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Published on: October 10, 2020
Age-Related Changes in miRNA Expression Influence GSTZ1 and Other Drug Metabolizing Enzymes
Stephan C Jahn1, Lauren A Gay1, Claire J Weaver1
1Departments of Medicinal Chemistry (S.C.J., C.J.W., M.O.J.), Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research (T.Y.L.), Medicine (P.W.S.), Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (P.W.S.), and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology (L.A.G., R.R.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the expression of glutathione transferase zeta 1 (GSTZ1) protein in the liver. Specifically, miR-376c-3p inhibits GSTZ1 production, impacting drug metabolism and offering insights for dichloroacetate dosing.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hepatic glutathione transferase zeta 1 (GSTZ1) protein levels increase postnatally but the regulatory mechanism remains unclear.
- Previous studies indicated no correlation between GSTZ1 mRNA and protein levels, suggesting post-transcriptional regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating hepatic GSTZ1 expression during human development.
- To identify specific miRNAs that influence GSTZ1 protein levels in the liver.
Main Methods:
- Microarray analysis of miRNA expression in liver samples from infants and adults.
- Bioinformatic prediction of miRNA binding sites on GSTZ1 mRNA.
- Validation of miRNA-mediated regulation using cell culture experiments.
Main Results:
- Identified 63 downregulated miRNAs in adult livers compared to infants, including miR-376c-3p.
- Found an inverse correlation between miR-376c-3p levels and GSTZ1 protein expression in liver samples.
- Confirmed that miR-376c-3p inhibits GSTZ1 protein production via translational repression in cell cultures.
Conclusions:
- miR-376c-3p is a key regulator of hepatic GSTZ1 protein expression, acting at the translational level.
- This finding advances understanding of GSTZ1 developmental regulation and has implications for dichloroacetate pharmacokinetics.
- Provided miRNA expression profiles serve as a valuable resource for future research on drug-metabolizing enzymes.
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