Retrotransposon gag-like 1 (RTL1) and the molecular evolution of self-targeting imprinted microRNAs.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Transcription of the antisense strand of RTL1 produces a sense mRNA that is targeted for degradation by antisense microRNAs transcribed from the sense strand. Translation of the mRNA produces a retrotransposon-derived protein that is implicated in placental development. The sense and antisense transcripts are oppositely imprinted: sense mRNAs are expressed from the paternally-derived chromosome, antisense microRNAs from the maternally-derived chromosome. RESULTS:Two microRNAs at the RTL1 locus, miR-431 and the rodent-specific miR-434, are derived from within tandem repeats. We present an evolutionary model for the establishment of a new self-targeting microRNA derived from within a tandem repeat that inhibits production of RTL1 protein when maternally-derived in heterozygotes bu

SUBMITTER: Mainieri A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6805670 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature