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Upregulated microRNAs in membranous glomerulonephropathy are associated with significant downregulation of IL6 and MYC mRNAs
Author(s) -
Barbagallo Cristina,
Passanisi Roberta,
Mirabella Federica,
Cirnigliaro Matilde,
Costanzo Arianna,
Lauretta Giovanni,
Barbagallo Davide,
Bianchi Cristina,
Pagni Fabio,
Castorina Sergio,
Granata Antonio,
Di Pietro Cinzia,
Ragusa Marco,
Malatino Lorenzo S.,
Purrello Michele
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of cellular physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.529
H-Index - 174
eISSN - 1097-4652
pISSN - 0021-9541
DOI - 10.1002/jcp.27851
Subject(s) - downregulation and upregulation , microrna , cancer research , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , genetics
Membranous glomerulonephropathy (MGN) is a glomerulopathy characterized by subepithelial deposits of immune complexes on the extracapillary side of the glomerular basement membrane. Insertion of C5b‐9 (complement membrane‐attack complex) into the membrane leads to functional impairment of the glomerular capillary wall. Knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of MGN is actually scanty. MicroRNA (miRNA) profiling in MGN and unaffected tissues was performed by TaqMan Low‐Density Arrays. Expression of miRNAs and miRNA targets was evaluated in Real‐Time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In vitro transient silencing of miRNAs was achieved through transfection with miRNA inhibitors. Ten miRNAs (let‐7a‐5p, let‐7b‐5p, let‐7c‐5p, let‐7d‐5p, miR‐107, miR‐129‐3p, miR‐423‐5p, miR‐516‐3p, miR‐532‐3p, and miR‐1275) were differentially expressed (DE) in MGN biopsies compared to unaffected controls. Interleukin 6 (IL6) and MYC messenger RNAs (mRNAs; targets of DE miRNAs) were significantly downregulated in biopsies from MGN patients, and upregulated in A498 cells following let‐7a‐5p or let‐7c‐5p transient silencing. Gene ontology analysis showed that DE miRNAs regulate pathways associated with MGN pathogenesis, including cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis. A significant correlation between DE miRNAs and mRNAs and clinical parameters (i.e., antiphospholipid antibodies, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration, proteinuria, and serum cholesterol) has been detected. Based on our data, we propose that DE miRNAs and their downstream network may be involved in MGN pathogenesis and could be considered as potential diagnostic biomarkers of MGN.