MiR-143 Induces Expression of AIM2 and ASC in Jurkat Cell Line

Background: Absent in Melanoma 2 (AIM2) is an intracellular microbial dsDNA sensor which plays an important role in production of proinflammatory cytokines through Apoptosis associated Speck-like protein containing a Caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC) and Caspase-1. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in regulation of immune related genes. However, there is little information regarding the effects of miRNAs on the AIM2 and ASC expression. Objective: To determine the mRNA levels of AIM2 and ASC in Jurkat cell line following introducing miRNA-143 (MiR-143). Methods: MiR-143, a scrambled sequence and PBS were introduced separately, to the Jurkat cell lines and the mRNA levels of AIM2 and ASC were examined in parallel with beta-actin and GAPDH (as housekeeping genes) using Real- Time PCR technique. Results: The mRNA levels of AIM2 and ASC were significantly increased in the MiR-143 transfected Jurkat cells when compared to the scrambled sequence or PBS treated cells. Conclusions: MiR-143 can lead to increased expression of AIM2 and ASC mRNAs. Considering the significance of AIM2 and ASC in DNA sensing and inflammosome formation, it can be considered as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of chronic infectious diseases, especially viral infections.