Comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms of microRNA action

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15H02382
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Molecular biology
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Tomari Yukihide 東京大学, 分子細胞生物学研究所, 教授 (90447368)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: microRNA / 翻訳抑制 / poly(A)分解 / Argonaute

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We conducted our research by focusing on how microRNAs mediate gene silencing of their target mRNAs by utilizing two distinct molecular mechanisms: "translational repression" and "poly(A) shortening". We identified a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase named "Iruka", which acts to ensure the quality of Argonaute proteins, the core factor in the microRNA pathway. Moreover, we revealed a series of new insights into the enzymatic properties and their ATP dependence of the deadenylase enzymes in the CCR4-NOT complex, which is recruited by microRNAs to mediate the poly(A) shortening of their target mRNAs.

Free Research Field

RNA機能研究分野