Network analysis of microRNA and mRNA seasonal dynamics in a highly plastic sensorimotor neural circuit

Abstract

BackgroundAdult neurogenesis and the incorporation of adult-born neurons into functional circuits requires precise spatiotemporal coordination across molecular networks regulating a wide array of processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, neurotrophin signaling, and electrical activity. MicroRNAs (miRs) - short, non-coding RNA sequences that alter gene expression by post-transcriptional inhibition or degradation of mRNA sequences - may be involved in the global coordination of such diverse biological processes. To test the hypothesis that miRs related to adult neurogenesis and related cellular processes are functionally regulated in the nuclei of the avian song control circuit, we used microarray analyses to quantify changes in expression of miRs and predicted target mRNAs in the telencephalic nuclei HVC, the robust nucleus of arcopallium (RA), and the basal ganglia homologue Area X in breeding and nonbreeding Gambel’s white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelli).ResultsWe identified 46 different miRs that were differentially expressed across seasons in the song nuclei. miR-132 and miR-210 showed the highest differential expression in HVC and Area X, respectively. Analyzing predicted mRNA targets of miR-132 identified 33 candidate target genes that regulate processes including cell cycle control, calcium signaling, and neuregulin signaling in HVC. Likewise, miR-210 was predicted to target 14 mRNAs differentially expressed across seasons that regulate serotonin, GABA, and dopamine receptor signaling and inflammation.ConclusionsOur results identify potential miR–mRNA regulatory networks related to adult neurogenesis and provide opportunities to discover novel genetic control of the diverse biological processes and factors related to the functional incorporation of new neurons to the adult brain.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-2175-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Music-listening regulates human microRNA transcriptome

“…Some of the candidate microRNAs and their putative regulatory interactions have previously been identified to be associated with song-learning, singing and seasonal plasticity networks in songbirds and imply conservation of the regulatory mechanisms underlying auditory perception. [12,49,58]. For instance, up-regulation of miR-25 is consistent with findings from songbirds in 26 which it was found activated in response to song-learning and listening [12].…”

“…For instance, up-regulation of miR-25 is consistent with findings from songbirds in 26 which it was found activated in response to song-learning and listening [12]. miR-132, which was found to be seasonally regulated in avian song control nuclei was important for sensorimotor neuronal plasticity [58]. miR-23b and miR-23a are involved in feedback regulatory circuits with its transcriptional regulator EGR1, an IEG that is induced in bird song learning and singing [38].…”

“…Amongst the DE microRNAs, hsa-miR-25-3p, which was up-regulated in the high COMB group after music-listening, also showed song responsive up-regulation (tgu-miR-25) in song birds. Another DE microRNA from our study, miR-132, was found to be differentially expressed across seasons in the avian song control nuclei where its target gene network regulated cell cycle inhibitors and PTEN signaling [58]. Remarkably, miR-132 also promoted neurite outgrowth and radial migration of the neurons by its repression of FOXP2 [59].…”

Efficacy of a new cancer treatment strategy based on eradication of tumor-initiating stem cells in a mouse model of Krebs-2 solid adenocarcinoma

“…Seasonal and circadian changes in biological systems are well known and characterized [ 12 – 15 ]. Seasonal changes in expression of microRNA genes [ 16 , 17 ] and production of the tumor necrosis factor [ 18 ] have been reported. In our early experiments, we demonstrated seasonal activity of synergistic action of CP and human native DNA-based preparation on stem hematopoietic cells.…”

Behavioral variation correlates with differences in single neuron serotonin receptor subtype expression within and across species

“…In the neural circuit controlling song production in birds, microRNAs alter seasonal expression of 5-HT and other receptors 66 . Estrogen produced during reproductive phases causes a reduction in 5-HT receptor mRNA in mussel gonads 67 . In non-human primates and rats, 5-HT receptors and other 5-HT-related genes vary with stress in several brain regions [68][69][70][71] .…”