Frontiers in Genetics (Mar 2012)

Regulation of miRNA 219 and miRNA clusters 338 and 17-92 in oligodendrocytes

  • Omar ede Faria Jr.,
  • Omar ede Faria Jr.,
  • Omar ede Faria Jr.,
  • Qiao-Ling eCui,
  • Qiao-Ling eCui,
  • Jenea M. Bin,
  • Jenea M. Bin,
  • Sarah-Jane eBull,
  • Sarah-Jane eBull,
  • Timothy E. Kennedy,
  • Timothy E. Kennedy,
  • Amit eBar-Or,
  • Amit eBar-Or,
  • Jack eAntel,
  • Jack eAntel,
  • David R Colman,
  • David R Colman,
  • Ajit eDhaunchak,
  • Ajit eDhaunchak,
  • Ajit eDhaunchak

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2012.00046
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3

Abstract

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MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate diverse molecular and cellular processes including oligodendrocyte (OL) precursor cell (OPC) proliferation and differentiation in rodents. However, the role of miRs in human OPCs is poorly understood. To identify miRs that may regulate these processes in humans, we isolated OL-lineage cells from human white matter and analyzed their miR profile. Using endpoint RT-PCR assays and quantitative real-time PCR, we demonstrate that miR-219, miR-338 and miR-17-92 are enriched in human white matter and expressed in acutely isolated human OLs. In addition, we report the expression of closely related miRs (miR-219-1-3p, miR-219-2-3p, miR-1250, miR-657, miR-3065-5p, miR-3065-3p) in both rodent and human OLs. Our findings demonstrate that miRs implicated in rodent OPC proliferation and differentiation are regulated in human OLs and may regulate myelination program in humans. Thus, these miRs should be recognized as potential therapeutic targets in demyelinating disorders.

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