MicroRNA-143 downregulates interleukin-13 receptor alpha1 in human mast cells

Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Allergen Immunotherapy-Treated Mice Suppressed IL-5 Production from Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT), such as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), is a treatment targeting the causes of allergic diseases. The roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs), bilayer lipid membrane blebs released from all types of cells, in AIT have not been clarified. To examine the roles of EVs in SCIT, it was analyzed whether (1) EVs are phenotypically changed by treatment with SCIT, and (2) EVs derived from SCIT treatment suppress the function of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), which are major cells contributing to type 2 allergic inflammation. As a result, (1) expression of CD9, a canonical EV marker, was highly up-regulated by SCIT in a murine model of asthma; and (2) IL-5 production from ILC2s in vitro was significantly decreased by the addition of serum EVs derived from SCIT-treated but not non-SCIT-treated mice. In conclusion, it was indicated that EVs were transformed by SCIT, changing to a suppressive phenotype of type 2 allergic inflammation.

Role of microRNAs in type 2 diseases and allergen-specific immunotherapy

MicroRNAs (miRs) have gained scientific attention due to their importance in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases as well as their potential as biomarkers in allergen-specific treatment options. Their function as post-transcriptional regulators, controlling various cellular processes, is of high importance since any single miR can target multiple mRNAs, often within the same signalling pathway. MiRs can alter dysregulated expression of certain cellular responses and contribute to or cause, but in some cases prevent or repress, the development of various diseases. In this review article, we describe current research on the role of specific miRs in regulating immune responses in epithelial cells and specialized immune cells in response to various stimuli, in allergic diseases, and regulation in the therapeutic approach of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT). Despite the fact that AIT has been used successfully as a causative treatment option since more than a century, very little is known about the mechanisms of regulation and its connections with microRNAs. In order to fill this gap, this review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge.

MicroRNAs: future biomarkers and targets of therapy in asthma?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that are considered one of the fundamental regulatory mechanisms of gene expression. They are involved in many biologic processes, such as signal transduction, cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis and stress responses. The purpose of this review is to present recent knowledge about the role of miRNAs in asthma and outline possible applications of miRNAs.

RECENT FINDINGS

A core set of miRNAs involved in asthma includes downregulated let-7 family, miR-193b, miR-375 as well as upregulated miR-21, miR-223, miR-146a, miR-142-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-146b and miR-155. Recently it has been shown that most of the involved miRNAs increase secretion of Th2 cytokines, decrease secretion of Th1 cytokines, promote differentiation of T cells towards Th2 or play a role in hyperplasia and hypertrophy of bronchial smooth muscle cells. The profiles of miRNAs correlate with clinical characteristics, including lung function, phenotype and severity of asthma.

SUMMARY

Recent publications confirmed crucial regulatory role of miRNAs in the pathomechanism of asthma. Some single miRNAs or their sets hold the promise for their use as asthma biomarkers facilitating diagnosis or prediction of treatment outcomes. They are also possible target of future therapies. The studies in this field are lacking though.

CYT387, a Novel JAK2 Inhibitor, Suppresses IL-13-Induced Epidermal Barrier Dysfunction Via miR-143 Targeting IL-13Rα1 and STAT3

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease influencing not only children but also adults. It is well-known that AD has a complex pathogenesis without effective therapy. Herein, we explored the function and mechanism of CYT387, a novel JAK2 inhibitor, on epidermal barrier damage. HaCaT cells exposed with high-concentration Ca²⁺ (1.8 mM) for 14 days were recruited for the model of keratinocytes (KC). The cell model of skin barrier damage was induced by IL-13, and KC markers such as filaggrin (FLG), loricrin (LOR), and involucrin (IVL) were detected to judge the success of the model. In this study, we found that miR-143 was lowly expressed whereas IL-13Rα1 was highly expressed in blood cells of patients with AD, indicating their negative correlation. Moreover, IL-13 treatment down-regulated miR-143 and up-regulated activated JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation, which was reversed by CYT387 administration. The dual-luciferase reporter assay verified that miR-143 could directly bind to 3'-UTR of IL-13Rα1, as well as STAT3. Furthermore, the function of CYT387 in the skin barrier damage induced by IL-13 was abolished by miR-143 inhibitor. Thus, CYT387 might alleviate IL-13-induced epidermal barrier damage via targeting IL-13Rα1 and STAT3 by miR-143 to repress inflammation. These findings revealed that the protective effects and the underlying mechanisms of CYT387 in AD, which provided evidence that miR-143 may be a novel therapeutic target for AD.

