Alternative processing of primary microRNA transcripts by Drosha generates 5' end variation of mature microRNA.

ABSTRACT:

Background

It is generally believed that the miRNA processing machinery ensures the generation of a mature miRNA with a fixed sequence, particularly at its 5' end. However, we and others have recently noted that the ends of a given mature miRNA are not absolutely fixed, but subject to variation. Neither the significance nor the mechanism behind the generation of such miRNA polymorphism is understood. miR-142 is an abundantly expressed miRNA in hematopoietic cells and exhibits a high frequency of 5' end polymorphism.

Methodology/principal findings

Here we show that a shift in the Drosha processing of pri-miRNA generates multiple forms of miR-142s in vivo with differing 5' ends that might target different genes. Sequence analysis of several pre-miRNA ends cloned from T cells r

SUBMITTER: Wu H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2762519 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature