MicroRNAs modulate the noncanonical transcription factor NF-κB pathway by regulating expression of the kinase IKKα during macrophage differentiation

T Li, MJ Morgan, S Choksi, Y Zhang, YS Kim… - Nature immunology, 2010 - nature.com
T Li, MJ Morgan, S Choksi, Y Zhang, YS Kim, Z Liu
Nature immunology, 2010nature.com
MicroRNAs are key regulators of many biological processes, including cell differentiation.
Here we show that during human monocyte-macrophage differentiation, expression of the
microRNAs miR-223, miR-15a and miR-16 decreased considerably, which led to higher
expression of the serine-threonine kinase IKKα in macrophages. In macrophages, higher
IKKα expression in conjunction with stabilization of the kinase NIK induced larger amounts
of p52. Because of low expression of the transcription factor RelB in untreated …
Abstract
MicroRNAs are key regulators of many biological processes, including cell differentiation. Here we show that during human monocyte-macrophage differentiation, expression of the microRNAs miR-223, miR-15a and miR-16 decreased considerably, which led to higher expression of the serine-threonine kinase IKKα in macrophages. In macrophages, higher IKKα expression in conjunction with stabilization of the kinase NIK induced larger amounts of p52. Because of low expression of the transcription factor RelB in untreated macrophages, high p52 expression repressed basal transcription of both canonical and noncanonical NF-κB target genes. However, proinflammatory stimuli in macrophages resulted in greater induction of noncanonical NF-κB target genes. Thus, a decrease in certain microRNAs probably prevents macrophage hyperactivation yet primes the macrophage for certain responses to proinflammatory stimuli.
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