GSE158311
Transfer RNA fragments replace microRNA regulators of the cholinergic post-stroke immune blockade I
After ischemic stroke, the brain initiates intensive communication with the immune system, and acetylcholine contributes to this process. Stroke triggers peripheral immunosuppression leading to increased susceptibility to infections; and post-stroke pneumonia is linked with poor stroke outcome, but the responsible processes are yet unknown. We discovered a “change of guards” where microRNA levels decreased but small transfer RNA fragments (tRFs) accumulated in post-stroke blood cells. This molecular switch may re-balance acetylcholine signaling in CD14+ monocytes by regulating their gene expression and modulating post-stroke immunity. Our observations point to tRFs as new molecular regulators of post-stroke immune responses that may become potential therapeutic targets. Overall design: PolyA-selected long RNA sequencing from RAW 264.7 murine macrophages 24h after transfection with ssRNA tRF-22-WE8SPOX52 mimics and negative control