Synaptic enrichment of microRNAs in adult mouse forebrain is related to structural features of their precursors.

ABSTRACT:

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Within mouse forebrain, a subset of microRNAs are significantly enriched in synaptoneurosomes (a synaptic fraction containing pinched-off dendritic spines) and a subset are significantly depleted relative to total forebrain homogenate. Here I show that, as a group, the pre-miR hairpin precursors of synaptically enriched microRNAs exhibit significantly different structural features than those that are non-enriched or depleted. Precursors of synaptically enriched microRNAs tend to have a) shorter uninterrupted double-stranded stem segments, and b) more symmetrical bulges containing a single nucleotide on each side. These structural differences may provide a basis for the differential binding of proteins that mediate dendritic transport of pre-miRs, or that prevent pre-miRs

SUBMITTER: Smalheiser NR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2588566 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature