A new model of the mechanism underlying lead poisoning: SNP in miRNA target region influence the AGT expression level

BACKGROUND: To determine if the rs7079 polymorphism located in the 3′ UTR of the angiotensinogen gene (AGT) altered AGT gene expression and the risk of lead poisoning. A case-control study and luciferase reporter gene assay identified a significant association between rs7079 variants and the risk of lead poisoning. RESULTS: Serum AGT levels were significantly higher in individuals carrying the rs7079 CA genotype, as compared to those carrying the rs7079 CC genotype. The binding of the miRNA mimics miR-31-5p and miR-584-5p to the 3′ UTR of AGT differed based on which rs7079 variant was present, implying that AGT gene expression depends on the rs7079 variant carried. CONCLUSIONS: The rs7079 C to A substitution reduced the binding of miR-31-5p/miR-584-5p to the 3′ UTR of AGT, possibly altering the risk of lead poisoning.