Highlight Publication December 2007

Elena Vigorito, Kerry L. Perks, Cei Abreu-Goodger, Sam Bunting, Zou Xiang, Susan Kohlhaas, Partha P. Das, Eric A. Miska, Antony Rodriguez, Allan Bradley, Kenneth G.C. Smith, Cristina Rada, Anton J. Enright, Kai-Michael Toellner, Ian C.M. MacLennan and Martin Turner
MicroRNA-155 Regulates the Generation of Immunoglobulin Class-Switched Plasma Cells
Immunity 27: 847-859, 200
doi:10.1016/j.immuni.2007.10.009

This publication is discussed in a Preview on page 825 of the same issue of Immunity
MicroRNA-155 Function in B CellsKathryn Calame
doi:10.1016/j.immuni.2007.11.010 

Lay description

MicroRNAs are a recently discovered type of molecule increasingly recognised as being essential for many biological processes. To date, more than three hundred microRNAs have been identified in mouse and humans. More significantly, it has been predicted that 20-40% of human genes may be controlled by microRNAs.  Essential cellular processes including cell growth, differentiation and lineage commitment are controlled by microRNAs. This hints at a potential involvement of microRNAs in human disease. Indeed, several lines of evidence suggest microRNAs may play a role in cancer.  Understanding how the expression of microRNAs is regulated, which cellular functions they influence, and the identification of their molecular targets under normal conditions is therefore required to define their role in disease. 

B lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells. They can secrete antibodies which provide long term immunity following disease or vaccination, and are essential for normal health.  Until recently, it was not known if microRNAs were important for B lymphocyte function.  In this paper we show the requirement for a particular microRNA, miR-155, for the ability of B lymphocytes to produce optimal amounts and quality of antibodies.  We also found that a miR-155 may directly regulate the expression of many genes.  We still do not know how miR-155 controls the optimal secretion of antibodies but is likely to involve the regulation of many genes. Understanding B cell function is an important priority and may contribute to new treatments for B cell malignancies, the development of new vaccines, or new treatments for autoimmune disease.

About the Lead Author

Elena Vigorito joined Martin Turner’s group at The Babraham Institute as post-doctoral scientist after completing her PhD at the University of Barcelona, Spain.  In 2005 she was awarded a Babraham Institute Career Progression Fellowship.  In 2007, she obtained a five year Career Development Award from the Medical Research Council to study the function of microRNAs in B cells and is currently establishing her own research group at the Babraham Institute as a career-track Group Leader.