissues.
  • Examination of the functional impact of specific miRNAs on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.
  • Assessment of miRNA involvement in processes like ciliogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Main Results:

  • miR-155 and miR-21 were found to be upregulated in CRSwNP, influencing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.
  • Downregulation of miR-34, miR-449, and miR-200 family members was observed in CRSwNP.
  • These miRNA alterations are linked to impaired ciliogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in CRSwNP.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs are significantly dysregulated in CRSwNP, contributing to disease pathogenesis.
  • Specific miRNAs like miR-155 and miR-21 may serve as potential therapeutic targets for CRSwNP.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the direct role and mechanisms of miRNAs in CRSwNP.