Formaldehyde-induced changes in microRNA signaling [Agilent]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of gene expression, yet much remains unknown regarding miRNA changes resulting from environmental exposures and whether they influence pathway signaling across various tissues and time. To gain knowledge on these novel topics, we set out to investigate in vivo miRNA responses to inhaled formaldehyde, an important air pollutant known to disrupt miRNA expression profiles. Rats were exposed by inhalation to either 0 or 2 ppm formaldehyde (6 hours/day) for 7 days, 28 days, or 28 days followed by a 7 day recovery. Genome-wide miRNA expression profiles and associated signaling pathways were assessed within the nasal respiratory mucosa, circulating mononuclear white blood cells (WBC), and bone marrow (BM).