Exp Mol Med.  2017 Aug;49(8):e367. 10.1038/emm.2017.115.

SH3BP4, a novel pigmentation gene, is inversely regulated by miR-125b and MITF

• Kim KH
• Lee TR
• Cho EG

• KMID: 2389295
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1038/emm.2017.115

Abstract

Our previous work has identified miR-125b as a negative regulator of melanogenesis. However, the specific melanogenesis-related genes targeted by this miRNA had not been identified. In this study, we established a screening strategy involving three consecutive analytical approaches"”analysis of target genes of miR-125b, expression correlation analysis between each target gene and representative pigmentary genes, and functional analysis of candidate genes related to melanogenesis"”to discover melanogenesis-related genes targeted by miR-125b. Through these analyses, we identified SRC homology 3 domain-binding protein 4 (SH3BP4) as a novel pigmentation gene. In addition, by combining bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation, we demonstrated that SH3BP4 is a direct target of miR-125b. Finally, we found that SH3BP4 is transcriptionally regulated by microphthalmia-associated transcription factor as its direct target. These findings provide important insights into the roles of miRNAs and their targets in melanogenesis.

MeSH Terms

Computational Biology
Mass Screening
Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor
MicroRNAs
Pigmentation*
MicroRNAs
Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor