MicroRNA-132 is enriched in developing axons, locally regulates Rasa1 mRNA, and promotes axon extension.

ABSTRACT: Developing axons can locally synthesize proteins, with roles in axon growth, guidance, and regeneration, but the mechanisms that regulate axonal mRNA translation are not well understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of translation but have still been little characterized in developing axons. Here we study mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) axons and show that their extension is impaired by conditional deficiency of the miRNA-processing enzyme Dicer in vitro and in vivo. A screen for axonal localization identifies a specific set of miRNAs preferentially enriched within the developing axon. High axonal expression and preferential localization were observed for miR-132, a miRNA previously known for roles in dendrites and dysregulation in major neurologic diseases. miR-132 knockdo

SUBMITTER: Hancock ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3866495 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature