G-quadruplex from precursor miR-1587 modulated its maturation and function

Abstract

A certain proportion of pre-miRNAs, which contained potential G-quadruplex forming sequences, was found to act as a mediator to Dicer-mediated cleavage, and that the regulation of miRNA production and function may be achieved through the G-quadruplex structure. In this study, human precursor miR-1587 sequence was transfected after the incubation with different solution conditions (K+, TMPyP4, etc.). Firstly, the formation of G-quadruplex from precursor miR-1587 sequences was confirmed by CD and UV melting. The expression of miR-1587 level was then evaluated by Q-RT-PCR, and the results showed that the formation of G-quadruplex inhibited the miR-1587 maturation process, resulting in a reduced miR-1587 expression. Meanwhile the destabilization of G-quadruplex led to an increased miR-1587 expression by contrast. Then, the weakened inhibition of miR-1587 towards its target genes, such as TAGLN or NCOR1, was presented confirming by Q-RT-PCR and western blot. Molecular mechanism by dual-luciferase assays showed that the modulations of miR-1587 expression and function were due to the G-quadruplex structure transformation, but not the simple change of solution conditions. This study highlighted the importance of maintaining specific structures during miRNA biosynthesis and provided a way to alter the function of G-rich precursor miRNAs by modulating molecular conformation using ionic solutions or ligands.