The LPS-inducible lncRNA Mirt2 is a negative regulator of inflammation

Nat Commun. 2017 Dec 11;8(1):2049. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-02229-1.

Abstract

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of pattern recognition receptors (PRR) with a crucial function in innate immune responses. Activation of TLR4 signaling at the plasma membrane by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulates proinflammatory signaling pathways dependent on the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRAF6. Here we show the LPS-induced long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Mirt2 functions as a checkpoint to prevent aberrant activation of inflammation, and is a potential regulator of macrophage polarization. Mirt2 associates with, and attenuates Lys63 (K63)-linked ubiquitination of, TRAF6, thus inhibiting activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways and limiting production of proinflammatory cytokines. Adenovirus mediated gene transfer of Mirt2 protects mice from endotoxemia induced fatality and multi-organ dysfunction. These findings identify lncRNA Mirt2 as a negative feedback regulator of excessive inflammation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cells, Cultured
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / genetics*
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology*
  • Macrophages / cytology
  • Macrophages / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • RAW 264.7 Cells
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 6 / genetics
  • TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 6 / metabolism
  • Transcriptome / drug effects*

Substances

  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • MIRT2 long noncoding RNA, mouse
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 6