DMP1 is a target of let-7 in dental pulp cells

Int J Mol Med. 2012 Aug;30(2):295-301. doi: 10.3892/ijmm.2012.982. Epub 2012 Apr 25.

Abstract

Members of the let-7 family have been shown to play a critical role in cell differentiation and tumorigenesis. However, potential targets of let-7 are still unclear. In the current study, we used bioinformatic analysis combined with DNA sequence analysis to identify potential let-7 targets. We discovered that dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), which is a non-collagenous protein essential in the mineralization of dentin and bone, has a let-7 binding site in its 3'-untranslated region. Furthermore, reporter assays demonstrated that the DMP1 3'-untranslated region can be regulated directly by the members of let-7. Gene expression levels of let-7 and DMP1 were validated by qRT-PCR of dental pulp cells cultured in a mineralizing medium. Our results suggest that DMP1 is regulated post-transcriptionally by let-7 during odontoblast differentiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Computational Biology / methods
  • Dental Pulp / cytology*
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Odontoblasts / cytology*
  • Odontoblasts / metabolism*
  • Phosphoproteins / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • DMP1 protein, human
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins
  • MicroRNAs
  • Phosphoproteins
  • mirnlet7 microRNA, human