title: Coat color determination by miR-137 mediated down-regulation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor in a mouse model.
abstract: Coat color is a key economic trait in wool-producing species. Color development and pigmentation are controlled by complex mechanisms in animals. Here, we report the first production of an altered coat color by overexpression of miR-137 in transgenic mice. Transgenic mice overexpressing miR-137 developed a range of coat color changes from dark black to light color. Molecular analyses of the transgenic mice showed decreased expression of the major target gene termed MITF and its downstream genes, including TYR, TYRP1, and TYRP2. We also showed that melanogenesis altered by miR-137 is distinct from that affected by UV radiation in transgenic mice. Our study provides the first mouse model for the study of coat color controlled by miRNAs in animals and may have important applications in wool production.
authors: College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, PC 030801, Shanxi, China. dongchangsheng2010@hotmail.com
authors: Changsheng
authors: C
authors: Dong
authors: Haidong
authors: H
authors: Wang
authors: Linli
authors: L
authors: Xue
authors: Yanjun
authors: Y
authors: Dong
authors: Lei
authors: L
authors: Yang
authors: Ruiwen
authors: R
authors: Fan
authors: Xiuju
authors: X
authors: Yu
authors: Xue
authors: X
authors: Tian
authors: Shuhui
authors: S
authors: Ma
authors: George W
authors: GW
authors: Smith
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D001665:Binding Sites; D015536:Down-Regulation; D015870:Gene Expression; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006200:Hair Color / Q000235:genetics*; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D051739:Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: C551799:MIRN137 microRNA, mouse; D035683:MicroRNAs; D051739:Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor