Macrophages, monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) are members of Mononuclear Phagocyte System (MPS) that regulate innate immune responses and shape adaptive immunity. Depending on the inflammatory environment, these cells exhibit unique functional properties to counter immediate threat. MiRNAs are noncoding RNA molecules that post-transcriptionally regulate expression of target mRNAs thus regulating a plethora of fundamental biological processes including cell differentiation, signaling, and pathogen response. Our laboratory characterizes the role of miRNAs in differentiation and function of myeloid cells. We have catalogued hundreds of differentiation associated miRNAs in macrophages and DCs which are screened for their regulatory role in differentiation, phagocytosis, antigen processing and presentation. The levels of these miRNAs are also examined in inflammation related oral diseases with an aim to identify miRNAs as diagnostic markers.
