let-7 Overexpression leads to an increased fraction of cells in G2/M, direct down-regulation of Cdc34, and stabilization of Wee1 kinase in primary fibroblasts.

Titlelet-7 Overexpression leads to an increased fraction of cells in G2/M, direct down-regulation of Cdc34, and stabilization of Wee1 kinase in primary fibroblasts.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsLegesse-Miller A, Elemento O, Pfau SJ, Forman JJ, Tavazoie S, Coller HA
JournalJ Biol Chem
Volume284
Issue11
Pagination6605-9
Date Published2009 Mar 13
ISSN0021-9258
Keywords3' Untranslated Regions, Anaphase-Promoting Complex-Cyclosome, Cell Cycle Proteins, Cell Division, Cells, Cultured, Down-Regulation, Enzyme Stability, Fibroblasts, G2 Phase, Humans, MicroRNAs, Nuclear Proteins, Protein-Tyrosine Kinases, RNA, Small Interfering, SKP Cullin F-Box Protein Ligases, Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes, Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase Complexes
Abstract

microRNAs play a critically important role in a wide array of biological processes including those implicated in cancer, neuro-degenerative and metabolic disorders, and viral infection. Although we have begun to understand microRNA biogenesis and function, experimental demonstration of their functional effects and the molecular mechanisms by which they function remains a challenge. Members of the let-7/miR-98 family play a critical role in cell cycle control with respect to differentiation and tumorigenesis. In this study, we show that exogenous addition of pre-let-7 in primary human fibroblasts results in a decrease in cell number and an increased fraction of cells in the G(2)/M cell cycle phase. Combining microarray techniques with DNA sequence analysis to identify potential let-7 targets, we discovered 838 genes with a let-7 binding site in their 3'-untranslated region that were down-regulated upon overexpression of let-7b. Among these genes is cdc34, the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme of the Skp1/cullin/F-box (SCF) complex. Cdc34 protein levels are strongly down-regulated by let-7 overexpression. Reporter assays demonstrated direct regulation of the cdc34 3'-untranslated region by let-7. We hypothesized that low Cdc34 levels would result in decreased SCF activity, stabilization of the SCF target Wee1, and G(2)/M accumulation. Consistent with this hypothesis, small interfering RNA-mediated down-regulation of Wee1 reversed the G(2)/M phenotype induced by let-7 overexpression. We conclude that Cdc34 is a functional target of let-7 and that let-7 induces down-regulation of Cdc34, stabilization of the Wee1 kinase, and an increased fraction of cells in G(2)/M in primary fibroblasts.

DOI10.1074/jbc.C900002200
Alternate JournalJ. Biol. Chem.
PubMed ID19126550
PubMed Central IDPMC2652271
Grant ListR01 GM081686 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States
R01 GM086465 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States
R01 HG003219 / HG / NHGRI NIH HHS / United States
P50 GM071508 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States