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A new model of the mechanism underlying lead poisoning: SNPs in miRNA target region influence the δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase expression level.

AIM
To determine if SNPs located within the 3'-UTR of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) can alter the risk of lead poisoning and the ALAD gene expression.


MATERIALS & METHODS
A case-control study was carried out to find the SNPs in miRNA target region. Luciferase reporter gene assay, qRT-PCR and Western blot was used to determine the relationship between miRNA and SNPs.


RESULTS
We found a significant association between rs818708 and the risk of lead poisoning. miR-545-5p was influenced by rs818708 variant and might result in a significant change in ALAD expression.


CONCLUSION
rs818708 T > C can weaken the binding capability between miR-545-5p and 3'-UTR of ALAD and thus may alter the risk of lead poisoning.