Abstract:

Objective  To explore the expression of miR-181a in age-associated thymic involution, and the interaction between miR-181a and its target gene ZFP36l2 in thymus during aging. Methods  A total of 18 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 6 in each, including the 1-month-old group, 9-month-old group, and 15-month-old group. The thymic dissociated cells were stained by fluorescence-conjugated anti-CD45, followed by metal beads through LS column. Quantitative PCR was performed to observe changes in miR-181a and ZFP36l2 expressions in the different age groups. Transfecting luciferase reporters were transfected into HEK293 cells, and the auto-fluorescence values were measured 48 hours later.　Results  The miR-181a expression showed a downward trend with aging (P<0.05), while its target gene ZFP36l2 showed an upward trend (P<0.05), with a statistically significant negative correlation between the two expressions (P=0.04). The luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-181a targeted the ZFP36l2 3'UTR region.　Conclusion  The miR-181a, which targets ZFP36l2, plays an important role during age-associated thymic involution.

Key words: miR-181a, Age-associated thymic involution, ZFP36l2