MicroRNA-21-5p participates in IgA nephropathy by driving T helper cell polarization
JOURNAL OF NEPHROLOGY
Authors: Xu, Bo-yang; Meng, Si-jun; Shi, Su-fang; Liu, Li-jun; Lv, Ji-cheng; Zhu, Li; Zhang, Hong
Abstract
Background Previous studies have revealed abnormal lymphocyte subsets in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Some microRNAs have been reported to influence T helper differentiation. Here, we explored the underlying mechanism regarding how miRNAs regulate lymphocyte subsets in IgAN. Methods First, miRNA and mRNA profiles in PBMCs from IgAN patients and controls were obtained by next-generation sequencing and gene expression array. The target miRNAs and mRNAs were identified through combined analysis. Then, in an independent population, we detected the expression of target miRNA in CD3(+) T cells and CD19(+) B cells. Next, we detected T helper cell subgroups and plasma IgA1 levels in another independent population and analyzed the correlations between them. Results In total, 22 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified between IgAN patients and controls. Among them, microRNA-21-5p (miR-21) showed the highest expression, and SPRY1, SPRY2, and FASLG were chosen as miR-21 target genes. Then, we confirmed elevated miR-21 levels in CD3(+) T cells of IgAN patients. Accordingly, decreased mRNA levels of SPRY1, SPRY2, and FASLG were found, and miR-21 showed a significant negative correlation with SPRY1 levels in CD3(+) T cells of IgAN patients. Finally, we revealed that the proportion of Th17 cells was significantly elevated in IgAN patients and negatively correlated with SPRY1 expression. Furthermore, the proportion of Th17 cells showed a positive correlation trend with plasma IgA1 levels. Conclusions Our results suggested that in IgAN, the upregulated miR-21 expression in T lymphocytes inhibited SPRY1 expression and thereby induced Th17 polarization, which might influence the characteristic feature of IgA1 overproduction in IgAN patients.
Downregulation of let-7e-5p contributes to endothelial progenitor cell dysfunction in deep vein thrombosis via targeting FASLG
THROMBOSIS RESEARCH
Authors: Kong, Lingshang; Du, Xiaolong; Hu, Nan; Li, Wendong; Wang, Wenbin; Wei, Sen; Zhuang, Hao; Li, Xiaoqiang; Li, Chenglong
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the role of let-7e-5p in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) function and explore its therapeutic potential for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). We performed miRNAs screening and found that let-7e-5p was downregulated in DVT patients compared to control subjects. By using let-7e-5p agomir and antagomir, we demonstrated that let-7e-5p increased the migration and tube formation of human and rat EPCs. Based on bioinformatics, luciferase reporter assay and gene expression analysis, we identified Fas ligand (FASLG) as the target of let-7e-5p, and FASLG knockdown increased the migration and tube formation of EPCs. Furthermore, EPCs over-expressing let-7e-5p exhibited enhanced ability of homing and thrombus revascularization in rat model of venous thrombosis. In conclusion, let-7e-5p regulates the function of EPCs and is a potential therapeutic target in DVT treatment. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.