Regulation of pancreatic microRNA-7 expression

Exp Diabetes Res. 2012:2012:695214. doi: 10.1155/2012/695214. Epub 2012 May 17.

Abstract

Genome-encoded microRNAs (miRNAs) provide a posttranscriptional regulatory layer, which is important for pancreas development. Differentiation of endocrine cells is controlled by a network of pancreatic transcription factors including Ngn3 and NeuroD/Beta2. However, how specific miRNAs are intertwined into this transcriptional network is not well understood. Here, we characterize the regulation of microRNA-7 (miR-7) by endocrine-specific transcription factors. Our data reveal that three independent miR-7 genes are coexpressed in the pancreas. We have identified conserved blocks upstream of pre-miR-7a-2 and pre-miR-7b and demonstrated by functional assays that they possess promoter activity, which is increased by the expression of NeuroD/Beta2. These data suggest that the endocrine specificity of miR-7 expression is governed by transcriptional mechanisms and involves members of the pancreatic endocrine network of transcription factors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA, Complementary / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / biosynthesis*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Models, Genetic
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Pancreas / metabolism*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • DNA, Complementary
  • MIRN7 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • NEUROG3 protein, human
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Neurogenic differentiation factor 1