microRNA调控网络与肿瘤

microRNA(miRNA)是一类长度约为22nt的小分子非编码RNA,对基因表达进行转录后调控。基因调控网络由各种回路,如前馈和反馈回路组成。它通过将外界刺激整合成合适的输出信号,控制细胞从增殖到死亡几乎所有的生命活动。已知基因调控网络的失调与肿瘤的发生发展密切相关。新近的实验证据表明,miRNA广泛参与基因调控网络中的反馈和前馈回路。该文主要介绍miRNA在基因表达调控网络中的作用及其与肿瘤发生发展的关系。     

Integration of miRNA weighted gene co-expression network and miRNA-mRNA co-expression analyses reveals potential regulatory functions of miRNAs in calf rumen development

This study aimed to explore the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in calf rumen development during early life. Rumen tissues were collected from 16 calves (8 at pre-weaning and 8 at post-weaning) for miRNA-sequencing, differential expression (DE), miRNA weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA) and miRNA-mRNA co-expression analyses. 295 miRNAs were identified. Bta-miR-143, miR-26a, miR-145 and miR-27b were the most abundantly expressed. 122 miRNAs were significantly DE between the pre- and post-weaning periods and the most up- and down-regulated miRNAs were bta-miR-29b and bta-miR-493, respectively. Enrichment analyses of the target genes of DE miRNAs revealed important roles for miRNA in rumen developmental processes, immune system development, protein digestion and processes related to the extracellular matrix. WGCNA indicated that bta-miR-145 and bta-miR-199a-3p are important hub miRNAs in the regulation of these processes. Therefore, bta-miR-143, miR-29b, miR-145, miR-493, miR-26a and miR-199 family members might be key regulators of calf rumen development during early life.