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Molecular Modulation by Lentivirus-Delivered Specific shRNAs in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stressed Neurons
Published on: April 24, 2021
Dicer is regulated by cellular stresses and interferons.
Jennifer L Wiesen1, Thomas B Tomasi
1Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, United States.
Molecular Immunology
|January 3, 2009
Summary
Dicer protein, essential for microRNA generation, is downregulated by cellular stress and certain interferons. This suggests Dicer acts as a stress response element, with interferons being key regulators.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- MicroRNA generation relies on the RNase III enzyme Dicer.
- Dicer levels fluctuate in normal cells and disease states.
- Understanding Dicer regulation is crucial for cellular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulation of Dicer protein expression.
- To identify factors that modulate Dicer levels.
- To explore Dicer's role as a stress response component.
Main Methods:
- Assessing Dicer protein expression in JAR trophoblast cells and other cell types.
- Exposing cells to various stresses: reactive oxygen species, phorbol esters, Ras oncogene.
- Treating cells with double-stranded RNA, Type I interferons, and IFN-gamma.
Main Results:
- Dicer protein expression was inhibited by oxidative stress, phorbol esters, and Ras oncogene.
- Double-stranded RNA and Type I interferons repressed Dicer protein.
- IFN-gamma, however, induced Dicer protein expression.
- Observed effects were primarily post-transcriptional.
Conclusions:
- Dicer functions as a stress response component.
- Interferons, particularly Type I, are significant regulators of Dicer expression.
- Dicer regulation involves post-transcriptional mechanisms.
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