A new model of the mechanism underlying lead poisoning: SNPs in miRNA target region influence the δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase expression level

Epigenomics. 2017 Nov;9(11):1353-1361. doi: 10.2217/epi-2016-0180. Epub 2017 Sep 29.

Abstract

Aim: To determine if SNPs located within the 3'-UTR of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) can alter the risk of lead poisoning and the ALAD gene expression.

Materials & methods: A case-control study was carried out to find the SNPs in miRNA target region. Luciferase reporter gene assay, qRT-PCR and Western blot was used to determine the relationship between miRNA and SNPs.

Results: We found a significant association between rs818708 and the risk of lead poisoning. miR-545-5p was influenced by rs818708 variant and might result in a significant change in ALAD expression.

Conclusion: rs818708 T > C can weaken the binding capability between miR-545-5p and 3'-UTR of ALAD and thus may alter the risk of lead poisoning.

Keywords: 3′-UTR; ALAD; SNPs; lead poisoning; miRNA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lead Poisoning / etiology
  • Lead Poisoning / genetics*
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Porphobilinogen Synthase / genetics*
  • Porphobilinogen Synthase / metabolism

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • MIR545 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • Porphobilinogen Synthase