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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
Pooled shRNA Screen for Reactivation of MeCP2 on the Inactive X Chromosome
Published on: March 2, 2018
Microarray analysis of microRNA expression in skin of Xpc⁺/⁻ mice and wild-type mice
1Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
Background And Aim:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNA molecules of 21-24 nt that regulate the expression of target genes in a post-transcriptional manner. Evidence indicates that miRNAs play essential roles in embryogenesis, cell differentiation, and pathogenesis of human diseases including skin cancer. To investigate possible mechanisms of photocarcinogenesis, we describe a comparison between miRNA expression profile of Xpc heterozygous partially repair-deficient mice and WT repair-proficient mice.
Methods:
We analyzed the miRNA expression profiles in 2 pairs of Xpc(+/-) mice and WT mice, using a mammalian miRNA microarray containing whole mice mature and precursor miRNA sequences. MiRBase and GO analysis were employed for the prediction of miRNA targets.
Results:
A total of 20 miRNAs were differentially expressed in which 13 miRNAs down-regulated and 7 miRNAs up-regulated in Xpc heterozygous mice compared with the WT counterpart. Differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted to have some relationships with several signaling pathway in skin cells, of which regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway and transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling pathway should be noted.
Conclusion:
The differential miRNA expression identified in this study may be of use in the diagnosis and/or treatment of UV-induced skin cancers.
Insights
This study compared microRNA (miRNA) expression in mice with DNA repair deficiencies to normal mice, revealing differences that could aid in diagnosing and treating UV-induced skin cancers.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Dermatology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression involved in development and disease, including skin cancer.
- Understanding miRNA roles in photocarcinogenesis is essential for identifying disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare miRNA expression profiles between Xpc heterozygous (partially DNA repair-deficient) mice and WT (repair-proficient) mice.
- To investigate potential mechanisms underlying UV-induced skin cancer (photocarcinogenesis).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of miRNA expression profiles using a mammalian miRNA microarray.
- Utilized MiRBase and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis for miRNA target prediction.
Main Results:
- Identified 20 differentially expressed miRNAs (13 down-regulated, 7 up-regulated) in Xpc heterozygous mice compared to WT mice.
- Predicted associations between differentially expressed miRNAs and key skin cell signaling pathways, including EGFR and TGF-beta receptor pathways.
Conclusions:
- The identified differential miRNA expression patterns may serve as biomarkers for diagnosing UV-induced skin cancers.
- These findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for skin cancer treatment.