Recent advances in mast cell activation and regulation

Mast cells are innate immune cells that intersect with the adaptive immunity and play a crucial role in the initiation of allergic reactions and the host defense against certain parasites and venoms. When activated in an allergen- and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-dependent manner, these cells secrete a large variety of allergenic mediators that are pre-stored in secretory granules or de novo–synthesized. Traditionally, studies have predominantly focused on understanding this mechanism of mast cell activation and regulation. Along this line of study, recent studies have shed light on what structural features are required for allergens and how IgE, particularly anaphylactic IgE, is produced. However, the last few years have seen a flurry of new studies on IgE-independent mast cell activation, particularly via Mrgprb2 (mouse) and MRGPRX2 (human). These studies have greatly advanced our understanding of how mast cells exert non-histaminergic itch, pain, and drug-induced pseudoallergy by interacting with sensory neurons. Recent studies have also characterized mast cell activation and regulation by interleukin-33 (IL-33) and other cytokines and by non-coding RNAs. These newly identified mechanisms for mast cell activation and regulation will further stimulate the allergy/immunology community to develop novel therapeutic strategies for treatment of allergic and non-allergic diseases.

Effect of PM2.5 on MicroRNA Expression and Function in Nasal Mucosa of Rats With Allergic Rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) refers to particulate matter with aerodynamic equivalent diameter less than or equal to 2.5 µm, which is an important component of air pollution. PM2.5 aggravates allergic rhinitis (AR) and promotes AR nasal mucosa inflammation. Therefore, the influence of PM2.5 inhalation exposure on microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles and function in the nasal mucosa of AR rats was investigated.

METHODS

Female Sprague Dawley rats were distributed randomly to 2 groups: AR model PM2.5 exposure group (ARE group) and AR model PM2.5-unexposed control group (ARC group). The rats of ARE group were made to inhale PM2.5 at a concentration of 200 µg/m³, 3 h/day, for 30 days. miRNA expression profiles of the nasal mucosa from both groups were determined using an miRNA gene chip and were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Gene function enrichment analysis was performed using bioinformatics analysis.

RESULTS

The ARE group revealed 20 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs, including 4 upregulated and 16 downregulated miRNAs (fold change > 1.5 or < 0.66, P < .05). Of these, 9 selected miRNAs were verified by qRT-PCR, and the results of 8 miRNAs were in accordance with the miRNA gene chip results, with highly positive correlation (r = .8583, P = .0031). Numerous target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were functionally enriched in high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptor signaling, ErbB signaling, mucin O-glycans biosynthesis, transforming growth factor β signaling, mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction, phosphatidylinositol signaling, mucopolysaccharide biosynthesis, mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, T cell receptor signaling, Wnt signaling, chemokine signal transduction, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

PM2.5 causes significant changes in miRNA expression in the nasal mucosa of AR rats. miRNA plays an important role in regulating PM2.5 effects in AR rat biological behavior and mucosal inflammation. This study provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of AR from the effects of environmental pollution on the gene regulation mechanism.

