title: MicroRNA let-7a and let-7f as novel regulatory factors of the sika deer (Cervus nippon) IGF-1R gene.
abstract: MicroRNAs and their roles in rapid antler growth and regeneration have attracted much attention. In the present study, we examined the effects of microRNAs let-7a and let-7f on antler cell proliferation. We used a luciferase reporter screen to demonstrate that insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) can be regulated by let-7a and let-7f. MTT assay confirmed that chondrocyte proliferation was inhibited by let-7a and let-7f mimics. In contrast, transfection of let-7a and let-7f inhibitors increased chondrocyte proliferation, indicating that inhibitors can competitively bind to endogenous miRNA, reducing the inhibitory effect of miRNA. Moreover, western blotting analysis further identified that let-7a and let-7f mimics suppressed IGF-1R expression, and that let-7a and let-7f inhibitors increased the expression level of IGF-1R. Taken together, our study demonstrates the important roles of let-7a and let-7f in antler proliferation and its potential application in antler development. let-7a and let-7f may represent novel regulatory factors of IGF-1R expression in deer antler.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agriculture University , Changchun, Jilin , People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Ting
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Rui
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Mu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Xingyu
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Meng
mesh_terms: D020413:3' Untranslated Regions / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D000999:Antlers / Q000254:growth & development*; D001665:Binding Sites; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D003670:Deer / Q000235:genetics*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D008297:Male; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics*; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; D017526:Receptor, IGF Type 1 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics*; D014162:Transfection
chemical_list: D020413:3' Untranslated Regions; D035683:MicroRNAs; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; D017526:Receptor, IGF Type 1