Role of miRNAs in the development of bronchial smooth muscle hyperresponsiveness in allergic asthma

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Current study was carried out to make clear the mechanism(s) of development of airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatics. In bronchial smooth muscles of mice with allergic asthma, an up-regulation of RhoA protein and a down-regulation of miR-140-3p were observed. In cultured human bronchial smooth muscle cells, an up-regulation of RhoA protein was observed when the function of endogenous miR-140-3p was inhibited by its antagomir. Treatment of the cells with interleukin-13 caused an up-regulation of RhoA protein and a down-regulation of miR-140-3p. These findings suggest that RhoA protein expression is negatively regulated by miR-140-3p in bronchial smooth muscle cells. The increased expression of interleukin-13 in the airways of asthmatics might, at least in part, contribute to the reduction of miR-140-3p, resulting in an up-regulation of RhoA protein and augmented smooth muscle contraction of the airways.