Title:G and C Iterons and Strings in MicroRNAs Should be Important in Regulation of mRNAs†
Volume: 4
Issue: 3
Author(s): Michael S. Parker, Edwards A. Park, Floyd R. Sallee and Steven L. Parker
Affiliation:
Keywords:
miRNA classification, miRNA nucleotide repeat, polynucleotide mRNA interaction.
Abstract: Background: Same-nucleotide repeats (iterons) are strongly expressed in many DNA
regions and RNA classes. These repeats serve importantly in association of polynucleotides and
proteins, but have not been characterized in miRNAs. Methods: Iterons and nucleotide strings were
quantified in currently known human miRNAs, including some comparisons with miRNAs of other
species. Results: Human 5p miRNAs have significantly more G iterons than other miRNA groups. The
3p miRNAs have an inverse excess of C iterons. The miRNAs lacking functional counter-stems (which we differentiate
as 5n or 3n by position in pre-miRNAs) also have a large excess of G iterons. In 5p miRNAs G and C iterons have much
higher density in the seed compared to the post-seed region. This difference is lower in 5n and 3n sequences, and
much lower in 3p sequences. In all groups the contiguous GC strings constitute a larger part of sequences than the AU
strings. A surplus of G or C iterons and of GC strings should enable a more stable association with the target mRNAs.
Conclusion: From the available evidence, the G iteron- and GC-rich miRNAs should also interact more readily with
miRNA-processing and similar proteins.
