MicroRNA miR-328 regulates zonation morphogenesis by targeting CD44 expression

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Morphogenesis is vital for physiological development and tumor invasion.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in regulating cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the function of a specific microRNA in zonation morphogenesis.
• To identify the molecular targets of microRNA involved in this process.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel system for studying microRNA functions using pre-miRNA and mature miRNA constructs.
• Analysis of cell adhesion, aggregation, migration, and capillary structure formation.
• Luciferase reporter assays to validate miRNA-target interactions.
• In vivo experiments and immuno-histochemistry to assess CD44 expression and cell localization.

Main Results:

• miR-328 expression reduced cell adhesion, aggregation, and migration, and regulated capillary structure formation.
• miR-328 directly repressed CD44 expression by targeting its 3' UTR.
• Cells transfected with miR-328 exhibited zonation morphogenesis, with miR-328-expressing cells on the surface.
• In vivo and immuno-histochemistry studies confirmed CD44-silencing cells forming layers on structures and in specific liver zones.

Conclusions:

• miR-328 targets CD44, playing an essential role in regulating zonation morphogenesis.
• Silencing CD44 expression is critical for sealing zonation structures, facilitating their extension, and inhibiting complex expansion.