Inducible and reversible inhibition of miRNA-mediated gene repression in vivo Journal Article


Authors: La Rocca, G.; King, B.; Shui, B.; Li, X.; Zhang, M.; Akat, K. M.; Ogrodowski, P.; Mastroleo, C.; Chen, K.; Cavalieri, V.; Ma, Y.; Anelli, V.; Betel, D.; Vidigal, J.; Tuschl, T.; Meister, G.; Thompson, C. B.; Lindsten, T.; Haigis, K. M.; Ventura, A.
Article Title: Inducible and reversible inhibition of miRNA-mediated gene repression in vivo
Abstract: Although virtually all gene networks are predicted to be controlled by miRNAs, the contribution of this important layer of gene regulation to tissue homeostasis in adult animals remains unclear. Gain and loss of function experiments have provided key insights into the specific function of individual miRNAs, but effective genetic tools to study the functional consequences of global inhibition of miRNA activity in vivo are lacking. Here we report the generation and characterization of a genetically engineered mouse strain in which miRNA-mediated gene repression can be reversibly inhibited without affecting miRNA biogenesis or abundance. We demonstrate the usefulness of this strategy by investigating the consequences of acute inhibition of miRNA function in adult animals. We find that different tissues and organs respond differently to global loss of miRNA function. While miRNA-mediated gene repression is essential for the homeostasis of the heart and the skeletal muscle, it is largely dispensable in the majority of other organs. Even in tissues where it is not required for homeostasis, such as the intestine and hematopoietic system, miRNA activity can become essential during regeneration following acute injury. These data support a model where many metazoan tissues primarily rely on miRNA function to respond to potentially pathogenic events. © 2021, eLife Sciences Publications Ltd. All rights reserved.
Journal Title: eLife
Volume: 10
ISSN: 2050-084X
Publisher: eLife Sciences Publications Ltd.  
Date Published: 2021-08-31
Start Page: e70948
Language: English
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.70948
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC8476124
PUBMED: 34463618
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 1 October 2021 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Andrea Ventura
    56 Ventura
  2. Craig Bernie Thompson
    153 Thompson
  3. Bryan Christopher King
    11 King
  4. Xiaoyi   Li
    5 Li
  5. Minsi Zhang
    18 Zhang
  6. Yilun Ma
    9 Ma
  7. Kevin Meng Hung Chen
    2 Chen