Dysregulation of PTEN caused by the underexpression of microRNA-130b is associated with the severity of lupus nephritis

Abstract

There are several reports in the literature regarding microRNA (miR)-130b. It has been reported that miR-130b is involved in several diseases. The present study aimed to understand the association between the levels of miR-130b and lupus nephritis in patients. A total of 61 blood samples were collected and the expression level of miR-130b was determined. The online miRNA database was then searched using the 'seed sequence' located within the 3'-untranslated region of the target gene. Linear analysis and a luciferase assay were performed to understand the regulatory association between miR-130b and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). In addition, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses were performed to examine the mRNA and protein expression levels of PTEN among individuals with lupus nephritis (n=28) and those without lupus nephritis (n=31), and in mesangial cells treated with scramble control, miR-130b mimics, PTEN small interfering (si)RNA and miR-130b inhibitors. In addition mesangial cells were treated with scramble control, miR-130b mimics, PTEN siRNA and miR-130b inhibitors to investigate the affect of miR-130b and PTEN on the viability and apoptosis of mesangial cells. The results demonstrated that miR-130b was downregulated in the hormone-resistant group of lupus nephritis patients. PTEN was a virtual target of miR-130b. There was a negative regulatory association between miR-130b and PTEN. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PTEN were increased in the hormone-resistant group. miR-130b decreased the expression of PTEN. miR-130b negatively interfered with the viability of mesangial cells and PTEN positively interfered with the viability of mesangial cells. miR-130b accelerated apoptosis and PTEN inhibited apoptosis. Taken together, the results showed that miR-130b was upregulated in the lupus nephritis group. PTEN was a virtual target of miR-130b, and there was a negative regulatory association between miR-130b and PTEN. miR-130b and PTEN interfered with the viability and apoptosis of the mesangial cells.