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microRNA regulation of skin pigmentation in fish

2013; The Company of Biologists; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1242/jcs.125831

1477-9137

Biao Yan, Ban Liu, Chang-Dong Zhu, Kang-Le Li, Li-Jia Yue, Jinliang Zhao, Xiaoling Gong, Chenghui Wang,

Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small non-coding RNAs that play crucial roles in numerous biological processes. However, the role of miRNAs in skin color determination in fish has not been completely determined. Here, we identified that 13 miRNAs are differentially expressed between red and white skin. The analysis of miRNA spatial and temporal expression patterns suggests that miR-429 is potential regulator of skin pigmentation. miR-429 silencing results in a obvious change in skin pigmentation. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay shows that miR-429 directly regulates Foxd3 expression by targeting its 3′ untranslated (3′-UTR) region. miR-429 silencing leads to a significant increase in Foxd3 expression in vivo, thereby repressing the transcription of MITF and its downstream genes such as TYR, TYRP1, or TYRP2. These findings would provide a novel insight into the determination of skin color in fish.