Objective  

To examine the important roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating amphid structure and function, we performed a computational analysis for the genetic loci required for the sensory perception and their possibly corresponding miRNAs in C. elegans.

Methods  

Total 55 genetic loci required for the amphid structure and function were selected. Sequence alignment was combined with E value evaluation to investigate and identify the possible corresponding miRNAs.

Results  

Total 30 genes among the 55 genetic loci selected have their possible corresponding regulatory miRNA(s), and identified genes participate in the regulation of almost all aspects of amphid structure and function. In addition, our data suggest that both the amphid structure and the amphid functions might be regulated by a series of network signaling pathways. Moreover, the distribution of miRNAs along the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of these 30 genes exhibits different patterns.

Conclusion  

We present the possible miRNA-mediated signaling pathways involved in the regulation of chemosensation and thermosensation by controlling the corresponding sensory neuron and interneuron functions. Our work will be useful for better understanding of the miRNA-mediated control of the chemotaxis and thermotaxis in C. elegans.

目的  

为了系统评价 microRNA (miRNA)在调控化学传感器结构和功能方面的重要作用, 我们进行了线虫中有关影响化学传感器结构与功能的遗传位点以及和其可能对应的miRNA的生物信息学分析。

方法  

我们选择了55个与化学传感器结构与功能相关的遗传位点, 并且进一步通过评价序列比对后的E值等手段来分析和确认其可能对应的miRNA。

结果  

在55 个遗传位点中, 我们发现其中30 个遗传位点存在与其可能对应的miRNA。 这些所鉴定的基因在功能上几乎涵盖了化学传感器结构和功能调控的诸多方面。 而且, 我们的数据还表明化学传感器结构和功能可能受到—系列网状交联的上游信号通路所调节。 另外, 对应miRNA在这30 个基因的3′端非编码区上的分布也呈现出各自特有的模式。

结论  

我们勾勒出了可能存在的由miRNA介导的通过控制相应感觉神经元与中间神经元功能从而调控化学趋向性与温度趋向性的信号通路。 本研究将有助于我们更好的了解线虫中可能由miRNA调控的化学趋向性和温度趋向性行为。