Genome wide profiling of miRNAs relevant to the DNA damage response induced by hexavalent chromium exposure (DDR-related miRNAs in response to Cr (VI) exposure)

AIM: We aimed to explore the expression of miRNAs and their potential roles in the DNA damage response (DDR) induced by Cr (VI) exposure in human B lymphoblast cells (HMy2.CIR cells) and in a population of Cr (VI)-exposed humans. METHODS: . Differentially expressed miRNAs related to DDR were selected for functional study. The expression levels of differential miRNAs were also investigated in chromate workers. RESULTS: A total of 214 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified by sequencing, and the expression of 5 miRNAs among 25 associated with DDR was found to be consistent between sequencing and validation studies.Functional studies showed that miR-148a-3p, miR-21-5p, and miR-424-3p might be related to Cr (VI)-induced cell apoptosis, and miR-221-3p might participate in Cr (VI)-induced DDR. We also found that the expression of miR-21-5p and miR-424-3p was upregulated in chromate workers. CONCLUSIONS: Cr (VI) exposure could significantly impact miRNAs expression in vitro and in chromate workers. Functional studies showed that miR-148a-3p, miR-21-5p and miR-221-3p might take a crucial role in the cellular DDR induced by Cr (VI) exposure.