Posttranscriptional Regulation of miRNAs Harboring Conserved Terminal Loops
2008
How a Protein Helps Process MicroRNA
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Michlewski Gracjan, Guil Sonia, Semple Colin A., Cáceres Javier F.
Primary Institution: Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
Hypothesis
hnRNP A1 acts as an auxiliary factor for the Drosha-mediated processing of pri-miR-18a.
Conclusion
The study reveals that hnRNP A1 binds to the terminal loop of pri-miR-18a, facilitating its processing by Drosha.
Supporting Evidence
- hnRNP A1 binds to the loop of pri-miR-18a and induces a relaxation at the stem.
- Approximately 14% of all pri-miRNAs have highly conserved loops.
- 2′O-methyl oligonucleotides targeting conserved loops abolish miRNA processing in vitro.
- Mutations in the terminal loop of pri-miR-18a abrogate its efficient processing.
Takeaway
There's a protein called hnRNP A1 that helps another protein, Drosha, cut a special type of RNA called pri-miR-18a so it can work properly.
Methodology
The study used in vitro processing assays and footprint analysis to investigate the binding of hnRNP A1 to pri-miR-18a.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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