MicroRNA ‐2738 regulates gene expression in the sex determination pathway in Bombyx mori

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, non ‐coding transcripts that bind to 3′‐untranslated regions to trigger messenger RNA degradation or translational inhibition. Here we explored how miRNAs regulate sex determination inBombyx mori, a lepidopteran model insect. Genes known to be involved in sex determination,BmPSI,Bmdsx, andBmMasc, are predicted targets of the species ‐specific miR‐2738. Using a dual luciferase reporter assay in HEK293T cells, we confirmed that miR‐2738 suppressed transcription ofBmPSI,Bmdsx, andBmMasc. The levels ofBmPSI andBmMasc were significantly down ‐regulated inB. mori miR ‐2738 overexpression. In contrast, the genetic disruption of miR‐2738 using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 transgenic system increased the levels ofBmPSI andBmMasc transcripts, whereas splicing ofBmdsx was unaltered by miR ‐2738 depletion or overexpression. Taken together, this study implicates miR‐2738 as a minor regulator of sex determination genes in the silkworm.

Source: Insect Science - June 16, 2019 Category: Biology Authors: Zu ‐Lian Liu, Jun Xu, Lin Ling, De‐Hong Yang, Shu‐Qing Chen, Yong‐Ping Huang Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research