Rapamycin blocks the IL-13-induced deficiency of Epidermal Barrier Related Proteins via upregulation of miR-143 in HaCaT Keratinocytes

Interleukin (IL)-13 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Our preliminary study demonstrated that forced expression of miR-143 could block IL-13-induced down-regulation of epidermal barrier related proteins in epidermal keratinocytes. As previous studies suggested that miR-143 expression was regulated by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, we investigated the mechanism of mTOR signaling pathway in the epidermal barrier dysfunction of AD. The HaCaT cells were stimulated by IL-13 and subsequently treated with rapamycin. The expression levels of miR-143, IL-13 receptor α1 (IL-13Rα1), p-mTOR, p-S6K1, p-Akt, and epidermal barrier related proteins were analyzed through RT-qPCR and/or western blotting. The current study showed that IL-13 increased the expression levels of p-mTOR, p-S6K1, and p-Akt, and that rapamycin blocked IL-13-induced down-regulation of miR-143, suppressed the IL-13Rα1 expression and up-regulated the expressions of filaggrin, loricrin, and involucrin in HaCaT cells. This study proposed that IL-13 could activate the mTOR signaling pathway, and confirmed the vital role of mTOR-miR-143 signaling axis in the pathogenesis of AD. It provided solid evidences regarding rapamycin as a potential effective therapeutic option in the management of AD.

MicroRNAs: Potential Biomarkers and Targets of Therapy in Allergic Diseases?

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that are 18-22 nucleotides long and highly conserved throughout evolution. Currently, they are considered one of the fundamental regulatory mechanisms of genes expression. It has been demonstrated that miRNAs are involved in many biologic processes, such as signal transduction, cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis and stress responses. More recently, the role of miRNA has also been revealed in numerous immunological and inflammatory disorders, including allergic inflammation. Specific miRNA profiles were demonstrated in asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. A core set of miRNAs involved in atopic diseases include upregulated miR-21, miR-223, miR-146a, miR-142-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-146b, miR-155 and downregulated let-7 family, miR-193b and miR-375. Most of the involved miRNAs increase secretion of Th2 cytokines (miR-1248, miR-146b), decrease secretion of Th1 cytokines (miR-513-5p, miR-625-5p) or promote differentiation of T cells towards Th2 (miR-21, miR-19a). In asthma miR-140-3p, miR-708 and miR-142-3p play a role in hyperplasia and hypertrophy of bronchial smooth muscle cells. Some single miRNAs or, more probably, their sets hold the promise for their use as biomarkers of atopic diseases. They are also promising target of future therapies.

MicroRNA Involvement in Allergic and Non-Allergic Mast Cell Activation

Allergic inflammation is accompanied by the coordinated expression of numerous genes and proteins that initiate, sustain, and propagate immune responses and tissue remodeling. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a large class of small regulatory molecules that are able to control the translation of target mRNAs and consequently regulate various biological processes at the posttranscriptional level. MiRNA profiles have been identified in multiple allergic inflammatory diseases and in the tumor microenvironment. Mast cells have been found to co-localize within the above conditions. More specifically, in addition to being essential in initiating the allergic response, mast cells play a key role in both innate and adaptive immunity as well as in modulating tumor growth. This review summarizes the possible role of various miRNAs in the above-mentioned processes wherein mast cells have been found to be involved. Understanding the role of miRNAs in mast cell activation and function may serve as an important tool in developing diagnostic as well as therapeutic approaches in mast cell-dependent pathological conditions.

Characterization of microRNA profile in IgE-mediated mouse BMMCs degranulation

BACKGROUND

Mast cells play a central role in innate and adaptive immunity by releasing pre-formed and de novo synthesized mediators, which include microRNAs. Although miRNAs have been confirmed to function in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and the immune response, their functions are still limited in mast cells degranulation.

METHODS

Here, we survey miRNA expression profiles in activated mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) with a miRNA microarray and compare the profiles to those from resting BMMCs. Partial miRNAs were selected for confirmation by qPCR, and let-7i was selected for function discover in mast cell degranulation process. TargetScan Mouse database were used for target genes prediction, gene ontology (GO) were used for gene molecular function classifications, and Cytoscape software were used to construct gene network of degranulation.

