Why is the miRNA expression increasing?

Click For Summary
The discussion highlights that transfecting cells with miR-141 mimics results in increased expression of miR-141, which subsequently impairs insulin secretion at elevated glucose levels (16.7 mM). The conversation raises the question of whether the observed increase in miR-141 expression is due to RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP) activity, which is known to generate secondary miRNAs. However, it is noted that mammals, including mice and humans, lack RDRPs for amplifying small RNAs. Therefore, it is suggested that the RT-qPCR results may reflect the presence of both the miRNA mimics and the endogenous miRNA, rather than amplification through RDRP activity.
TytoAlba95
Messages
132
Reaction score
19
Untitled.png


As presented in Fig. 3A, the expression of miR-141 was increased in the miR-141 mimic transfection group and the increase in miR-141 led to a significantly impaired insulin secretion at 16.7 mM glucose (P<0.05; Fig. 3B)
Source: paper

When the cells were transfected with miRNA-mimic it increased the miRNA expression. Is this increase due to the activity of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which generates secondary miRNAs?
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes atyy
Biology news on Phys.org
AFAIK, mouse or humans don't have RDRPs to amplify small RNAs. It's likely that the RT-qPCR is detecting the miRNA mimics in addition to the endogenous miRNA.
 
  • Like
Likes atyy and TytoAlba95

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K