Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is an important Type 2 T helper (Th2) cytokine, controlling biological functions in epithelium and has been linked to asthma, atopic dermatitis and ulcerative colitis (UC). Interleukin-13 signals through IL-13 receptor α-1 (IL13RA1 (gene) and IL13Rα1 (protein)), a receptor that can be regulated by microRNAs (miRs). MicroRNAs are small non-coding single-stranded RNAs with a role in several pathologies. However, their relevance in the pathophysiology of UC, a chronic inflammatory condition of the colonic mucosa, is poorly characterised. Here, we determined the expression of IL13Rα1 in UC, its potential regulation by miRs and the subsequent effect on IL-13 signalling. Inflamed mucosa of UC patients showed decreased mRNA and protein expression of IL13RA1 when compared to healthy controls. We show that miR-31 and miR-155 are upregulated in inflamed UC mucosa and that both directly target the 3′ untranslated region of IL13RA1 mRNA. Transfection of miR-31 and miR-155 mimics reduced the expression of IL13RA1 mRNA and protein, and blocked IL-13-dependent phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) in HT-29 cells, a gut epithelium cell line. Interleukin-13 activation of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) and eotaxin-3 (CCL26) expression was also diminished. MicroRNA-31/microRNA-155 mimics also downregulated IL13RA1 in ex vivo human inflamed UC biopsies. We propose that miR-31 and miR-155 have an important role in limiting IL-13 signalling in UC disease.
