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Published on: May 12, 2015
Developmental inhibition of miR-iab8-3p disrupts mushroom body neuron structure and adult learning ability
Germain U Busto1, Tugba Guven-Ozkan1, Molee Chakraborty1
1Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter FL 33458, USA.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that inhibit protein expression post-transcriptionally. They have been implicated in many different physiological processes, but little is known about their individual involvement in learning and memory. We recently identified several miRNAs that either increased or decreased intermediate-term memory when inhibited in the central nervous system, including miR-iab8-3p. We report here a new developmental role for this miRNA. Blocking the expression of miR-iab8-3p during the development of the organism leads to hypertrophy of individual mushroom body neuron soma, a reduction in the field size occupied by axonal projections, and adult intellectual disability. We further identified four potential mRNA targets of miR-iab8-3p whose inhibition modulates intermediate-term memory including ceramide phosphoethanolamine synthase, which may account for the behavioral effects produced by miR-iab8-3p inhibition. Our results offer important new information on a microRNA required for normal neurodevelopment and the capacity to learn and remember normally.
Insights
This study reveals microRNA-iab-8-3p is crucial for neurodevelopment and memory. Inhibiting this microRNA during development causes intellectual disability and impacts brain structure.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally.
- Their specific roles in learning and memory are not fully understood.
- Previous work identified microRNAs affecting intermediate-term memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental role of microRNA-iab-8-3p.
- To understand its impact on neurodevelopment and cognitive function.
- To identify molecular targets responsible for its effects on memory.
Main Methods:
- Inhibition of microRNA-iab-8-3p expression during organism development.
- Analysis of mushroom body neuron morphology and axonal projection field size.
- Behavioral assays to assess intermediate-term memory and cognitive function.
Main Results:
- Blocking microRNA-iab-8-3p during development caused mushroom body neuron soma hypertrophy.
- A reduced axonal projection field size and adult intellectual disability were observed.
- Ceramide phosphoethanolamine synthase was identified as a potential target influencing memory.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNA-iab-8-3p plays a critical role in normal neurodevelopment.
- This microRNA is essential for the capacity to learn and remember.
- Findings highlight a novel link between microRNA function, neurodevelopment, and cognitive abilities.