RESULTS

We found 13 up-regulated miRNAs and 7 down-regulated miRNAs in DNP activated BMMCs by miRNA microarray; and let-7b, let-7c, let-7d, let-7f, let-7i, and miR-652 were up-regulated, and miR-296-3p was down-regulated in DNP-stimulated BMMCs by qPCR. In the function research, let-7i can inhibit mast cell degranulation by suppress Exco8 expression. Overall, the data indicate that miRNAs participate in mast cell activation, especial for mast cell degranulation process.

No difference in human mast cells derived from peanut allergic versus non-allergic subjects

INTRODUCTION

Mast cells are the primary effector cells of allergy. This study aimed at characterizing human peripheral blood-derived mast cells (PBdMC) from peanut allergic and non-allergic subjects by investigating whether the molecular and stimulus-response profile of PBdMC discriminate between peanut allergic and healthy individuals.

METHODS

PBdMC were generated from eight peanut allergic and 10 non-allergic subjects. The molecular profile (cell surface receptor expression) was assessed using flow cytometry. The stimulus-response profile (histamine release induced by secretagogues, secretion of cytokines/chemokines and changes in miRNA expression following anti-IgE activation) was carried out with histamine release test, luminex multiplex assay and miRNA arrays.

RESULTS

Expression of activating receptors (FcϵRI, CD48, CD88, CD117, and C3aR) on PBdMC was not different among peanut allergic and non-allergic subjects. Likewise, inhibitory receptors (CD32, CD200R, CD300a, and siglec-8) displayed comparable levels of expression. Both groups of PBdMC were unresponsive to substance P, compound 48/80 and C5a but released comparable levels of histamine when stimulated with anti-IgE and C3a. Interestingly, among the secreted cytokines/chemokines (IL-8, IL-10, IL-13, IL-23, IL-31, IL-37, MCP-1, VEGF, GM-CSF) PBdMC from peanut allergic subjects showed a different secretion pattern of IL-31 compared to non-allergic subjects. Investigating miRNA expression from resting or activated PBdMC revealed no significantly difference between peanut allergic and non-allergic subjects.

CONCLUSION

The molecular and stimulus-response profile revealed that PBdMC from peanut allergic subjects differently express IL-31 compared to non-allergic subjects. However, since only one altered parameter was found among 893 investigated, it is still questionable if the pathophysiological mechanisms of peanut allergy are revealed in PBdMC.

IL-13 enhances mesenchymal transition of pulmonary artery endothelial cells via down-regulation of miR-424/503 in vitro

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has a major effect on life expectancy with functional degeneracy of the lungs and right heart. Interleukin-13 (IL-13), one of the type 2 cytokines mainly associated with allergic diseases, has recently been reported to be associated with Schistosomiasis-associated PAH which shares pathological features with other forms of PAH, such as idiopathic PAH and connective tissue disease-associated PAH. But a direct pathological role of IL-13 in the development of PAH has not been explored. We examined the effects of recombinant human IL-13 on the function of primary human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) to examine how IL-13 influences exacerbation of PAH. IL-13 increased the expression of Rictor, which is a key molecule of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2. Treatment of IL-13 induced HPAEC migration via Rictor. Rictor was directly regulated by both miR-424 and 503 (miR-424/503). Therefore, IL-13 increases Rictor level by regulating miR-424/503, causing the increase of HPAEC migration. Since enhancement of HPAEC migration in the lung is thought to be associated with PAH, these data suggest that IL-13 takes some roles in exacerbating PAH.

Correlation between microRNA-143 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and disease severity in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

This study aims to explore the correlation between microRNA-143 (miR-143) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and disease severity in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. From March 2014 to November 2015, 194 patients with psoriasis vulgaris (102 patients in progressive stage and 92 patients in stable stage) were selected as the case group and 175 healthy people as a control group were enrolled in this study. ELISA was used to detect the levels of IL-17 and VEGF in serum. The qRT-PCR assay was performed to detect the relative expression of miR-143 in PBMCs. Disease severity in psoriasis vulgaris patients was graded with Psoriasis Lesions Area and Severity Index (PASI). The value of miR-143 expression in PBMCs for the diagnosis of psoriasis vulgaris was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The correlation between miR-143 expression in PBMCs and PASI scores was measured using Spearman rank correlation analysis. Compared with the control group, serum levels of IL-17 and VEGF were higher and miR-143 expression in PBMCs was lower in the case group. Furthermore, miR-143 expression in PBMCs was lower in patients in progressive stage than that in patients with stable stage. The relative expression of miR-143 in PBMCs was negatively correlated with PASI scores of patients with psoriasis vulgaris. ROC curve showed that miR-143 was a reliable and accurate biomarker of psoriasis vulgaris. Our findings suggest that miR-143 expression in PBMCs is negatively correlated the disease severity in psoriasis vulgaris.

