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Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

3.8K
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
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MicroRNAs01:22

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MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 18, 2026

Preparation of Small RNA Libraries for Sequencing from Early Mouse Embryos
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MicroRNA miR-196a controls neural crest patterning by repressing immature neural ectoderm programs in Xenopus

Alice M Godden1, Nicole Ward1, Méghane Sittewelle2

  • 1School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom.

Developmental Biology
|September 12, 2025
PubMed
Summary

MicroRNA-196a is crucial for neural crest cell development and craniofacial formation. Its depletion disrupts neural development and cell differentiation, highlighting its role in early embryonic patterning.

Keywords:
BMP signallingDorsal ectoderm gene regulatory networksNeural crestNeural inductionPluripotencyXenopus laevis and tropicalis embryosmiR-196amicroRNAs

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Differentiation of a Human Neural Stem Cell Line on Three Dimensional Cultures, Analysis of MicroRNA and Putative Target Genes
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Differentiation of a Human Neural Stem Cell Line on Three Dimensional Cultures, Analysis of MicroRNA and Putative Target Genes

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Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Neural crest (NC) cells are a multipotent stem cell population essential for forming diverse cell types, including craniofacial structures and the nervous system.
  • The gene regulatory network controlling NC specification is complex and not fully understood, particularly the role of microRNAs (miRNAs).
  • MicroRNA-196a is expressed in developing neural and NC cells, but its specific function in the NC gene regulatory network is poorly characterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of microRNA-196a in the neural crest gene regulatory network.
  • To elucidate the role of miR-196a in early embryonic patterning and neural crest cell development.

Main Methods:

  • Antisense morpholinos were used to knock down miR-196a expression in Xenopus laevis embryos.
  • RNA sequencing was performed on neural border and NC explants to identify genes affected by miR-196a depletion.
  • Rescue experiments using a miRNA mimic were conducted to validate findings.

Main Results:

  • Depletion of miR-196a resulted in significant neural crest and craniofacial defects.
  • Perturbed expression of key neural, neural border, and NC markers (e.g., sox2/3, zic1/3, pax3, sox10, snail2) was observed.
  • RNA sequencing identified a signature of genes regulated by miR-196a, with validation through rescue experiments.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNA-196a plays a critical role in early dorsal ectoderm patterning.
  • miR-196a balances immature neural plate progenitor development with neural crest and placode specification.
  • The study demonstrates miR-196a's importance in promoting neuron differentiation within the neural plate.