MicroRNA-130a and miR-212 disrupt the intestinal epithelial barrier through modulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and occludin expression in chronic SIV-infected rhesus macaques

We profiled and characterized mRNA expression exclusively in colonic epithelium (CE) of 4 chronically SIV-infected and 4 control rhesus macaques (RMs). Further analysis identified significant dowregulation of genes Genes associated with ion transport, epithelial barrier integrity/function, protection against oxidative injury, double stranded DNA damage repair and autophagy. Similarly, mRNA expression of genes associated with interferon response, anti-microbial defense, apoptosis, oxidative DNA damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammasome signaling were markedly upregulated. Colon tissue was harvested from 4 chronically SIV-infected and 4 control rhesus macaques. Colonic epithelial cells were isolated from intact colon tissue and then lysed in Qiazol solution (Qiagen Inc) for total RNA extraction. Comparisons in gene expression were made between 4 chronic SIV and 4 uninfeced control animals.