Recombinant adeno-associated virus 2-mediated miRNA-199 suppression vector alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in mice.

AIM: Mouse colonic tissue was transfected with a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) 2 vector. We aimed to determine whether the rAAV vector could mediate gene expression in the colonic tissue and the role of microRNA (miRNA)-199a-5p in regulating the colonic inflammatory response in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated mice.

METHODS

Different transfection methods and transfection times were found to be the most effective for mouse colonic tissue. The rAAV-miRNA-199a-5p vector (and control) was transfected into the colonic tissue of a mouse model of DSS-induced colitis. PCR was used to quantify miRNA and mRNA expression levels, and the TUNNEL assay was used to identify cellular regulation and histological alterations in colonic tissues.

RESULTS

At three weeks following transfection, rAAV produced a higher transfection efficiency in colonic tissues via enucleation than via caudal vein injection and intraperitoneal injection. The colonic inflammatory response and apoptosis in mouse colonic tissues were reduced by miRNA-199a-5p inhibition.

CONCLUSION

rAAV can be used as a vector to inhibit gene expression in mouse colonic tissues. In mice with colitis, the rAAV-mediated suppression of miRNA-199a-5p reduces the inflammatory response.