LncRNA-MEG3 protects against ganglion cell dysplasia in congenital intestinal atresia through directly regulating miR-211-5p/GDNF axis

Abstract

Background LncRNAs are known to take part in normal brain functions and nervous system diseases. Little evidence has pointed to the dysregulation of lncRNAs in congenital intestinal atresia. We aimed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of congenital intestinal atresia that involves in lncRNA-MEG3.Materials and methods The expressions of LncRNA-MEG3, miR-211-5p and GDNF were determined by the qRT-PCR and Western blot assay when appropriate. The results were verified in intestinal atresia Wistar rat model and bone marrow derived stem cell (BMSCs)-derived into intestinal ganglion cells. RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down assays were performed to analyze the regulatory mechanism between MEG3 and miR-211-5p. The effects of MEG3 on the cell proliferation and apoptosis of isolated intestinal ganglion cells were detected with an MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively.Results The expression of MEG3 was detected to be declined in congenital intestinal atresia tissues at clinic and animal levels. MEG3 promoted the differentiation of BMSCs into intestinal ganglion cells and regulated GDNF expression in retinal ganglion cells (RGC-5 cells) via targeting miR-211-5p. Hypoxia induced the apoptosis of intestinal ganglion cells via MEG3/miR-211-5p/GDNF axis.Conclusion MEG3 promoted the differentiation of BMSCs into intestinal ganglion cells and inhibited the apoptosis of intestinal ganglion cells under the exposure of hypoxia to protect against CIA injury via directly regulating miR-211-5p/GDNF axis.