Dysregulation of epithelial miR-148b contributes to goblet cell metaplasia, inflammation and alveolar damage in cystic fibrosis lung disease

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is primarily characterized by chronic mucus obstruction, inflammation and structural damage. While mutations in the CFTR gene are an initial trigger, molecular mechanisms underlying CF pathogenesis remains poorly understood. miRNAs are key regulators of diverse biological and pathological processes. Here, we identified association of miR-148b during the in vivo pathogenesis of CF using Scnn1b-overexpressing (Scnn1b-Tg) mice as a model of CF-like lung disease. miR-148b expression was elevated in the lung tissue of Scnn1b-Tg mice and is localized mainly in airway and alveolar epit…