The role of microRNAs miR-200b and miR-200c in TLR4 signaling and NF-κB activation

Innate Immun. 2012 Dec;18(6):846-55. doi: 10.1177/1753425912443903. Epub 2012 Apr 20.

Abstract

Recognition of microbial products by members of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family initiates intracellular signaling cascades that result in NF-κB activation and subsequent production of inflammatory cytokines. We explored the potential roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating TLR pathways. A target analysis approach to the TLR4 pathway adaptor molecules identified several putative targets of miR-200a, miR-200b and miR-200c. miRNA mimics were co-transfected with a NF-κB activity reporter plasmid into HEK293 cells stably expressing TLR4 (HEK293-TLR4). Mimics of both miR-200b and miR-200c, but not miR-200a, decreased NF-κB reporter activity in either untreated cells or in cells treated with endotoxin:MD2 as a TLR4 agonist. Transfection of HEK293-TLR4 cells with miR-200b or miR-200c significantly decreased expression of MyD88, whereas TLR4, IRAK-1 and TRAF-6 mRNAs were unaffected. When miR-200b or miR-200c mimics were transfected into the differentiated monocytic THP-1 cell line, the abundance of MyD88 transcripts, as well as LPS-induced expression of the pro-inflammatory molecules IL-6, CXCL9 and TNF-α were diminished. These data define miRNAs miR-200b and miR-200c as factors that modify the efficiency of TLR4 signaling through the MyD88-dependent pathway and can thus affect host innate defenses against microbial pathogens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Chemokine CXCL9 / genetics
  • Chemokine CXCL9 / metabolism
  • Down-Regulation
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate / genetics
  • Interleukin-6 / genetics
  • Interleukin-6 / metabolism
  • Lipopolysaccharides / immunology
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Monocytes / immunology*
  • Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 / genetics
  • Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 / metabolism
  • NF-kappa B / genetics
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / agonists
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / genetics
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / metabolism*
  • Transcriptional Activation / genetics
  • Transgenes / genetics
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / genetics
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism

Substances

  • Chemokine CXCL9
  • Interleukin-6
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • MIRN200 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88
  • NF-kappa B
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha