Exosomal miR-147-3p regulates the growth of mouse bronchial epithelial cells and asthma progression via targeting RUNX3: a pilot study

Exosomes are endogenous vesicles that transport microRNAs (miRNAs), thereby mediating intercellular communication. This study was assigned to expound the regulatory role of exosomal miR-147-3p in asthma progression. The ovalbumin-mediated murine model of asthma was established to obtain bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and exosomes were isolated by ultrafiltration centrifugation. Differential expression of exosomal miRNA and mRNA was analyzed by RT-PCR. Dual-luciferase was utilized to validate potential binding between key miRNAs and target genes. Additionally, the impact of miRNA mimics and BALF-exosomes on growth of bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) was assessed, followed by RT-qPCR and Western blot. Ovalbumin exposure induced asthma phenotypes in mice. Notably, miR-147-3p and miR-146b-5p were markedly elevated in BALF exosomes from asthmatic mice, whereas miR-98-5p and RUNX3 were markedly decreased. Luciferase assay confirmed the direct binding of miR-147-3p to RUNX3 mRNA 3' UTR. Furthermore, PKH26-labeled exosomes were internalized by BECs. Asthmatic BALF-exosomes or miR-147-3p mimics reduced cell viability and migration while promoting apoptosis. This phenomenon could be reversed by miR-147-3p inhibition. miR-147-3p overexpression or asthmatic BAF-exosomes suppressed RUNX3 protein and mRNA expression. BALF-derived exosomal miR-147-3p modulated behaviors of BECs via targeting RUNX3, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target and biomarker for asthma pathogenesis.