We seek to discover new, medically relevant mechanisms governing red blood cell formation (erythropoiesis). Recently identified small non-coding RNAs, termed microRNAs (miRs), profoundly influence normal development and stress responses in virtually all tissues. MiRs suppress protein synthesis by inhibiting the translation and stability of specific target mRNAs that are recognized via Watson-Crick base pairing. This proposal investigates the role of miRs 144 and 451, which are encoded on a single gene locus that is strongly induced during erythropoiesis. In zebrafish and mice, loss of miR-451 impairs erythropoiesis, sensitizes mature erythrocytes to destruction by oxidant stress and induces erythroid precursor apoptosis after acute anemia. Preliminary data indicate that miR-144/451 regulates iron uptake, survival, maturation, and mitochondrial energy metabolism during erythropoiesis through confirmed target mRNAs including Rab14, Myc, Ywhaz, and Cab39. We will investigate further the mechanisms through which miRs 144 and 451 control erythropoiesis at baseline, and during disease-related stresses including blood loss, iron deficiency, and unbalanced hemoglobin production (thalassemia). Our work should provide new insights into erythroid development and associated disorders including myeloproliferative syndromes and various anemias. Moreover, knowledge gained through our studies of erythropoiesis should be applicable to other biological processes where miR-451 is believed to function, including protection against myocardial stress, regulation of immune responses and as a tumor suppressor in numerous malignancies.

Public Health Relevance

This project examines how a newly discovered class of genetic material, termed microRNAs, regulates multiple aspects of red blood cell development. Insights into these processes should improve our understanding of diseases associated with over or under production of red blood cells and perhaps lead to new treatment strategies.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DK092318-06
Application #
9121533
Study Section
Molecular and Cellular Hematology Study Section (MCH)
Program Officer
Roy, Cindy
Project Start
2014-07-01
Project End
2017-08-31
Budget Start
2016-09-01
Budget End
2017-08-31
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
$338,188
Indirect Cost
$120,688
Name
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
067717892
City
Memphis
State
TN
Country
United States
Zip Code
38105
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Paralkar, Vikram R; Taborda, Cristian C; Huang, Peng et al. (2016) Unlinking an lncRNA from Its Associated cis Element. Mol Cell 62:104-10
Sankaran, Vijay G; Weiss, Mitchell J (2015) Anemia: progress in molecular mechanisms and therapies. Nat Med 21:221-30
Shaham, Lital; Vendramini, Elena; Ge, Yubin et al. (2015) MicroRNA-486-5p is an erythroid oncomiR of the myeloid leukemias of Down syndrome. Blood 125:1292-301
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