MicroRNA 4371c-regulated pro-inflammatory messenger RNAs (miR-4371c targets)

Pro-inflammatory pathway mRNAs regulated by miR-4371c refers to a specific subset of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that are post-transcriptionally silenced by the plant-derived microRNA miR-4371c. This microRNA is notably found in extracellular vesicles from medicinal plants like Scutellaria baicalensis and Sophora flavescens, and it functions as a cross-kingdom regulator of mammalian immune cells (1.1.1, 1.2.2). By binding to the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of target mRNAs, miR-4371c inhibits the expression of key pro-inflammatory cytokines, including Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) (1.2.2, 1.2.3). This regulatory action effectively shifts macrophage polarization from a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, thereby resolving tissue inflammation (1.2.1, 1.3.1). This pathway is a significant focus in the development of novel treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, and systemic inflammatory conditions like sepsis (1.2.2, 1.2.4). Therapeutic strategies involve the use of plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PELNVs) or synthetic miR-4371c mimics to deliver the microRNA to inflamed tissues (1.2.2, 1.3.2). While promising for their high biocompatibility and targeted action, these approaches face challenges related to off-target effects and the complexities of xenomiR-mediated regulation in humans.

Other names

miR-4371c targetsPro-inflammatory cytokine mRNAsM1 macrophage-associated mRNAsMicroRNA 4371c-regulated pathway

miR-4371c binds to the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of pro-inflammatory mRNAs, leading to their degradation or translational repression, which suppresses the production of cytokines like TNF-alpha and IL-6 and promotes M2 macrophage polarization.