miRNA-203b-3p Induces Acute and Chronic Pruritus through 5-HTR2B and TRPV4

• Published in: Journal of investigative dermatology Vol. 143; no. 1; pp. 142 - 153.e10
• Main Authors: De Logu, Francesco, Maglie, Roberto, Titiz, Mustafa, Poli, Giulio, Landini, Lorenzo, Marini, Matilde, Souza Monteiro de Araujo, Daniel, De Siena, Gaetano, Montini, Marco, Cabrini, Daniela Almeida, Otuki, Michel Fleith, Pawloski, Priscila Lúcia, Antiga, Emiliano, Tuccinardi, Tiziano, Calixto, João Batista, Geppetti, Pierangelo, Nassini, Romina, André, Eunice
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.01.2023
• Subjects: Animals; Computer Simulation; Ganglia, Spinal; Humans; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; MicroRNAs - genetics; MicroRNAs - metabolism; Pruritus - chemically induced; Pruritus - genetics; Pruritus - metabolism; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2B - genetics; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2B - metabolism; TRPV Cation Channels - genetics; TRPV Cation Channels - metabolism; Ca2; MD; DRG; KC; miRNA; PKC; 5-HT; IMQ; HC-06; GSK; HEK
• ISSN: 0022-202X; 1523-1747
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.08.034

Growing evidence indicates that transient receptor potential (TRP) channels contribute to different forms of pruritus. However, the endogenous mediators that cause itch through transient receptor potential channels signaling are poorly understood. In this study, we show that genetic deletion or pharmacological antagonism of TRPV4 attenuated itch in a mouse model of psoriasis induced by topical application of imiquimod. Human psoriatic lesions showed increased expression of several microRNAs, including the miR-203b-3p, which induced a calcium ion response in rodent dorsal root ganglion neurons and scratching behavior in mice through 5-HTR2B activation and the protein kinase C‒dependent phosphorylation of TRPV4. Computer simulation revealed that the miR-203b-3p core sequence (GUUAAGAA) that causes 5-HTR2B/TRPV4-dependent itch targets the extracellular side of 5-HTR2B by interacting with a portion of the receptor pocket consistent with its activation. Overall, we reveal the unconventional pathophysiological role of an extracellular microRNA that can behave as an itch promoter through 5-HTR2B and TRPV4. [Display omitted]