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The role of the small GTPase Arf6 and its potential regulation by miRNA‐31 during early embryogenesis
Author(s) -
Dumas Megan Elissa,
Stepicheva Nadezda,
Song Jia L.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.774.1
Subject(s) - biology , gene knockdown , microbiology and biotechnology , microrna , morpholino , small gtpase , endocytosis , genetics , cell , cell culture , gene , signal transduction
microRNAs are small, non‐coding mRNAs that repress protein translation and/or mRNA degradation. microRNA‐31 is one of the most abundant miRNAs in the sea urchin embryo, and it is essential for proper cell specification. We bioinformatically identified Arf6 to be a potential target of microRNA‐31. Arf6 mediates membrane trafficking between the plasma membrane and endosomal compartments, including receptor endocytosis and actin rearrangement. The function of Arf6 has not been examined in early development, and we hypothesize that Arf6 is regulated by microRNA‐31 and may direct cell movement and specification of mesenchymal cells. Quantitative, real time PCR and Western blotting were used to characterize Arf6. Arf6 protein levels in microRNA‐31 knockdown embryos are increased compared to the control, suggesting that Arf6 may be regulated by microRNA‐31. We are currently testing the function of Arf6 with morpholino antisense oligonucleotides, constitutively active (Q67L) and dominant negative (T27N) Arf6 mutants. The Arf6 knockdown phenotypes include thickened filopodia, exogastrulation and vegetal cell detachment, indicating that Arf6 is critical for proper early development. This research provides insight into the function of Arf6 during early embryogenesis, its regulation by miRNA‐31, and the role of miRNAs during early development. This work is funded by the University of Delaware Research Fund.