Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

A Reporter Assay to Analyze Intronic microRNA Maturation in Mammalian Cells
06:48

A Reporter Assay to Analyze Intronic microRNA Maturation in Mammalian Cells

Published on: June 16, 2022

Post-transcriptional regulation of alpha-synuclein expression by mir-7 and mir-153

Epaminondas Doxakis1

  • 1Basic Neurosciences Division, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, Athens 11527, Greece. edoxakis@bioacademy.gr

The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|January 29, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Two microRNAs, mir-7 and mir-153, regulate alpha-synuclein levels post-transcriptionally. This discovery offers new therapeutic strategies for Parkinson disease by lowering alpha-synuclein in the brain.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Alpha-synuclein accumulation is central to Parkinson disease pathogenesis.
  • Post-transcriptional regulation of alpha-synuclein is crucial for neuronal health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify novel regulators of alpha-synuclein.
  • To explore microRNA-mediated control of alpha-synuclein expression.
  • To investigate potential therapeutic targets for Parkinson disease.

Main Methods:

  • Identification of microRNAs targeting alpha-synuclein mRNA.
  • Analysis of microRNA binding to the 3'-untranslated region of alpha-synuclein.
  • Experimental manipulation (overexpression and inhibition) of mir-7 and mir-153 in neuronal cells.
  • Luciferase reporter assays to confirm microRNA-mediated translational repression.

Main Results:

  • Mir-7 and mir-153 were identified as key regulators of alpha-synuclein.
  • These microRNAs bind to the alpha-synuclein 3'-untranslated region, reducing mRNA and protein levels additively.
  • Mir-7 and mir-153 are predominantly expressed in the brain, correlating with synuclein expression patterns.
  • Overexpression of mir-7/mir-153 decreased endogenous alpha-synuclein; inhibition increased its translation.

Conclusions:

  • Mir-7 and mir-153 represent a significant mechanism for regulating alpha-synuclein levels.
  • These microRNAs offer potential therapeutic targets for reducing alpha-synuclein in Parkinson disease.
  • Findings open new avenues for treating familial and sporadic Parkinson disease.

More Related Videos

Investigation of RNA Synthesis Using 5-Bromouridine Labelling and Immunoprecipitation09:59

Investigation of RNA Synthesis Using 5-Bromouridine Labelling and Immunoprecipitation

Published on: May 3, 2018

Describing a Transcription Factor Dependent Regulation of the MicroRNA Transcriptome07:23

Describing a Transcription Factor Dependent Regulation of the MicroRNA Transcriptome

Published on: June 15, 2016

Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps01:23

Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the addition of a...
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps02:24

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps

Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps02:24

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps

Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...