Differential allelic expression of dopamine D1 receptor gene (DRD1) is modulated by microRNA miR-504.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previously, we reported that dopamine D1 receptor gene (DRD1) is associated with nicotine dependence (ND) and demonstrated that two alleles (A and G) of polymorphism rs686 in the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of DRD1 are expressed differentially. However, the mechanism underlying the differential expression remains to be determined. We hypothesize that it is caused by miRNA targeting.

Methods

We first used the MicroInspector algorithm to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) potentially targeting the rs686 polymorphism in the DRD1 3'UTR and then employed a luciferase reporter assay combined with site-directed mutagenesis to test the predicted miRNA targeting. We also examined the miRNA targeting of DRD1 with a gene expression assay.

Results

Of two miRNAs predicted b

SUBMITTER: Huang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2678413 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature