Modulation of intracellular calcium signaling by microRNA-34a-5p

Cell Death Dis. 2018 Sep 27;9(10):1008. doi: 10.1038/s41419-018-1050-7.

Abstract

Adjusting intracellular calcium signaling is an important feature in the regulation of immune cell function and survival. Here we show that miR-34a-5p, a small non-coding RNA that is deregulated in many common diseases, is a regulator of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and calcineurin signaling. Upon miR-34a-5p overexpression, we observed both a decreased depletion of ER calcium content and a decreased Ca2+ influx through Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ channels. Based on an in silico target prediction we identified multiple miR-34a-5p target genes within both pathways that are implicated in the balance between T-cell activation and apoptosis including ITPR2, CAMLG, STIM1, ORAI3, RCAN1, PPP3R1, and NFATC4. Functional analysis revealed a decrease in Ca2+ activated calcineurin pathway activity measured by a reduced IL-2 secretion due to miR-34a-5p overexpression. Impacting SOCE and/or downstream calcineurin/NFAT signaling by miR-34a-5p offers a possible future approach to manipulate immune cells for clinical interventions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Calcineurin / metabolism
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Channels / metabolism
  • Calcium Signaling / genetics*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 / metabolism
  • Jurkat Cells
  • Lymphocyte Activation / physiology
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • NFATC Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Interleukin-2
  • MIRN34 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • NFATC Transcription Factors
  • Calcineurin
  • Calcium