The role of microRNA-155/LXR pathway in experimental and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Kurowska-Stolarska, M. et al. (2017) The role of microRNA-155/LXR pathway in experimental and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 139(6), pp. 1946-1956. (doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.09.021) (PMID:27746237) (PMCID:PMC5457127)

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Abstract

Background: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is progressive and rapidly fatal. Improved understanding of pathogenesis is required to prosper novel therapeutics. Epigenetic changes contribute to IPF therefore microRNAs may reveal novel pathogenic pathways. Objectives: To determine the regulatory role of microRNA(miR)-155 in the pro-fibrotic function of murine lung macrophages and fibroblasts, IPF lung fibroblasts and its contribution to experimental pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: Bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in wild-type and miR-155-/- mice was analyzed by histology, collagen and pro-fibrotic gene expression. Mechanisms were identified by in silico and molecular approaches; validated in mouse lung fibroblasts and macrophages, and in IPF lung fibroblasts, using loss-and-gain of function assays, and in vivo using specific inhibitors. Results: miR-155-/- mice developed exacerbated lung fibrosis, increased collagen deposition, collagen 1 and 3 mRNA expression, TGFβ production, and activation of alternatively-activated macrophages, contributed by deregulation of the microRNA-155 target gene the liver X receptor (LXR)α in lung fibroblasts and macrophages. Inhibition of LXRα in experimental lung fibrosis and in IPF lung fibroblasts reduced the exacerbated fibrotic response. Similarly, enforced expression of miR-155 reduced the pro-fibrotic phenotype of IPF and miR-155-/- fibroblasts. Conclusion: We describe herein a molecular pathway comprising miR-155 and its epigenetic LXRα target that when deregulated enables pathogenic pulmonary fibrosis. Manipulation of the miR-155/LXR pathway may have therapeutic potential for IPF.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:McInnes, Professor Iain and Kurowska-Stolarska, Professor Mariola and Stewart, Ms Lynn and Johnstone, Dr Steven and Welsh, Dr David and McIntyre, Dr Donna and McSharry, Dr Charles and Miller, Dr Ashley
Authors: Kurowska-Stolarska, M., Hasoo, M. K., Welsh, D. J., Stewart, L., McIntyre, D., Morton, B. E., Johnstone, S., Miller, A. M., Asquith, D. L., Millar, N. L., Millar, A. B., Feghali-Bostwick, C. A., Hirani, N., Crick, P. J., Wang, Y., Griffiths, W. J., McInnes, I. B., and McSharry, C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Journal Name:Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0091-6749
ISSN (Online):1097-6825
Published Online:14 October 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 The Authors
First Published:First published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 139(6):1946-1956
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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