Regulatory roles of three miRNAs on allergen mRNA expression in Tyrophagus putrescentiae

BACKGROUND

Tyrophagus putresecentiae is an important mite species in rural and urban environments, causing sensitization and allergic disease. While evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) may regulate the expression of allergen-encoding genes, no study has directly investigated this possibility. Here, this gap was addressed by profiling miRNAs and elucidating their target allergen messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in this mite species.

METHODS

Small RNA and transcriptome libraries were constructed for eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults. After deep miRNA and whole-transcriptome sequencing were performed, the miRNA and allergen-encoding mRNA regulatory networks were explored.

RESULTS

A total of 540 miRNAs were identified, including 155 with expression levels differing significantly across the four mite developmental stages (p < .01), 59 of which were novel. The mRNA expression for allergens was higher for Tyr p 1 in adults than in other developmental stages; Tyr p 2-5, 7, 10, 13, 33, and 34 in immature stages; and Tyr p 28, 35, and 36 in eggs and adults. A combined miRNA and transcriptome bioinformatics analysis showed that allergen Tyr p 3 was regulated by miRNA PC-5p-5698441_1, Tyr p 4 was regulated by PC-5p-7050653_1, and Tyr p 34 was regulated by PC-5p-5534223_1 and PC-5p-5698441_1. These three allergen mRNA and three miRNAs were identified using qRT-PCR, and their regulatory roles were confirmed by double-fluorescent reporter gene system and site-directed mutagenesis technology.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, allergen mRNA expression and miRNAs were profiled throughout the life cycle for an allergen-producing mite, and the results showed that miRNAs bind to target allergen mRNAs to regulate their expression.