title: MicroRNAs that target RGS5.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An earlier meta-analysis on gene expression data derived from four microarray, two cDNA library, and one SAGE experiment had identified RGS5 as one of only ten non-housekeeping genes that were reported to be expressed in human trabecular meshwork (TM) cells by all studies. RGS5 encodes regulator of G-protein signaling-5. The TM tissue is the route of aqueous fluid outflow, and is relevant to the pathology of glaucoma. MicroRNAs constitute the most recently identified components of the cellular machinery for gene regulation in eukaryotic cells. Given our long standing interest in glaucoma, we aimed to identify miRNAs that may target RGS5.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight miRNAs were selected for study using bioinformatics tools and available data on miRNAs expressed in the eye. Their effects were assessed using the dual luciferase assay. 3'-UTR segments of RGS5 mRNA were cloned downstream of a luciferase coding gene in psiCHECK2 vectors, and these were co-transfected with each of the miRNAs into HEK293 cells.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The outcomes evidenced that one or more of the segments are in fact targeted by miR-7, miR-9, miR-96, miR-23a, miR-23b, miR-204, and miR-211. Down regulations by the miRNAs were statistically significant. The effect of miR-204 is considered particularly important as this miRNA is well known to regulate eye development and to affect multiple ocular functions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results justify further studies on regulation of RGS5 expression and RGS5 downstream functions by these miRNAs.
authors: Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Amir
authors: A
authors: Banaei-Esfahani
authors: Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Hamidreza
authors: H
authors: Moazzeni
authors: Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Pooya Naseri
authors: PN
authors: Nosar
authors: Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Sadaf
authors: S
authors: Amin
authors: School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Ehsan
authors: E
authors: Arefian
authors: Stem Cell Technology Research Center, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Masoud
authors: M
authors: Soleimani
authors: Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Shahin
authors: S
authors: Yazdani
authors: Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran ; School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Elahe
authors: E
authors: Elahi
keywords: RGS5; miR-204; miR-211; miR-23a; miR-23b; miR-7; miR-9; miR-96