Abstract
Cell proliferation, cell death, and pattern formation are coordinated in animal development. Although many proteins that control cell proliferation and apoptosis have been identified, the means by which these effectors are linked to the patterning machinery remain poorly understood. Here, we report that the bantam gene of Drosophila encodes a 21 nucleotide microRNA that promotes tissue growth. bantam expression is temporally and spatially regulated in response to patterning cues. bantam microRNA simultaneously stimulates cell proliferation and prevents apoptosis. We identify the pro-apoptotic gene hid as a target for regulation by bantam miRNA, providing an explanation for bantam's anti-apoptotic activity.
MeSH terms
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3' Untranslated Regions / genetics
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Animals
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Apoptosis / genetics*
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Base Sequence / genetics
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Cell Division / genetics*
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Chromosome Mapping
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Cyclins / genetics*
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Drosophila Proteins / genetics*
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Drosophila melanogaster / embryology*
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Drosophila melanogaster / genetics
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Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics
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Genes, Regulator / genetics
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Larva / genetics
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Larva / growth & development
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MicroRNAs / genetics*
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Mutation / genetics
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Neuropeptides / genetics*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
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Repressor Proteins / genetics
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Wnt1 Protein
Substances
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3' Untranslated Regions
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Cyclins
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Drosophila Proteins
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HID protein, Drosophila
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MicroRNAs
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Neuropeptides
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins
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Repressor Proteins
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Wnt1 Protein
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bantam microRNA, Drosophila
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wg protein, Drosophila