Suppression of long noncoding RNA SNHG6 alleviates cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation by modulating NF-κB signaling

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a widespread inflammatory disease with a high mortality rate. Long noncoding RNAs play important roles in pulmonary diseases and are potential targets for inflammation intervention.

Methods: The expression of small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 (SNHG6) in mouse lung epithelial cell line MLE12 with or without cigarette smoke extract (CSE) treatment was first detected using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. ELISA was used to evaluate the release of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). The binding site of miR-182-5p with SNHG6 was predicted by using miRanda, which was verified by double luciferase reporter assay.

Results: Here, we revealed that SNHG6 was upregulated in CS-exposed MLE12 alveolar epithelial cells and lungs from COPD-model mice. SNHG6 silencing weakened CS-induced inflammation in MLE12 cells and mouse lungs. Mechanistic investigations revealed that SNHG6 could upregulate IκBα kinase through sponging the microRNA miR-182-5p, followed by activated NF-κB signaling. The suppressive effects of SNHG6 silencing on CS-induced inflammation were blocked by an miR-182-5p inhibitor.

Conclusion: Overall, our findings suggested that SNHG6 regulates CS-induced inflammation in COPD by activating NF-κB signaling, thereby offering a novel potential target for COPD treatment.

Keywords: NF‐κB signaling; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; cigarette smoke; long noncoding RNA SNHG6; miR‐182‐5p.