Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026

A Reporter Assay to Analyze Intronic microRNA Maturation in Mammalian Cells
Published on: June 16, 2022
3' Uridylation controls mature microRNA turnover during CD4 T-cell activation
Cristina Gutiérrez-Vázquez1,2, Anton J Enright3, Ana Rodríguez-Galán1,2
1Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28006, Spain.
Abstract:
Activation of T lymphocytes requires a tight regulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression. Terminal uridyltransferases (TUTases) catalyze 3' nontemplated nucleotide addition (3'NTA) to miRNAs, which may influence miRNA stability and function. Here, we investigated 3'NTA to mature miRNA in CD4 T lymphocytes by deep sequencing. Upon T-cell activation, miRNA sequences bearing terminal uridines are specifically decreased, concomitantly with down-regulation of TUT4 and TUT7 enzymes. Analyzing TUT4-deficient T lymphocytes, we proved that this terminal uridyltransferase is essential for the maintenance of miRNA uridylation in the steady state of T lymphocytes. Analysis of synthetic uridylated miRNAs shows that 3' addition of uridine promotes degradation of these uridylated miRNAs after T-cell activation. Our data underline post-transcriptional uridylation as a mechanism to fine-tune miRNA levels during T-cell activation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
MicroRNAs
MicroRNAs
Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
mRNA Stability and Gene Expression
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
RNA Stability
Nuclear Export of mRNA

