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Sequence features associated with microRNA strand selection in humans and flies.
- Source :
-
BMC genomics [BMC Genomics] 2009 Sep 04; Vol. 10, pp. 413. Date of Electronic Publication: 2009 Sep 04. - Publication Year :
- 2009
-
Abstract
- Background: During microRNA (miRNA) maturation in humans and flies, Drosha and Dicer cut the precursor transcript, thereby producing a short RNA duplex. One strand of this duplex becomes a functional component of the RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC), while the other is eliminated. While thermodynamic asymmetry of the duplex ends appears to play a decisive role in the strand selection process, the details of the selection mechanism are not yet understood.<br />Results: Here, we assess miRNA strand selection bias in humans and fruit flies by analyzing the sequence composition and relative expression levels of the two strands of the precursor duplex in these species. We find that the sequence elements associated with preferential miRNA strand selection and/or rejection differ between the two species. Further, we identify another feature that distinguishes human and fly miRNA processing machinery: the relative accuracy of the Drosha and Dicer enzymes.<br />Conclusion: Our result provides clues to the mechanistic aspects of miRNA strand selection in humans and other mammals. Further, it indicates that human and fly miRNA processing pathways are more distinct than currently recognized. Finally, the observed strand selection determinants are instrumental in the rational design of efficient miRNA-based expression regulators.
- Subjects :
- Algorithms
Animals
Chromosome Mapping
DEAD-box RNA Helicases metabolism
Drosophila Proteins metabolism
Gene Expression Profiling
Humans
Mice
RNA Helicases metabolism
Ribonuclease III metabolism
Species Specificity
Drosophila melanogaster genetics
Genome, Human
Genome, Insect
MicroRNAs biosynthesis
Sequence Analysis, RNA methods
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1471-2164
- Volume :
- 10
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- BMC genomics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 19732433
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2164-10-413