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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.
Abstract:
microRNAs (miRNAs) are small, single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate post-transcriptional gene expression. Accumulating evidence suggests their involvement in regulating various biological and pathological processes, including inflammation. Studies have revealed distinct expression patterns of miRNAs in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with (CRSwNP) and without (CRSsNP) nasal polyps (1). Specifically, miR-155 and miR-21 have been observed to be upregulated in CRSwNP, increasing and attenuating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, respectively (2,3). Conversely, the downregulation of miR-34, miR-449, and members of the miR-200 family has been associated with impaired ciliogenesis and the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, respectively (4,5). Nonetheless, the direct role of miRNAs in CRSwNP is still being investigated.
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.

