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Published on: May 21, 2019
A new and important relationship between miRNA-147a and PDPK1 in radiotherapy
Li-Juan Wang1, Na-Na Li2, Sai-Juan Xu1
1Department of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China.
Abstract:
It was found that the expression level of miR-147a was significantly increased and the pathway of PI3K/AKT was dramatically inhibited after radiation. In view of the relationship between miRNA and target genes, we put forward the question, what is the relationship between PI3K/AKT and miR-147a? In order to find the answer to the question, we used bioinformatics techniques to analyze the relationship between miR-147 (a or b) and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. miR-147a overexpression plasmid and PDPK1 3'UTR luciferase reporter gene plasmid were constructed. Dual luciferase reporter gene system validation experiments were carried out on miR-147a and PDPK1 relationship. The verification experiments were also carried out. Bioinformatics analysis showed that there is a miR-147a binding site in the non-coding region (3'UTR) of PDPK1. In the experimental groups transfected with wild type PDPK1 gene of 3'UTR plasmid, the luciferase activity decreased (or increased) significantly in miR-147a (or inhibitor) group compared with miR-NC (or anti-miR-NC); There was no significant difference between the miR-147a group (or inhibitor) and the miR-NC group (or anti-miR-NC) in the transfection of PDPK1-3'UTR-Mut gene vector. PDPK1 was a target gene for direct regulation of miR-147a downstream. Verifying test results showed that the expression of PDPK1 mRNA and protein was reduced after overexpression of miR-147a, which was up-regulated after silencing miR-147a in TC, and V79 cells. These results suggest that miR-147a could be involved in the regulation of PDPK1 transcription by binding to the target site in PDPK1 mRNA 3'UTR, and then regulated AKT.
Insights
MicroRNA-147a (miR-147a) targets PDPK1, regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway. This finding clarifies how miR-147a influences cellular signaling after radiation exposure.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
- Oncology Research
Background:
- Radiation exposure can alter microRNA (miRNA) expression and impact key signaling pathways like PI3K/AKT.
- The precise regulatory relationship between specific miRNAs and the PI3K/AKT pathway remains an area of active investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the relationship between microRNA-147a (miR-147a) and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
- To determine if miR-147a directly targets components of the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatics analysis to predict miRNA-target interactions.
- Construction of miR-147a overexpression plasmids and PDPK1 3'UTR luciferase reporter gene plasmids.
- Dual luciferase reporter gene assays and Western blot analysis to validate target gene regulation.
Main Results:
- Bioinformatics analysis identified a binding site for miR-147a in the 3'UTR of PDPK1.
- Dual luciferase assays confirmed that miR-147a directly binds to the PDPK1 3'UTR, decreasing luciferase activity.
- Overexpression of miR-147a reduced PDPK1 mRNA and protein levels, while silencing miR-147a increased them.
Conclusions:
- PDPK1 is a direct downstream target gene regulated by miR-147a.
- miR-147a influences the PI3K/AKT pathway by regulating PDPK1 transcription.
- These findings establish miR-147a as a regulator of PDPK1 and AKT signaling.
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