microRNAs in Gastrointestinal Nematode-host Interactions [Poster]

Perez, M. G. , Gillan, V. , Maitland, K. , Devaney, E. and Britton, C. (2022) microRNAs in Gastrointestinal Nematode-host Interactions [Poster]. Hydra 2022, Hydra, Greece, 28 Aug-2 Sept 2022.

Abstract

Epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract are the first sensors and responders to gastrointestinal nematode infection, drastically remodelling the histology and physiology of the tissue. The role of these cells during infection is being studied, but the direct effects of parasite miRNAs are not entirely elucidated. Using the most abundant Hco-miRNAs, found in the ES of L4 and adults, we predicted potential target genes in host genomes, finding genes related to immune response, stem and epithelial cells, among others. Luciferase reporter assays are in progress to demonstrate the interaction of the miRNAs and the target 3' UTRs. We generated sheep abomasal organoids to study the interaction between the secreted Hco-miRNAs and epithelial cells. We demonstrate that adult Hco-EV can penetrate abomasum organoid cells. We are running more experiments to demonstrate that Hco-miRNAs can also penetrate organoid cells. Exposing abomasal organoids to specific Hco-miRNA-mimics, we observed that the organoid's morphology changed. We are conducting more experiments to increase biological replicates. Exposing abomasal organoids to specific miRNA mimics decreased KLF4 expression, reinforcing our bioinformatic predictions. We are studying other host target genes for Hco-miR-5352/235 and the expression of relevant genes, such as MU2, AGR2 and HES1.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Devaney, Professor Eileen and Gillan, Dr Victoria and Britton, Professor Collette and Perez, Dr Matias and Maitland, Ms Kirsty
• Authors: Perez, M. G., Gillan, V., Maitland, K., Devaney, E., and Britton, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine