Expression of MicroRNA-148a and its Target Gene EPAS1 (Endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1) in Intestinal Cells in Response to Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75

Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 is a probiotic strain isolated from healthy human feces. We have previously shown that this strain modulates the composition of the gut microbiota, a core probiotic benefit. Though, molecular mechanisms underlying effects specific to this strain are unknown, particularly at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional (microRNA, miRNA) level. We found that the expression of intestinal miRNA, including miR-148a, depends on the presence of the microbiota. MiR-148a is a proposed biomarker of intestinal health. One of its target genes, EPAS1, also called HIF2α (Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 2α) is a pro-inflammatory and pro-carcinogenic transcription factor. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of B. bifidum MIMBb75 on the intestinal expression of miR-148a and EPAS1 in vitro and in vivo. The expression levels of miR-148a and EPAS1 were assessed by qPCR using RNA extracted from Caco-2 cells incubated with B. bifidum MIMBb75, B. bifidum NCC390 or B. longum NCC 2705 (cel...