Airborne Fine Particulate Matter Induces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Human Nasal Epithelial Cells

Airborne fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter equal to or smaller than 2.5 μm is abbreviated as PM2.5, which is one of the main components in air pollution. Exposure to PM2.5 is associated with increased risk of many human diseases, including chronic and allergic rhinitis, but the underlying molecular mechanism for its toxicity has not been fully elucidated. We have hypothesized that PM2.5 may cause oxidative stress and enhance inflammatory responses in nasal epithelial cells. Accordingly, we used human RPMI 2650 cells, derived from squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal septum, as a model of nasal epithelial cells, and exposed them to PM2.5 that was collected at Fudan University (31.3°N, 121.5°E) in Shanghai, China. PM2.5 exposure decreased the viability of RPMI 2650 cells, suggesting that PM2.5 may impair the barrier function of nasal epithelial cells. Moreover, PM2.5 increased the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the nuclear translocation of NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2). Importantly, PM2.5 also decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Pretreatment with N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (an anti-oxidant) reduced the degree of the PM2.5-induced oxidative stress in RPMI 2650 cells. In addition, PM2.5 increased the production of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-13 and eotaxin (C-C motif chemokine ligand 11), each of which initiates and/or augments local inflammation. These results suggest that PM2.5 may induce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in human nasal epithelial cells, thereby leading to nasal inflammatory diseases. The present study provides insights into cellular injury induced by PM2.5.

MicroRNA-143 inhibits IL-13-induced dysregulation of the epidermal barrier-related proteins in skin keratinocytes via targeting to IL-13Rα1

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by the dysregulation of the epidermal barrier and the immune system. Interleukin (IL)-13, a key T helper 2 cytokine, has been shown to impair the epidermal barrier function via downregulating epidermal barrier proteins. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs of approximately 22 nucleotides that act as negative regulators of gene expression at posttranscriptional levels. MicroRNA-143 is known to be a tumor suppressor in various tumors; however, its role in the regulation of allergic diseases including atopic dermatitis remains elusive. In this study, we investigated whether IL-13Rα1 was a microRNA-143 target to regulate the effects of IL-13 on epidermal barrier function. After the stimulation of IL-13 in human epidermal keratinocytes, the level of microRNA-143 was decreased. The luciferase activity of the vector containing 3'UTR of IL-13Rα1 was decreased in keratinocytes transfected with microRNA-143 mimic compared to those of the corresponding controls. The forced expression of microRNA-143 mimic blocked the IL-13-induced downregulation of filaggrin, loricrin, and involucrin in epidermal keratinocytes. Collectively, these data suggest that microRNA-143 suppresses IL-13 activity and inflammation through targeting of IL-13Rα1 in epidermal keratinocytes. MicroRNA-143 may serve as a potential preventive and therapeutic target in atopic dermatitis.

Tryptanthrin reduces mast cell proliferation promoted by TSLP through modulation of MDM2 and p53

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) results from complex interactions between mast cells and inflammatory mediators. An inflammatory mediator, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is known to promote mast cell proliferation through up-regulation of mouse double minute 2 (MDM2, a negative regulator of p53) and aggravate AD. In this study, we investigated whether tryptanthrin (TR, an anti-inflammatory agent) would regulate TSLP-induced mast cell proliferation and TSLP-induced a pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production from mast cells.

