Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
Direct Reprogramming of Mouse Fibroblasts into Melanocytes
Published on: August 27, 2021
Role of microRNA508-3p in melanogenesis by targeting microphthalmia transcription factor in melanocytes of alpaca
11College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine,Shanxi Agricultural University,Taigu 030801,China.
Abstract:
It has been demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the control of melanogenesis and hair color in mammals. By comparing miRNA expression profiles between brown and white alpaca skin, we previously identified miR508-3p as a differentially expressed miRNA suggesting its potential role in melanogenesis and hair color formation. The present study was conducted to determine the role of miR508-3p in melanogenesis in alpaca melanocytes. In situ hybridization showed that miR508-3p is abundantly present in the cytoplasma of alpaca melanocytes. miR508-3p was predicted to target the gene encoding microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) and a luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR508-3p regulates MITF expression by directly targeting its 3'UTR. Overexpression of miR508-3p in alpaca melanocytes down-regulated MITF expression both at the messenger RNA and protein level and resulted in decreased expression of key melanogenic genes including tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein 2. Overexpression of miR508-3p in melanocytes also resulted in decreased melanin production including total alkali-soluble melanogenesis, eumelanogenesis and pheomelanogenesis. Results support a functional role of miR508-3p in regulating melanogenesis in alpaca melanocytes by directly targeting MITF.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate alpaca hair color. miR508-3p directly targets MITF, reducing melanin production and key melanogenic gene expression in alpaca melanocytes.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Dermatology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of mammalian melanogenesis and hair color.
- Previous studies identified miR508-3p as differentially expressed in alpaca skin, suggesting a role in pigmentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the specific role of miR508-3p in melanogenesis within alpaca melanocytes.
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying miR508-3p's function in pigmentation.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization to determine miR508-3p localization in alpaca melanocytes.
- Luciferase reporter assay to confirm direct targeting of MITF 3'UTR by miR508-3p.
- Overexpression of miR508-3p in melanocytes to assess effects on MITF, melanogenic genes, and melanin production.
Main Results:
- miR508-3p is localized in the cytoplasm of alpaca melanocytes.
- miR508-3p directly targets and down-regulates the expression of microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF).
- Overexpression of miR508-3p decreased MITF, tyrosinase, and TRP-2 expression, leading to reduced melanin production.
Conclusions:
- miR508-3p plays a significant role in regulating melanogenesis in alpaca melanocytes.
- The mechanism involves direct targeting of MITF, impacting downstream pigmentation pathways.
- Findings contribute to understanding the genetic basis of hair color variation in alpacas.
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
01:22MicroRNAs