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Updated: May 30, 2026
08:40
Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library
Published on: April 6, 2012
mir-11 limits the proapoptotic function of its host gene, dE2f1
Mary Truscott1, Abul B M M K Islam, Núria López-Bigas
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA.
Genes & Development
|August 23, 2011
Summary
MicroRNA-11 (miR-11) limits the cell death function of its host gene, Drosophila E2F1 (dE2F1), particularly after DNA damage. This finding reveals a new layer of regulation in apoptosis pathways.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The E2F transcription factor family regulates cell proliferation and death.
- The microRNA gene mir-11 is located within the Drosophila E2F1 homolog gene (dE2f1).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of miR-11 in modulating the function of its host gene, dE2F1.
- To understand miR-11's specific impact on dE2F1-mediated apoptosis and proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Generated a mir-11 mutant in Drosophila.
- Utilized transgenic animals for coexpression studies of miR-11 and dE2F1.
- Analyzed the expression of proapoptotic genes (reaper, head involution defective) regulated by dE2F1.
Main Results:
- A mir-11 mutant exhibited increased sensitivity to DNA damage-induced apoptosis.
- Coexpression of miR-11 suppressed dE2F1-induced apoptosis but not proliferation.
- miR-11 directly repressed dE2F1-regulated proapoptotic genes, including reaper and head involution defective.
Conclusions:
- miR-11 acts as a specific modulator of the proapoptotic function of dE2F1.
- miR-11 limits dE2F1-driven apoptosis upon DNA damage by regulating a transcriptional program.
- This study reveals a novel regulatory mechanism involving microRNAs and transcription factors in apoptosis.
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