ITG alpha 4 Inhibition by miR-30d as a Potential Target in Relapsing Form of MS Therapy

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is caused by demyelination of neurons. Dysfunction of alpha 4-integrin (ITG alpha 4) in lymphocyte surface is associated with neuron demyelination. Herein, inhibitory effect of hsa-miR-30d on ITG alpha 4 gene expression in HEK293T cells has been evaluated. Bioinformatics approaches were used to identify the miRNAs that can potentially target ITG alpha 4. miR-30d was transfected into HEK293T cells using TurboFect reagent. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to evaluate ITG alpha 4 and miRNAs transfection. ITG alpha 4 expression level was surveyed in the transfected cells using Q-RT-PCR. MTT assay was carried out in the HEK293T cells. In silico analysis predicted that the miR-30 family targets ITG alpha 4. Flow cytometry analysis showed that ITG alpha 4 expression in HEK293T cell surface decreased after miR-30d transfection. The expression of ITG alpha 4 decreased in transfected cells by miR-30d. Thus, miR-30d can down regulate ITG alpha 4 in the HEK293T cells. It can be considered as a silencing approach to decrease ITG alpha 4 expression in MS patients and cancers.