A new study was published in Life Science Alliance by the Monticelli lab. The study characterizes the role of RNA-binding proteins in modulating mast cell functions, and was spearheaded by Marian Bataclan and Cristina Leoni, in collaboration with the Heissmeyer lab (LMU Munich).
Bellinzona, June 06, 2024 – Mast cells are crucial components of our immune system, especially known for their roles in allergic reactions and asthma. When mast cells malfunction, it can lead to severe health issues, such as life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. Many factors regulate the functions of mast cells, including proteins that bind to RNA (called RNA-binding proteins, or RBPs). These proteins help control how mast cells respond during immune reactions. However, the exact functions of most RBPs are still unknown.
In this study, published in Life Science Alliance and led by Marian Bataclan and Cristina Leoni, the Monticelli lab focused on understanding how specific RBPs affect mast cells. By taking advantage of advanced techniques of gene editing, RNA-sequencing and mass spectrometry, they found that a family of proteins called Regnase plays a central role in regulating mast cell activities. In particular, one member of this family, Regnase-1, is essential for the basic growth and survival of these cells. Both Regnase-1 and another member of the same family, Regnase-3, work together to modulate the production of inflammatory molecules, such as the cytokine TNF, in both human and mouse cells. Interestingly, this study also discovered that Regnase-3 directly interacts with Regnase-1 in mast cells and helps control its levels by destabilizing its RNA. This study is relevant because it highlights the importance of the Regnase protein family in maintaining normal mast cell functions and regulating their response to inflammation. This understanding could lead to better treatments for conditions involving mast cells.
This study was performed in collaboration with the lab of Vigo Heissmeyer (LMU Munich – Germany). Work in the Monticelli lab on this topic was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Aldo and Cele Daccò Foundation.