MicroRNA-125b regulates microglia activation and motor neuron death in ALS

Cell Death Differ. 2016 Mar;23(3):531-41. doi: 10.1038/cdd.2015.153. Epub 2016 Jan 22.

Abstract

Understanding the means by which microglia self-regulate the neuroinflammatory response helps modulating their reaction during neurodegeneration. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), classical NF-κB pathway is related to persistent microglia activation and motor neuron injury; however, mechanisms of negative control of NF-κB activity remain unexplored. One of the major players in the termination of classical NF-κB pathway is the ubiquitin-editing enzyme A20, which has recognized anti-inflammatory functions. Lately, microRNAs are emerging as potent fine-tuners of neuroinflammation and reported to be regulated in ALS, for instance, by purinergic P2X7 receptor activation. In this work, we uncover an interplay between miR-125b and A20 protein in the modulation of classical NF-κB signaling in microglia. In particular, we establish the existence of a pathological circuit in which termination of A20 function by miR-125b strengthens and prolongs the noxious P2X7 receptor-dependent activation of NF-κB in microglia, with deleterious consequences on motor neurons. We prove that, by restoring A20 levels, miR-125b inhibition then sustains motor neuron survival. These results introduce miR-125b as a key mediator of microglia dynamics in ALS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / genetics
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / metabolism
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / pathology*
  • Animals
  • Cell Death
  • Cysteine Endopeptidases / genetics
  • Cysteine Endopeptidases / metabolism
  • Gene Expression
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*
  • Microglia / immunology
  • Microglia / metabolism*
  • Motor Neurons / physiology
  • Mutation, Missense
  • Primary Cell Culture
  • RNA Interference
  • Superoxide Dismutase / genetics*
  • Superoxide Dismutase-1
  • Transcription Factor RelA / genetics
  • Transcription Factor RelA / metabolism
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha-Induced Protein 3

Substances

  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • MicroRNAs
  • Mirn125 microRNA, mouse
  • Rela protein, mouse
  • SOD1 protein, human
  • Transcription Factor RelA
  • Sod1 protein, mouse
  • Superoxide Dismutase
  • Superoxide Dismutase-1
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha-Induced Protein 3
  • Cysteine Endopeptidases
  • Tnfaip3 protein, mouse