METHODS

Human mast cell line (HMC-1) cells were treated with TR and stimulated with TSLP. Proliferation was measured with a bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay. And pro- and anti-apoptotic factors were analyzed with quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, and ELISA. The mRNA expression and production of TNF-α were analyzed with quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA.

RESULTS

TR significantly inhibited the proliferation of HMC-1 cells promoted by TSLP. TR inhibited MDM2 expression, whereas TR increased the expression of p53, poly ADP-ribose polymerase, and caspase-3 in the TSLP-stimulated HMC-1 cells. TR significantly inhibited Ki67 mRNA expression as well as mRNA expression and production of interleukin (IL)-13 in the TSLP-stimulated HMC-1 cells. Moreover, TR significantly suppressed mRNA expression and production of TNF-α in the TSLP-stimulated HMC-1 cells. Finally, the mRNA expression of IL-7 receptor α chain and TSLP receptor was inhibited by TR in the TSLP-stimulated HMC-1 cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that TR determined with new concept has intensive potential for the treatment of mast cell-mediated allergic diseases, such as AD.

The potential anti-proliferative effect of β-sitosterol on human mast cell line-1 cells

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) was reported to induce mast cell proliferation and aggravate allergic reactions through activation of mouse double minute 2 (MDM2). We aimed to ascertain that β-sitosterol (SI), which is one of the several phytosterols found mostly in foods, would regulate TSLP-induced mast cell proliferation. The results showed that SI significantly decreased the proliferation of human mast cell line (HMC-1) cells promoted by TSLP. SI significantly decreased the mRNA expression of Ki-67 in the TSLP-treated HMC-1 cells. SI significantly suppressed the production and mRNA expression of interleukin-13 in the TSLP-treated HMC-1 cells. Furthermore, SI downregulated the expression of MDM2 and phosphorylation of STAT6, whereas it upregulated the expression of p53, activation of caspase-3, and cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase in the TSLP-treated HMC-1 cells. Results of this study suggest that SI may be a potential therapeutic agent for mast cell-mediated allergic diseases.

Mast cell production and response to IL-4 and IL-13

IL-4 was identified as the first cytokine to be produced by mast cells and is responsible for promoting mast cell IL-13 production. IL-4 and IL-13 play a prominent role in stimulating and maintaining the allergic response. As closely related genes, IL-4 and IL-13 share a common receptor subunit, IL-4Rα, necessary for signaling. Here we summarize the literature on mast cell activation associated with IL-4 and IL-13 production, including downstream signaling. We also describe the positive and negative roles each cytokine plays in mast cell immunity and detail the differences that exist between mouse and human mast cell responses to IL-4 and IL-13.

miR-143 inhibits interleukin-13-induced inflammatory cytokine and mucus production in nasal epithelial cells from allergic rhinitis patients by targeting IL13Rα1

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosal tissue. The interleukin-13 (IL-13) signaling pathway is of great importance in the pathogenesis of AR. However, how the signaling molecules in this pathway are regulated, particularly through microRNAs (miRNAs), remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the regulatory role and mechanism of miRNA-143 (miR-143) in IL-13-induced inflammatory cytokine and mucus production in nasal epithelial cells (NECs) from AR patients. Our results showed that forced expression of miR-143 significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), eotaxin and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) in IL-13-stimulated NECs. Moreover, we confirmed that miR-143 directly targeted and significantly suppressed IL-13 receptor α1 chain (IL13Rα1) gene expression. This study thus suggests that miR-143 regulation of IL-13-induced inflammatory cytokine and mucus production in NECs from AR patients probably partly depends on inhibition of IL13Rα1. Therefore, the IL13Rα1 signaling pathway may be a potential target for the prevention and treatment of AR by miR-143.

Editorial on the Special Issue: Regulation by non-coding RNAs

This Special Issue of IJMS is devoted to regulation by non-coding RNAs and contains both original research and review articles. An attempt is made to provide an up-to-date analysis of this very fast moving field and cover regulatory roles of both microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs. Multifaceted functions of these RNAs in normal cellular processes, as well as in disease progression, are highlighted.