CELL BIOLOGY OF THE NEURON Polarity ... - Tavernarakis Lab

Cell Biology of the Neuron: Polarity, Plasticity and Regeneration, Crete 2011
Neuronal microRNA Expression Profiling Identifies
Novel microRNAs with Axon Growth Promoting
Effects
S. van Erp, A.H.A.A. Derijck, E.Y. van Battum, R.J. Pasterkamp
Rudolf Magnus Institute, Univerity Medical Centre Utrecht
The role of microRNAs in the development of neuronal connectivity is still
poorly understood. The presence of miRNAs and their targets in axons may
enable local regulation of protein synthesis and thereby contribute to axon growth
and guidance.
To investigate a potential link between miRNA expression and axon guidance, we
determined miRNA expression profiles in primary cortical neurons exposed to the
axon guidance protein Semaphorin7A (Sema7A). LNA-based microarray
technology was used to assess miRNA expression in control and treated neuron
cultures. Although Sema7A had no robust effect on miRNA expression, several
miRNAs displayed very high levels of expression in cortical neurons. These
candidates were further analyzed by in situ hybridization to determine their
spatiotemporal expression during neural development. Based on this expression
pattern analysis, cortical neurons and cerebellar granule cells were selected for
further functional studies. Subsequent manipulation of miRNA expression in
dissociated primary cultures revealed effects of select miRNAs on axon and
dendrite growth. Our study has identified novel miRNAs with potent effects on
axon outgrowth. Future work will focus on examining the role of these miRNAs
during the development of the cortex and cerebellum and on the identification of
the mRNA targets involved.
Presented by: van Erp, S.
Poster No 116
Green Session
198