Comprehensive analysis of microRNA genomic loci identifies pervasive repetitive-element origins.

摘要: MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that generally function as negative regulators of target messenger (mRNAs) at the posttranscriptional level. MiRs bind to 3'UTR mRNAs through complementary base pairing, resulting in mRNA cleavage or translation repression. To date, over 15,000 distinct miRs have been identified organisms ranging from viruses man and interest miR research continues intensify. Of note, most enlightening aspect function-the they target-continues be elusive. Descriptions molecular origins independent molecules currently support hypothesis hairpin generation is based on adjacent insertion two related transposable elements (TEs) one genomic locus. Thus transcription across such TE interfaces establishes many, if not majority functional miRs. The implications these findings substantial for understanding how TEs confer increased fitness, describing transcriptional regulations making accurate predictions. In this work, we performed a comprehensive analysis events responsible formation all annotated loci. We find connection between more significant than previously appreciated, broadly, supports an important role repetitive origin, expression regulatory network formation. Further, demonstrate utility prediction. Our results greatly expand existing repertoire defined origins, detailing 2,392 15,176 recognized loci supporting mobile genetic element model establishment