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Neuron type-specific miRNA represses two broadly expressed genes to modulate an avoidance behavior in C. elegans.

ABSTRACT: Two broad gene classes are distinguished within multicellular organisms: cell type-specific genes, which confer particular cellular properties, and ubiquitous genes that support general cellular functions. However, certain so-called ubiquitous genes show functionally relevant cell type-specific repression. How such repression is achieved is poorly understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are repressors, many of which are expressed with high cell type specificity. Here we show that mir-791, expressed exclusively in the CO₂-sensing neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans, represses two otherwise broadly expressed genes. This repression is necessary for normal neuronal function and behavior of the animals toward CO₂ miRNA-mediated repression of broadly transcribed genes is a previously unappreciated strategy for cellular specialization.

SUBMITTER: Drexel T

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5066611 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Neuron type-specific miRNA represses two broadly expressed genes to modulate an avoidance behavior in C. elegans.

Drexel Tanja T Mahofsky Katharina K Latham Richard R Zimmer Manuel M Cochella Luisa L

Genes & development 20160929 18

Two broad gene classes are distinguished within multicellular organisms: cell type-specific genes, which confer particular cellular properties, and ubiquitous genes that support general cellular functions. However, certain so-called ubiquitous genes show functionally relevant cell type-specific repression. How such repression is achieved is poorly understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are repressors, many of which are expressed with high cell type specificity. Here we show that mir-791, expressed exclu ...[more]

PMID: 27688400

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