Sex differences in the expression of lupus-associated miRNAs in splenocytes from lupus-prone NZB/WF1 mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A majority of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), occur predominantly in females. Recent studies have identified specific dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) in both human and murine lupus, implying an important contribution of these miRNAs to lupus pathogenesis. However, to date, there is no study that examined sex differences in miRNA expression in immune cells as a plausible basis for sex differences in autoimmune disease. This study addresses this aspect in NZB/WF1 mice, a classical murine lupus model with marked female bias, and further investigates estrogen regulation of lupus-associated miRNAs.

Methods

The Taqman miRNA assay system was used to quantify the miRNA expression in splenocytes from male and female NZB/WF1 mice at 17-18,

SUBMITTER: Dai R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3843556 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature