Abnormal proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitors in the developing cerebral cortex can cause brain malformation and result in dysregulation of brain function such as epilepsy and mental retardation. Emerging evidence has shown that similar to protein coding genes, noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in cortical development and are associated with the etiology of human neurological disorders. Our previous studies have demonstrated miRNA functions in cortical development by generating Dicer conditional knockout mice, in which miRNA biogenesis is specifically blocked in the embryonic cortex. We have identified potential miRNA target genes using proteomic approaches and RNA sequencing technique. We have also examined the role of specific miRNAs in cortical development. miRNAs are often located in the intronic regions of coding genes and transcribed together with host genes. However, the knowledge gap is how intronic miRNAs interact with target genes and host genes, and how expressions of miRNAs, target genes and host genes are precisely and properly regulated during cortical development. In this project, we will test a hypothesis that a regulatory loop of miRNAs, their target genes and host genes works cohesively to ensure proper development of neural progenitors in the developing cortex. Our preliminary study has identified a family of intronic miRNAs that is expressed in the developing mouse cortex. We have developed new tools to alter miRNA expression levels and to examine the specificity of miRNA silencing effects on target genes in vitro and in vivo during cortical development. Based on these findings, our proposed research focuses on three specific aims:
Aim 1 is to determine the role of this miRNA family in controlling neural progenitor proliferation and differentiation in vivo and in a culture system.
Aim 2 is to elucidate molecular mechanisms of the miRNA regulation by identifying specific target genes.
Aim 3 is to reveal the feedback regulation of the miRNA target gene on expression of this miRNA and its host gene in the process of controlling accurate numbers of cortical neural progenitors and proper neurogenesis. Our proposal will address a fundamental question of how a regulatory loop of miRNAs, their target genes and host genes controls proper cortical development. The success of our project should allow us to generate new tools to manipulate expressions of miRNAs and their target genes in vitro and in vivo. Because proper development of cortical neural progenitors is essential for normal brain function, our proposal should provide significant insights into developing a new diagnostic and therapeutic means using miRNAs for human brain malformations and neurological disorders.

Public Health Relevance

This project will investigate a regulatory loop of intronic miRNAs, their target genes and host genes in controlling proper development of the cerebral cortex. We will develop new methods to manipulate expressions of miRNAs and their target genes in vitro and in vivo. Our project should yield novel insights into the etiology of brain malformations and neurological disorders, which is mediated by a network of miRNAs- targets in the developing cortex.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01MH083680-08
Application #
9110295
Study Section
Molecular Neurogenetics Study Section (MNG)
Program Officer
Panchision, David M
Project Start
2008-08-01
Project End
2019-06-30
Budget Start
2016-07-01
Budget End
2017-06-30
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
060217502
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10065
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Zhang, Haijun; Zhang, Longbin; Sun, Tao (2018) Cohesive Regulation of Neural Progenitor Development by microRNA miR-26, Its Host Gene Ctdsp and Target Gene Emx2 in the Mouse Embryonic Cerebral Cortex. Front Mol Neurosci 11:44
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Gao, Yanxia; Sun, Tao (2016) Molecular regulation of hypothalamic development and physiological functions. Mol Neurobiol 53:4275-85
Zhang, Haijun; Lamon, Brian D; Moran, George et al. (2016) Pitavastatin Differentially Modulates MicroRNA-Associated Cholesterol Transport Proteins in Macrophages. PLoS One 11:e0159130
Abdullah, Aisha I; Zhang, Haijun; Nie, Yanzhen et al. (2016) CDK7 and miR-210 Co-regulate Cell-Cycle Progression of Neural Progenitors in the Developing Neocortex. Stem Cell Reports 7:69-79
Liu, Xuqing; Sun, Tao (2016) microRNAs and Molecular Pathogenesis of Microcephaly. Curr Mol Pharmacol 9:300-304

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