Autoantigen La Regulates MicroRNA Processing from Stem-Loop Precursors by Association with DGCR8
Quan Zheng1, Hai-Jie Yang1, Y Adam Yuan1,2
1Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore , 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543.
Biochemistry
|November 1, 2017
Summary
The La protein binds to primary microRNA (pri-miRNA) and enhances its processing. This La protein associates with DGCR8, suggesting a role in microRNA biogenesis regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- MicroRNA (miRNA) processing is crucial for gene regulation.
- The Drosha-DGCR8 complex initiates primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) processing.
- Expression level discrepancies suggest additional regulatory factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel protein factors involved in pri-miRNA processing.
- To investigate the role of the La protein in miRNA biogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a novel tRNA-scaffolded aptamer (tRSA)-based RNA affinity technique.
- Fused primary let-7 miRNA to tRSA to isolate binding proteins.
- Performed in vitro and cellular assays to assess protein function.
Main Results:
- Identified La protein binding to pri-let-7 via its La motif.
- Demonstrated that La protein significantly promotes pri-let-7 processing efficiency.
- Showed La protein associates with DGCR8 in an RNA-dependent manner, but not Drosha.
Conclusions:
- La protein is a novel microprocessor component regulating miRNA processing.
- La protein enhances miRNA processing by associating with DGCR8.
- The RNA-binding capacity of the La motif is essential for its function in miRNA processing.
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