Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 21, 2025

A Reporter Assay to Analyze Intronic microRNA Maturation in Mammalian Cells
Published on: June 16, 2022
Regulation of uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A expression by miRNA-214-5p and miRNA-486-3p
Stefan Paulusch1, Sandra Kalthoff1, Steffen Landerer1
1Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn 53127, Germany.
Abstract:
Aim: This study aimed to identify novel miRNAs (miRs) as regulators of UGT1A gene expression and to evaluate them as potential risk factors for the development of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. Materials & methods: miRNA target sites in UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A (UGT1A) 3'-UTR were predicted and confirmed by luciferase assays, quantitative real-time PCR and western blot using HEK293, HepG2 and Huh7 cells. UGT1A and miRNA expression were analyzed in cirrhotic patients and a mouse model of alcoholic liver fibrosis. Results: miR-214-5p and miR-486-3p overexpression reduced UGT1A mRNA, protein levels and enzyme activity in HepG2 and Huh7 cells. miR-486-3p was upregulated in cirrhotic patients and fibrotic mice livers, whereas UGT1A mRNA levels were reduced. Conclusion: In conclusion, we identified two novel miRNAs capable to repress UGT1A expression in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, miR-486-3p may represent a potential risk factor for the development or progression of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis by means of a reduced UGT1A-mediated detoxification activity.
Related Concept Videos
MicroRNAs
MicroRNAs
Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
RNA Interference
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
Experimental RNAi

