bantam encodes a developmentally regulated microRNA that controls cell proliferation and regulates the proapoptotic gene hid in Drosophila.
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.
Brennecke
Julius
J
European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstr 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
Hipfner
David R
DR
Stark
Alexander
A
Russell
Robert B
RB
Cohen
Stephen M
SM
D020413:3' Untranslated Regions / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics*; D001483:Base Sequence / Q000235:genetics; D002455:Cell Division / Q000235:genetics*; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D016213:Cyclins / Q000235:genetics*; D029721:Drosophila Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000196:embryology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000235:genetics; D005809:Genes, Regulator / Q000235:genetics; D007814:Larva / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000235:genetics*; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D051155:Wnt1 Protein
D020413:3' Untranslated Regions; D016213:Cyclins; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; C108880:HID protein, Drosophila; D035683:MicroRNAs; D009479:Neuropeptides; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D051155:Wnt1 Protein; C471146:bantam microRNA, Drosophila; C074622:wg protein, Drosophila