MiR-143 induces expression of AIM2 and ASC in jurkat cell line

ABSTRACT

Absent in Melanoma 2 [AIM2] is an intracellular microbial dsDNA sensor which plays an important role in production of proinflammatory cytokines through Apoptosis associated Speck-like protein containing a Caspase activation and recruitment domain [ASC] and Caspase-1. Micro-RNAs [miRNAs] play important roles in regulation of immune related genes. However, there is little information regarding the effects of miRNAs on the AIM2 and ASC expression. To determine the mRNA levels of AIM2 and ASC in Jurkat cell line following introducing miRNA-143 [MiR-143]. MiR-143, a scrambled sequence and PBS were introduced separately, to the Jurkat cell lines and the mRNA levels of AIM2 and ASC were examined in parallel with beta-actin and GAPDH [as housekeeping genes] using Real-Time PCR technique. The mRNA levels of AIM2 and ASC were significantly increased in the MiR-143 transfected Jurkat cells when compared to the scrambled sequence or PBS treated cells. MiR-143 can lead to increased expression of AIM2 and ASC mRNAs. Considering the significance of AIM2 and ASC in DNA sensing and inflammosome formation, it can be considered as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of chronic infectious diseases, especially viral infections