Microbiota Small RNAs in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

J Gastrointestin Liver Dis. 2016 Dec;25(4):509-516. doi: 10.15403/jgld.2014.1121.254.lip.

Abstract

MiRNAs are a class of potential gene regulators of critical importance in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This review aims to present the connection between gut microbiota, probiotics administration and microRNA (miRNA) expression in IBD. It also brings into question cross-kingdom RNAi (RNA interference). Not only that gut host cells garden the intestinal microbiome via miRNA, but also strong evidence supports the idea that different species of bacteria have an impact on the intestinal immune response by modulating miRNA expression. Cross-kingdom RNAi refers to RNA silencing signals that travel between two unrelated, interacting organisms. RNAs communication between prokaryotes and eukaryotes (bacteria and nematodes) via RNAs transfer has been proved. Some authors also support the idea that non-coding RNAs are being transferred by bacterial pathogens to the host cells as part of the intracellular infection process. Further studies are required in order to clarify whether the mechanism by which bacteria modulate miRNA expression concerns RNAs transfer. These findings may lead to a different approach to IBD therapy in the future.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteria / genetics*
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / diagnosis
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / genetics
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / microbiology*
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / therapy
  • Intestines / microbiology*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Bacterial / genetics*

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Bacterial