Abstract
Post-transcriptional control of mRNA by micro-RNAs (miRNAs) represents an important mechanism of gene regulation. miRNAs act by binding to the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of an mRNA, affecting the stability and translation of the target mRNA. Here, we present a numerical model of miRNA-mediated mRNA downregulation and its application to analysis of temporal microarray data of HepG2 cells transfected with miRNA-124a. Using the model our analysis revealed a novel mechanism of mRNA accumulation control by miRNA, predicting that specific mRNAs are controlled in a digital, switch-like manner. Specifically, the contribution of miRNAs to mRNA degradation is switched from maximum to zero in a very short period of time. Such behaviour suggests a model of control in which mRNA is at a certain moment protected from binding of miRNA and further accumulates with a basal rate. Genes associated with this process were identified and parameters of the model for all miRNA-124a affected mRNAs were computed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
