High content image analysis reveals function of miR-124 upstream of Vimentin in regulating motor neuron mitochondria

Tal Yardeni, Raquel Fine, Yuvraj Joshi, Tal Gradus-Pery, Noga Kozer, Irit Reichenstein, Eran Yanowski, Shir Nevo, Hila Weiss-Tishler, Michal Eisenberg-Bord, Tal Shalit, Alexander Plotnikov, Haim M. Barr, Eran Perlson, Eran Hornstein

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

microRNAs (miRNAs) are critical for neuronal function and their dysregulation is repeatedly observed in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we implemented high content image analysis for investigating the impact of several miRNAs in mouse primary motor neurons. This survey directed our attention to the neuron-specific miR-124, which controls axonal morphology. By performing next generation sequencing analysis and molecular studies, we characterized novel roles for miR-124 in control of mitochondria localization and function. We further demonstrated that the intermediate filament Vimentin is a key target of miR-124 in this system. Our data establishes a new pathway for control of mitochondria function in motor neurons, revealing the value of a neuron-specific miRNA gene as a mechanism for the re-shaping of otherwise ubiquitously-expressed intermediate filament network, upstream of mitochondria activity and cellular metabolism.

Original languageAmerican English
Article number59
Number of pages13
JournalScientific Reports
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2018

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General

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