# MicroRNA-31 regulates neutrophil migration and activation

> **NIH NIH F31** · PURDUE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $48,974

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Neutrophils are white blood cells involved in the innate immune response. They are the
most abundant white blood cell in circulation and are involved in fighting infections as well
as initiating inflammatory immune responses and contribute to certain autoimmune
diseases. Therefore, regulation of neutrophil activity is crucial in maintaining homeostasis
in the immune system. Yet the specific mechanisms or which molecules are involved in
regulating neutrophil functions are still not fully understood. Previous studies in our lab
discovered microRNA-31 (miR-31) neutrophil motility in zebrafish. In this study we
propose to validate the function of miR-31 in human and uncover the underlying molecular
mechanism. We propose to discover key target genes of miR-31 that are important in
regulating neutrophil migration. Through a small-scale genetic screen using the
neutrophil-specific CRISPR/Cas9-based gene inactivation technique, I identified a
specific target gene of miR-31, efnb2b, involved in regulating neutrophil motility. Efnb2b
is a ligand for Eph receptors important for heart morphogenesis and angiogenesis via
regulation of cell adhesion and cell migration but not characterized in the immune system.
We propose to understand the signaling pathway regulated by efnb2 in neutrophils.
Completion of the proposed study will advance our understanding of neutrophils and
innate immunity, leading to possible therapeutic developments for neutrophil-related
diseases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10825017
- **Project number:** 1F31AI176822-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** PURDUE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Tyler Pikes
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $48,974
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-05-13 → 2025-05-12

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10825017

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10825017, MicroRNA-31 regulates neutrophil migration and activation (1F31AI176822-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10825017. Licensed CC0.

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