SH3BP4, a novel pigmentation gene, is inversely regulated by miR-125b and MITF.
- Author:
Kyu Han KIM
1
;
Tae Ryong LEE
;
Eun Gyung CHO
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- MeSH: Computational Biology; Mass Screening; Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor; MicroRNAs; Pigmentation*
- From:Experimental & Molecular Medicine 2017;49(8):e367-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Our previous work has identified miR-125b as a negative regulator of melanogenesis. However, the specific melanogenesis-related genes targeted by this miRNA had not been identified. In this study, we established a screening strategy involving three consecutive analytical approaches—analysis of target genes of miR-125b, expression correlation analysis between each target gene and representative pigmentary genes, and functional analysis of candidate genes related to melanogenesis—to discover melanogenesis-related genes targeted by miR-125b. Through these analyses, we identified SRC homology 3 domain-binding protein 4 (SH3BP4) as a novel pigmentation gene. In addition, by combining bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation, we demonstrated that SH3BP4 is a direct target of miR-125b. Finally, we found that SH3BP4 is transcriptionally regulated by microphthalmia-associated transcription factor as its direct target. These findings provide important insights into the roles of miRNAs and their targets in melanogenesis.
