MicroRNA let-7b inhibits keratinocyte differentiation by targeting IL-6 mediated ERK signaling in psoriasis

BACKGROUND: The extensive involvement of microRNA (miRNA) in the pathophysiology of psoriasis is well documented. However, in order for this information to be useful in therapeutic manipulation of miRNA levels, it is essential that detailed functional mechanisms are elucidated. This study aimed to explore the effects of IL-6 targeting by let-7b and ERK1/2 mediated signaling on keratinocyte differentiation in psoriasis. METHODS: Following imiquimod cream (IMQ) application to let-7b(TG) (keratinocyte-specific let-7b overexpression mouse) and control mice for 7 days, we analyzed erythema, scaling and thickening of skin. A dual luciferase reporter assay and bioinformatics was carried out to detect target gene of let-7b. Additionally, the differentiation markers were measured. Immunohistochemistry analyses demonstrate a relationship of let-7b with IL-6 and ERK signaling. RESULTS: we found let-7b(TG) inhibits acanthosis and reduces the disease severity by treatment with IMQ compared to wild-type mice. Further study illustrated that let-7b promotes differentiation of keratinocytes in vivo and in vitro. Using bioinformatics and reporter gene assays, we found that IL-6 is a target gene of let-7b. In psoriasis, high expression levels of IL-6 lead to increased acivation of p-ERK1/2. High levels of let-7b(TG) transgene expression suppresses IL-6 expression and leads to increased keratinocyte differentiation. Moreover, let-7b acts as an upstream negative regulator of the ERK signaling pathway in keratinocytes of psoriasis. CONCLUSIONS: Our result reveals a previously unknown mechanism for regulation of IL-6 levels during psoriasis by let-7b and highlights a critical role for the ERK1/2 signaling pathway in epidermal differentiation during psoriasis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The ethical approval for this study was from the Affiliated Hospital of Medical University of Anhui _ Fast_ PJ2017–11–14. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12964-018-0271-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.