RNA-binding protein AUF1 represses Dicer expression.

ABSTRACT: MicroRNA (miRNA) biogenesis is tightly regulated by numerous proteins. Among them, Dicer is required for the processing of the precursor (pre-)miRNAs into the mature miRNA. Despite its critical function, the mechanisms that regulate Dicer expression are not well understood. Here we report that the RNA-binding protein (RBP) AUF1 (AU-binding factor 1) associates with the endogenous DICER1 mRNA and can interact with several segments of DICER1 mRNA within the coding region (CR) and the 3'-untranslated region (UTR). Through these interactions, AUF1 lowered DICER1 mRNA stability, since silencing AUF1 lengthened DICER1 mRNA half-life and increased Dicer expression, while overexpressing AUF1 lowered DICER1 mRNA and Dicer protein levels. Given that Dicer is necessary for the synthesis of mature miR

SUBMITTER: Abdelmohsen K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3526313 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature