The role of Pm-miR-184-3p in regulating the immune response in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii

Abstract

microRNAs are a class of non-coding RNAs with post-transcriptional regulatory functions in eukaryotes. In our previous study, miR-184-3p was identified in the hemocyte transcriptome of Pinctada fucata martensii (Pm-miR-184-3p), and its expression was shown to be up-regulated following transplantation surgery; however, its role in regulating transplantation immunity has not yet been clarified. Here, the role of Pm-miR-184-3p in regulating the immune response of P. f. martensii was studied. The expression of Pm-miR-184-3p increased following the stimulation of pathogen-associated molecular patterns, and Pm-miR-184-3p overexpression increased the activity of antioxidant-related enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. Transcriptome analysis obtained 1096 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after overexpression of Pm-miR-184-3p, and these DEGs were significantly enriched in conserved pathways such as the Cell cycle pathway and NF-kappa B signaling pathway, as well as GO terms including base excision repair, cell cycle, and DNA replication, suggesting that Pm-miR-184-3p could enhance the inflammation process. Target prediction and dual luciferase analysis revealed that pro-inflammatory related genes Pm-TLR3 and Pm-FN were the potential target of Pm-miR-184-3p. We speculate that Pm-miR-184-3p may utilize negative regulation of target genes to delay the activation of corresponding immune pathways, potentially preventing excessive inflammatory responses and achieving a delicate balance within the organism. Overall, Pm-miR-184-3p play a key role in regulating cellular responses to transplantation. Our findings provide new insights into the immune response of P. f. martensii to transplantation.