MC-03 The effect of miR-718 upregulation on epigenetic-modifying and epigenetic-regulating genes
Abstract
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental deficiency defined by unusual and/or repetitive behavioral traits. Over 75 million US citizens are currently diagnosed with ASD along with 1 in 44 children having been diagnosed in 2023, according to the CDC.
Within the sights of many scientists, research for what causes ASD and methods for its treatment is of extreme interest. Many believe that the onset of ASD is likely linked to gene expression. One method of altering gene expression includes the effects that MicroRNA (miRNA) have on messenger RNA (mRNAs). MiRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that alter gene expression by targeting roughly complementary code on specific mRNAs. Notably, predicted targets of miR-718 include several epigenetic modifiers, calcium signaling genes, and mitochondrial genes.
For example, DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) is an enzyme known to silence genes via the addition of methyl groups onto DNA. We hypothesized that miR-718 would target mRNA of DNMT3A, MECP2 (methyl-CpG-binding protein 2), and DNMT1, leading to a decrease in those genes’ mRNA molecules.
We treated SH-SY5Y, a neuroblastoma-based cell line, with siRNA to control or upregulate (mimic) miR-718 expression. We determined gene expression of our genes of interest by RT-qPCR.
The results demonstrate a significant decrease in DNMT3A, MECP2, and DNMT1. The data indicate miR-718 does target DNMT3A, MECP2, and DNMT1, validating the predicted interaction indicated on miRbase.org. To move forward, we would like to determine if DNA methylation and histone modifications are altered as a consequence.
MC-03 The effect of miR-718 upregulation on epigenetic-modifying and epigenetic-regulating genes
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental deficiency defined by unusual and/or repetitive behavioral traits. Over 75 million US citizens are currently diagnosed with ASD along with 1 in 44 children having been diagnosed in 2023, according to the CDC.
Within the sights of many scientists, research for what causes ASD and methods for its treatment is of extreme interest. Many believe that the onset of ASD is likely linked to gene expression. One method of altering gene expression includes the effects that MicroRNA (miRNA) have on messenger RNA (mRNAs). MiRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that alter gene expression by targeting roughly complementary code on specific mRNAs. Notably, predicted targets of miR-718 include several epigenetic modifiers, calcium signaling genes, and mitochondrial genes.
For example, DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) is an enzyme known to silence genes via the addition of methyl groups onto DNA. We hypothesized that miR-718 would target mRNA of DNMT3A, MECP2 (methyl-CpG-binding protein 2), and DNMT1, leading to a decrease in those genes’ mRNA molecules.
We treated SH-SY5Y, a neuroblastoma-based cell line, with siRNA to control or upregulate (mimic) miR-718 expression. We determined gene expression of our genes of interest by RT-qPCR.
The results demonstrate a significant decrease in DNMT3A, MECP2, and DNMT1. The data indicate miR-718 does target DNMT3A, MECP2, and DNMT1, validating the predicted interaction indicated on miRbase.org. To move forward, we would like to determine if DNA methylation and histone modifications are altered as a consequence.