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Identification of Genes and microRNAs Associated with Midfacial Hypoplasia in Mice

Akiko Suzuki1, Chihiro Iwaya1, Ashley Jung1

  • 1Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.

Cells
|March 14, 2026
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs regulate genes crucial for midfacial development. This study identifies specific microRNAs that, when overexpressed, inhibit cell growth and osteogenesis, highlighting their role in midfacial malformations.

Area of Science:

  • Craniofacial Development
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Midfacial hypoplasia results from impaired growth of nasal placodes and maxillary prominences.
  • Genetic regulation of craniofacial development, particularly midfacial development, is not fully understood.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs with regulatory functions in gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of microRNAs in regulating genes associated with midfacial development.
  • To identify specific miRNAs that target genes involved in midfacial malformations.
  • To elucidate the functional impact of key miRNAs on nasal process mesenchymal cells.

Main Methods:

  • Bioinformatic analysis to predict miRNA-gene interactions.
  • Identification of 224 genes linked to midfacial malformations in mice.
  • Experimental validation of top candidate miRNAs (miR-129-5p, miR-381-3p, miR-124-3p, miR-136-5p) using nasal process mesenchymal cells.

Main Results:

  • Identified 224 genes associated with midfacial malformations.
  • Predicted several miRNAs, including miR-129-5p, miR-381-3p, miR-124-3p, and miR-136-5p, as regulators of these genes.
  • Demonstrated that overexpression of these four miRNAs inhibited cell proliferation and osteogenesis in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs play a critical role in regulating gene expression during midfacial development.
  • Dysregulation of specific miRNA-gene networks contributes to the pathogenesis of midfacial malformations.
  • These findings highlight potential therapeutic targets for craniofacial developmental disorders.
Keywords:
bioinformatic analysismicroRNAmidfacial hypoplasia

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