Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2025
Identification and Characterization of Immunogenic RNA Species in HDM Allergens that Modulate Eosinophilic Lung Inflammation
Published on: May 30, 2020
MiR-107 and Its Association With House Dust Mite Sensitisation: Implications for Asthma
Byung-Keun Kim1,2, Min-Suk Yang1,3, Upasna Srivastava1,4
1Division of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.
Introduction:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been linked to allergic diseases but their effects on sensitisation to allergens in individuals with asthma are unknown. We aimed to identify miRNAs associated with house dust mite (HDM) sensitisation in childhood asthma.
Methods:
Serum samples from 1126 children with asthma who participated in the Genetics of Asthma in Costa Rica Study (GACRS) were profiled for 304 miRNAs. We first divided according to HDM sensitisation and then tested whether miRNAs were differentially expressed (DE) between the two groups. Gene enrichment analysis for target genes of the DE miRNAs was then performed to identify potential causal pathways. Replication analysis was performed in the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP), in which expression data of 258 miRNAs in 491 children were available. A mediation analysis was conducted to discern relationships between miRNA and phenotype differences according to HDM sensitisation in GACRS cohort.
Results:
There were 906 (80.5%) and 220 (19.5%) subjects in the GACRS HDM+ and HDM- groups. Compared with HDM- participants, those in the HDM+ group were more likely to be severe in variables including pulmonary function, oral corticosteroid use and blood tests. A total of 17 miRNAs were DE (p < 0.05) between the two groups, with miR-642a-3p, let-7c-5p and miR-107 most significantly associated with HDM sensitisation. In CAMP, there were 39 DE miRNAs, and increased expression of miR-107 in HDM+ children was replicated in this cohort. In both GACRS and CAMP, the cadherin-binding pathway was enriched in an analysis of target genes for DE miRNA. In a mediation analysis, miR-107 showed significant indirect effects on eosinophil count and total IgE that were mediated by HDM sensitisation.
Conclusion:
In children with asthma, miR-107 is associated with HDM sensitisation. Furthermore, miR-107 was indirectly associated with total IgE and eosinophil count through HDM sensitisation.
Insights
MicroRNA-107 (miR-107) is linked to house dust mite sensitization in children with asthma. This sensitization indirectly affects total IgE and eosinophil counts via miR-107.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in allergic diseases.
- The impact of miRNAs on allergen sensitization in pediatric asthma remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify specific miRNAs associated with house dust mite (HDM) sensitization in children diagnosed with asthma.
- Investigate the relationship between identified miRNAs and clinical asthma phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 1126 children with asthma in the Genetics of Asthma in Costa Rica Study (GACRS) were analyzed for 304 miRNAs.
- Differential expression analysis was performed between HDM-sensitized and non-sensitized groups, followed by gene enrichment analysis.
- Replication analysis was conducted in the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP) cohort, and mediation analysis explored miRNA-phenotype relationships.
Main Results:
- 17 miRNAs were differentially expressed between HDM-sensitized and non-sensitized children in GACRS, with miR-107, let-7c-5p, and miR-642a-3p being most significant.
- miR-107 expression was significantly increased in HDM-sensitized children and replicated in the CAMP cohort.
- Mediation analysis revealed that miR-107 had indirect effects on eosinophil count and total IgE, mediated by HDM sensitization.
Conclusions:
- miR-107 is significantly associated with HDM sensitization in pediatric asthma.
- miR-107 acts as an indirect mediator linking HDM sensitization to elevated total IgE and eosinophil counts.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
02:06Allergic Reactions
01:20Antiasthma Drugs: Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists
Antimuscarinic agents compete with ACh for the same binding site on the muscarinic receptors. By binding to these receptors, they inhibit the downstream effects of ACh and block the parasympathetic...