Development of novel inhibitors targeting microRNAs

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24550186
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Chemistry related to living body
• Research Institution: Kyoto Institute of Technology
• Principal Investigator: YAMAYOSHI Asako 京都工芸繊維大学, 工芸科学研究科, 助教 (70380532)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): MURAKAMI Akira 京都工芸繊維大学, 工芸科学研究科, 教授 (60210001)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: microRNA / アンチセンス核酸 / ペプチド / RISC

Outline of Final Research Achievements

MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs that induce post-transcriptional gene silencing of the target genes and regulate a wide range of biological processes including cancers. Therefore microRNAs are considered as attractive therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. MicroRNAs do not act alone, but exhibit the functions by forming RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Among the proteins of RISC components, Argonaute protein family has a highly conserved motif called PIWI-box that interacts with 5’-end of microRNAs. The interaction between PIWI-box and 5’-end of miRNA is an essential factor for holding microRNA in Argonaute. We designed peptides as an antagonist against PIWI-box, and then introduced these peptides to oligonucleotides targeting microRNAs. In this study, we evaluate the regulatory effects of peptide-conjugated oligonucleotides on RISC activity.

Free Research Field

核酸化学