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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library

Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library

Published on: April 6, 2012

Selective blockade of microRNA processing by Lin28.

Srinivas R Viswanathan¹, George Q Daley, Richard I Gregory

¹Stem Cell Program, Children's Hospital Boston, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|February 23, 2008

Summary

Lin28 protein blocks the processing of let-7 microRNAs (miRNAs) in embryonic cells. This finding reveals Lin28 as a negative regulator of miRNA biogenesis, impacting stem cell differentiation and cancer.

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Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library

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Published on: April 6, 2012

Biotin-based Pulldown Assay to Validate mRNA Targets of Cellular miRNAs

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Published on: June 12, 2018

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Developmental Biology
Cancer Biology

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression involved in development.
Dysregulated miRNA expression is implicated in human cancers.
Posttranscriptional processing of primary miRNAs (pri-miRNAs) can be inhibited in various cell types, including stem cells and tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of Lin28, a developmental RNA-binding protein, in regulating miRNA processing.
To determine if Lin28 selectively affects the processing of specific pri-miRNAs.

Main Methods:

In vitro biochemical assays to study protein-RNA interactions.
In vivo studies in embryonic cells to assess the functional impact of Lin28.
Analysis of Microprocessor complex activity on pri-let-7 miRNAs in the presence and absence of Lin28.

Main Results:

Lin28 was identified as a protein that selectively blocks the processing of pri-let-7 miRNAs.
Lin28 was found to be both necessary and sufficient for inhibiting Microprocessor-mediated cleavage of pri-let-7 miRNAs.
Lin28 acts as a negative regulator of miRNA biogenesis.

Conclusions:

Lin28 plays a critical role in inhibiting miRNA biogenesis by blocking pri-let-7 processing.
Lin28 may be a key factor in preventing miRNA-mediated differentiation in stem cells.
The Lin28-mediated regulation of miRNA processing could be relevant to the biology of certain cancers.