Dual Functional Roles of Molecular Beacon as a MicroRNA Detector and Inhibitor.

ABSTRACT: MicroRNAs are essential in many cellular processes. The ability to detect microRNAs is important for understanding its function and biogenesis. This study is aimed at using a molecular beacon to detect miR-430 in developing zebrafish embryos as a proof of principle. miR-430 is crucial for the clearance of maternal mRNA during maternal zygotic transition in embryonic development. Despite its known function, the temporal and spatial expression of miR-430 remains unclear. We used various imaging techniques, including laser scanning confocal microscopy, spinning disk, and lightsheet microscopy, to study the localization of miR-430 and any developmental defects possibly caused by the molecular beacon. Our results show that miR-430 is expressed early in development and is localized in distinct c

SUBMITTER: Li WM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5339743 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature