Exploring the role of microRNAs in axolotl regeneration

Abstract

The axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, is used extensively for research in developmental biology, particularly for its ability to regenerate and restore lost organs, including in the nervous system, to full functionality. Regeneration in mammals typically depends on the healing process and scar formation with limited replacement of lost tissue. Other organisms, such as spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus), salamanders, and zebrafish, are able to regenerate some damaged body components. Blastema is a tissue that is formed after tissue injury in such organisms and is composed of progenitor cells or dedifferentiated cells that differentiate into various cell types during regeneration. Thus, identifying the molecules responsible for initiation of blastema formation is an important aspect for understanding regeneration. Introns, a major source of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), have characteristic sizes in the axolotl, particularly in genes associated with development. These ncRNAs, particularly micro-RNAs (miRNAs), exhibit dynamic regulation during regeneration. These miRNAs play an essential role in timing and control of gene expression to order and organize processes necessary for blastema creation. Master keys or molecules that underlie the remarkable regenerative abilities of the axolotl remain to be fully explored and exploited. Further and ongoing research on regeneration promises new knowledge that may allow improved repair and renewal of human tissues.

Transcription and Post-translational Regulation of Autophagy in Insects

“…MicroRNA (miRNA), a non-coding RNA composed of 19 to 25 nucleotides, inhibits the translation of target mRNA by pairing with the complementary sequence in the 3′UTR of target gene and also impairs the stability of mRNA in some cases (Bizuayehu and Babiak, 2014;Abo-Al-Ela and Burgos-Aceves, 2021). Several non-coding RNAs are reported to mediate autophagy occurrence in insects.…”

MicroRNA roles in regeneration: Multiple lessons from zebrafish

“…122,123 By contrast, the vast majority of miRNAs are evolutionarily younger, representing group-specific regulators with lower expression levels and fewer targets, and have been implicated in evolutionary novelties and tissue-specific pathways. 123,124 Abo-Al-Ela and Burgos Aceves 125 highlighted the fact that many miRNAs with key roles in the regeneration of the axolotl are conserved between amphibians-extensively used as a model for regeneration due to its remarkable ability to restore lost body parts and organs-and mammals, representing important clues for understanding regeneration across vertebrates. For animal-to-human translational purposes aiming to identify miR-based therapeutic approaches for tissue regeneration, it is important to focus on miRNAs that exhibit robust miRNA-target relationships and analogous functions in both the animal model being studied and the human regulatory network.…”

RNA Interference in Aquaculture: A Small Tool for Big Potential

“…RNAi can be used as a research tool to mediate gene silencing for studying the function of genes through reverse genetics (Table ). This is completed by delivering small RNA duplexes, including miRNA mimics, siRNAs, short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), and Dicer substrate RNAs to a cell. , In the coming sections, the potential use and limitations of RNAi technology in different aspects in aquaculture will be discussed (Figure ).…”