Identification of microRNAs and other small RNAs from the adultnewt eye

[摘要] Purpose: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are capable of controlling geneexpression by targeting complimentary sequences in many mRNAs. Thus, asmall number of miRNAs are capable of regulating expression of manydifferent genes. miRNAs have been found in all animals from Drosophilato human and they are highly conserved. This work was undertaken inorder to identify such RNAs in the newt eye.Methods: Cloning of these RNAs was attempted after isolating andfractionating total RNA from the adult newt eye. A gel slice rangingfrom about 15 to30 nucleotides in length was cut and the extracted RNAwas cloned after several processes involving reverse transcription andlinker addition. For expression analysis and verification during theprocess of lens regeneration we used as a probe mir-124a.Results: Several microRNAs, piRNAs and other small RNAS wereidentified. Some of them have eye specific gene targets in otherspecies, but for many a function in the eye remains to be attributed.Expression of miR-124a showed an interesting regulation in the lensregeneration-competent dorsal iris.Conclusions: The cloned miRNAs and other small RNAs are the first tobe reported for this animal and might bear significance in regulatingprocesses that are unique to the newt eye, i.e., regeneration of thelens and retina.

[学科分类] 生物化学/生物物理