Immunofluorescence-based screening identifies germ cell associated microRNA 302 as an antagonist to p63 expression

Cell Cycle. 2009 May 1;8(9):1426-32. doi: 10.4161/cc.8.9.8324. Epub 2009 May 27.

Abstract

The tumor suppressor homologue p63 is required for proper skin and limb development, but specific isoforms of it also act as a "guardian of the germline." To gain insight into the regulation of p63 expression, we performed immunofluorescence-based screening assays. Using a large collection of microRNA expression plasmids, we identified microRNAs of the 302 cluster as potent suppressors of p63 accumulation in various cell species. MiR-302 reduces p63 protein and mRNA levels through two target sites within the p63 3' untranslated region. In testicular cancer cells, endogenous miR-302 contributes to the suppression of p63. MiR-302 might also contribute to the elimination of p63 in mature oocytes. Thus, miR-302 appears as part of a stringent regulatory mechanism for p63 in germ cells, reminiscent of the tight control for p53 levels in somatic cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions / genetics
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Germ Cells / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Trans-Activators / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Trans-Activators / genetics
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • MIRN302A microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Messenger
  • TP63 protein, human
  • Trans-Activators
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins