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Published on: April 25, 2022
Dynamics of microRNA biogenesis: crosstalk between p53 network and microRNA processing pathway
Hiroshi I Suzuki1, Kohei Miyazono
1Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are pivotal regulators involved in various biological functions through the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Alterations of miRNA expression and function contribute to both physiological and pathological processes such as development and cancer. While their roles have been attracting more attention in connection with tumor development, the mechanisms regulating miRNA biogenesis have not been well understood. Accumulating evidences have revealed the dynamic regulation of miRNA biosynthesis by several regulatory factors and demonstrated the complexity of miRNA-mediated gene regulation. In addition, several reports showed the interplay between the p53 tumor suppressor network and the miRNA-mediated gene regulatory system. We recently found that p53 modulates miRNA maturation at the processing step of primary miRNA transcripts, unraveling a novel function of p53. Here, we review the recent understanding of functional links between miRNA biogenesis and intracellular signaling pathways, with particular focus on the crosstalk between the p53 network and the miRNA biogenesis machinery. Further characterization of controlling elements for miRNA production and activity would provide important insights for a comprehensive understanding of the miRNA function in health and disease.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are crucial in development and cancer. This study reveals a novel function of the p53 tumor suppressor in modulating miRNA maturation, enhancing our understanding of miRNA biogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression.
- Dysregulated miRNA expression is implicated in physiological and pathological processes, including cancer.
- Mechanisms governing miRNA biogenesis and their interplay with cellular networks are not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the functional links between microRNA biogenesis and intracellular signaling pathways.
- To highlight the crosstalk between the p53 tumor suppressor network and miRNA biogenesis machinery.
- To underscore the significance of understanding miRNA regulation in health and disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on miRNA biogenesis and the p53 network.
- Analysis of recent findings on the role of p53 in miRNA maturation.
- Synthesis of information on the interplay between intracellular signaling and miRNA production.
Main Results:
- MicroRNA biosynthesis is dynamically regulated by multiple factors, indicating complex gene regulation.
- The p53 tumor suppressor network interacts with miRNA-mediated gene regulation.
- p53 was found to modulate miRNA maturation at the primary miRNA processing stage, revealing a new p53 function.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the control elements of miRNA production and activity is crucial for comprehending miRNA functions.
- The crosstalk between p53 and miRNA biogenesis machinery offers novel insights into cancer development and regulation.
- Further research into these regulatory mechanisms will advance the understanding of miRNA roles in health and disease.
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