The conserved long noncoding RNA LTCONS12135 positively regulates innate immunity in teleost

Area of Science:

• * Immunology
• * Molecular Biology
• * Aquatic Vertebrate Research

Background:

• * Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are recognized regulators of mammalian innate immunity.
• * Their function in aquatic animal immune responses, particularly antimicrobial and antiviral defenses, remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To identify and characterize novel lncRNAs involved in innate immunity in aquatic animals.
• * To investigate the role of a newly identified lncRNA, LTCONS12135, in the immune response of miiuy croaker (Miichthys miiuy).

Main Methods:

• * Identification of LTCONS12135 in M. miiuy spleen cells (MSpC).
• * Analysis of LTCONS12135 expression following stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)).
• * Functional validation using zebrafish (Danio rerio) infection models with Vibrio anguillarum and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV).

Main Results:

• * LTCONS12135 expression was significantly upregulated in MSpC upon LPS and poly(I:C) stimulation.
• * In zebrafish models, LTCONS12135 enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine and antiviral gene transcription.
• * LTCONS12135 effectively inhibited Vibrio anguillarum and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection and proliferation.

Conclusions:

• * LTCONS12135 plays a crucial role in both antibacterial and antiviral innate immune responses in miiuy croaker.
• * The findings highlight a conserved immunoregulatory function of lncRNAs in teleost species.
• * Noncoding RNAs are significant in shaping the innate immune system of aquatic vertebrates.