Probing microRNA network with small molecules

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as novel regulators in gene expression. Due to the large population of miRNAs and their important function inside cells, miRNA network is essential for normal physiology but still remains unclear. Recent results also showed miRNAs are closely related with the occurrence and development of various human diseases. Thus, revealing miRNA network is urgently needed for not only biological studies but also medical treatment. Small molecules that can regulate miRNA pathway hold great potential in probing miRNA network. With developed cellular reporter system, we have found two small molecules from photoreaction products that can universally activate miRNA and specifically inhibit myomiRs. With the latter small molecule, a novel miRNA regulatory pathway, miR-221/222-myoD-myomiRs, was successfully unveiled.