| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1930174 | Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications | 2011 | 7 Pages |
MicroRNAs function as an endogenous mode of fine gene regulation and have been implicated in multiple differentiation and developmental processes. In the present study, we investigated the role of miRNA-34 during chondrogenic differentiation of chick limb mesenchymal cells. We found that the expression of miR-34a increased upon chondrogenic inhibition. Blockade of miR-34a via PNA-based antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) recovered the chondro-inhibitory actions of JNK inhibitor on migration of chondrogenic progenitors and the formation of precartilage condensation. Furthermore, we determined that EphA5 is a relevant target of miR-34a during chondrogenesis. MiR-34a was necessary and sufficient to down-regulate EphA5 expression, and up-modulation of EphA5 is sufficient to overcome inhibitory actions of miR-34 inhibition on cell migration and condensation of chick limb mesenchymal cells on collagen substrate. Taken together, our data suggest that miR-34a is a negative modulator of chondrogenesis, particularly in migration of chondroblasts, by targeting EphA5 and resulting inhibition of cellular condensation during chondrogenesis of chick limb mesenchymal cells.
► We hypothesized that miRNA-34a may be responsible for JNK-induced chondrogenesis. ► MiR-34a regulates precartilage condensation of limb mesenchymal cells. ► MiR-34a targets EphA5 and regulates cell migration and condensation. ► Dedifferentiation of chondrocyte is possibly due to miR-34-modulated EphA5 level.
