MicroRNA regulation in extreme environments: differential expression of microRNAs in the intertidal snail Littorina littorea during extended periods of freezing and anoxia.

ABSTRACT: Several recent studies of vertebrate adaptation to environmental stress have suggested roles for microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating global suppression of protein synthesis and/or restructuring protein expression patterns. The present study is the first to characterize stress-responsive alterations in the expression of miRNAs during natural freezing or anoxia exposures in an invertebrate species, the intertidal gastropod Littorina littorea. These snails are exposed to anoxia and freezing conditions as their environment constantly fluctuates on both a tidal and seasonal basis. The expression of selected miRNAs that are known to influence the cell cycle, cellular signaling pathways, carbohydrate metabolism and apoptosis was evaluated using RT-PCR. Compared to controls, significant changes in ex

SUBMITTER: Biggar KK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5054212 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature