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Characterizing the functional roles of miR‐1017
Author(s) -
Cruz Matthew,
Flynt Alex
Publication year - 2016
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.30.1_supplement.1054.8
Subject(s) - biology , neurodegeneration , microrna , enhancer , microbiology and biotechnology , neuroscience , gene expression , genetics , gene , medicine , pathology , disease
microRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as regulators of most mRNAs within multi cellular animals. Despite the pervasive nature of these genes relatively few have been characterized, let alone non‐canonical family members. Here we investigate the functional roles of miR‐1017, a 3′ tailed mirtron. miR‐1017 is encoded within an intron of nAChRα2. We utilized the UAS/GAL4 system to drive GFP expression under the control of nAChRα2 transcriptional enhancer sequences. Visualizing GFP reporters for nAChRα2 expression showed the mir‐1017 host transcript present in the proboscis and maxillary palp in Drosophila pupa brains and restricted expression in adult brains, localized to the suboesophageal ganglion. Numerous miR‐1017 predicted targets serve neurological roles. Using mir‐1017 knock out (KO) mutants, we found derepression of many predicted targets including nAChRα5, Rrp45 and most interestingly, its host transcript nAChRα2. Utilizing GFP reporters for nAChRα2, we will examine the development of the Drosophila brain within mir‐1017 KO mutants. Based on our data, miR‐1017 may be an important player in regulating acetylcholine receptor activity. Numerous neurodegenerative diseases have shown that increased receptor activity causes reactive oxygen species to develop, which leads to neurodegeneration. Therefore we will examine whether varying levels of miR‐1017 may serve a functional or protective role during neurodegeneration. Support or Funding Information The Mississippi INBRE program, supported by Award Number P20GM103476 from the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences. USM New Faculty start up fund, DE01585, Awarded to Dr Alex Flynt. 1Confocal images showing expression of GFP under nAChRα2‐GAL4 control, DAPI in violet. (A) Expression in adult CNS in the suboesophageal ganglion. (B) Magnification of the SOG. (C) Expression in the proboscis and maxillary palp in 3 day pupa. (D) Expression in larval CNS.2Derepression of predicted target genes in 1017 mutants determined by qPCR. Expression levels were significantly different (p≤0.05)