Long non-coding RNA growth arrest specific 5 regulates the T helper 17/regulatory T balance by targeting miR-23a in myasthenia gravis

OBJECTIVE: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder. Recent studies report that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in the pathogenesis of various diseases. This study explored the molecular mechanism of lncRNA growth arrest specific 5 (GAS5) in regulating the T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cell balance in MG. METHODS: GAS5 and miR-23a expression levels were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Flow cytometry was performed to examine the proportion of Th17 and Treg cells in CD4(+) T cells from MG patients. The interaction between GAS5 and miR-23a was verified by luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Levels of Th17 and Treg-related proteins were examined using western blots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: GAS5 expression levels were significantly decreased in the CD4(+) T cells of MG patients, and GAS5 overexpression restrained Th17 differentiation in CD4(+) T cells. Moreover, miR-23a was confirmed as a downstream target of GAS5 and negatively regulated by GAS5 through a direct interaction. Further exploration showed that GAS5 can inhibit Th17 differentiation by downregulating miR-23a. CONCLUSION: Collectively, our results indicate that GAS5 can regulate the Th17/Treg balance by targeting miR-23a expression, providing a scientific basis for clinical therapeutic development for MG.