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Updated: May 8, 2026
Analysis of Epididymal Protein Synthesis and Secretion
Published on: August 25, 2018
An androgen receptor-microrna-29a regulatory circuitry in mouse epididymis
Wubin Ma1, Shuanggang Hu, Guangxin Yao
1From the Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs are involved in a number of cellular processes; thus, their deregulation is usually apt to the occurrence of diverse diseases. Previous studies indicate that abnormally up-regulated miR-29a is associated with several diseases, such as human acute myeloid leukemia and diabetes; therefore, the proper level of miR-29a is critical for homeostasis. Herein, we observed that miR-29a was repressed by androgen/androgen receptor signaling in mouse epididymis by targeting a conserved androgen response element located 8 kb upstream of miR-29b1a loci. It is well known that multiple regulatory programs often form a complicated network. Here, we found that miR-29a reversibly suppressed androgen receptor and its target genes by targeting IGF1 and p53 pathways. miR-29b1a-overexpressing transgenic mice displayed epididymis hypoplasia partially similar to the phenotype of those mice with an impaired androgen-androgen receptor signal system. Taken together, the results demonstrated that there is a regulatory circuitry between the androgen signaling pathway and miR-29a in mouse epididymis that may be vital for epididymal development and functions.
Insights
MicroRNAs, like miR-29a, are crucial for cell function. This study reveals a regulatory circuit between miR-29a and androgen signaling in mouse epididymis, impacting development and function.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Endocrinology
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate cellular processes; their dysregulation is linked to diseases.
- Aberrant miR-29a levels are associated with diseases like leukemia and diabetes.
- Proper miR-29a levels are essential for maintaining homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of miR-29a in the mouse epididymis.
- To elucidate the relationship between miR-29a and androgen signaling.
- To understand the regulatory network involving miR-29a and its targets.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of miR-29a regulation by androgen/androgen receptor signaling in mouse epididymis.
- Identification of androgen response elements targeting miR-29b1a loci.
- Investigation of miR-29a's feedback suppression on androgen receptor and its targets (IGF1, p53).
- Phenotypic analysis of miR-29b1a-overexpressing transgenic mice.
Main Results:
- miR-29a is repressed by androgen/androgen receptor signaling via an upstream element.
- miR-29a reversibly suppresses androgen receptor and its target genes, including IGF1 and p53.
- Overexpression of miR-29b1a in mice leads to epididymis hypoplasia, mimicking impaired androgen signaling.
Conclusions:
- A regulatory circuitry exists between androgen signaling and miR-29a in the mouse epididymis.
- This circuitry is vital for epididymal development and function.
- miR-29a plays a critical role in the androgen-mediated regulation of the epididymis.
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