Functional genomic analysis of the let-7 regulatory network in Caenorhabditis elegans

PLoS Genet. 2013;9(3):e1003353. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003353. Epub 2013 Mar 14.

Abstract

The let-7 microRNA (miRNA) regulates cellular differentiation across many animal species. Loss of let-7 activity causes abnormal development in Caenorhabditis elegans and unchecked cellular proliferation in human cells, which contributes to tumorigenesis. These defects are due to improper expression of protein-coding genes normally under let-7 regulation. While some direct targets of let-7 have been identified, the genome-wide effect of let-7 insufficiency in a developing animal has not been fully investigated. Here we report the results of molecular and genetic assays aimed at determining the global network of genes regulated by let-7 in C. elegans. By screening for mis-regulated genes that also contribute to let-7 mutant phenotypes, we derived a list of physiologically relevant potential targets of let-7 regulation. Twenty new suppressors of the rupturing vulva or extra seam cell division phenotypes characteristic of let-7 mutants emerged. Three of these genes, opt-2, prmt-1, and T27D12.1, were found to associate with Argonaute in a let-7-dependent manner and are likely novel direct targets of this miRNA. Overall, a complex network of genes with various activities is subject to let-7 regulation to coordinate developmental timing across tissues during worm development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / genetics
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism
  • Caenorhabditis elegans* / genetics
  • Caenorhabditis elegans* / growth & development
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Gene Regulatory Networks*
  • Genome
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs* / genetics
  • MicroRNAs* / metabolism
  • Mutation
  • Phenotype

Substances

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • MicroRNAs
  • let-7 microRNA, C elegans
  • pept-1 protein, C elegans