MicroRNAs regulate β-catenin of the Wnt signaling pathway in early sea urchin development.

ABSTRACT: Development of complex multicellular organisms requires careful regulation at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Post-transcriptional gene regulation is in part mediated by a class of non-coding RNAs of 21-25 nucleotides in length known as microRNAs (miRNAs). β-catenin, regulated by the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, has a highly evolutionarily conserved function in patterning early metazoan embryos, in forming the Anterior-Posterior axis, and in establishing the endomesoderm. Using reporter constructs and site-directed mutagenesis, we identified at least three miRNA binding sites within the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of the sea urchin β-catenin. Further, blocking these three miRNA binding sites within the β-catenin 3'UTR to prevent regulation of endogenous β-caten

SUBMITTER: Stepicheva N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4433612 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature