RNA-binding protein HuR interacts with thrombomodulin 5’UTR and represses IRES-mediated translation under IL-1 treatment

Reduction in host activated protein C levels and resultant microvascular thrombosis highlight the important functional role of protein C anticoagulant system in the pathogenesis of sepsis and septic shock. Thrombomodulin (TM) is a critical factor to activate protein C in mediating the anticoagulation and anti-inflammation effects. However, TM protein content is decreased in inflammation and sepsis, and the mechanism is still not well defined. In this report, we identified that the TM 5'UTR bearing the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) element controls TM protein expression. Using RNA probe pull-down assay, HuR was demonstrated to interact with the TM 5'UTR. Overexpression of HuR protein inhibited the activity of TM IRES, while on the other hand, reducing the HuR protein level reversed this effect. When cells were treated with IL-1, the IRES activity was suppressed and accompanied by an increased interaction between HuR and TM 5'UTR. In the animal model of sepsis, we found the TM protein expression level to be decreased while concurrently observing the increased interaction between HuR and TM mRNA in liver tissue. In summary, HuR plays an important role in suppression of TM protein synthesis in IL-1 treatment and sepsis.