SH3BP4, a novel pigmentation gene, is inversely regulated by miR-125b and MITF

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

<P>Our previous work has identified <I>miR-125b</I> as a negative regulator of melanogenesis. However, the specific melanogenesis-related genes targeted by this miRNA had not been identified. In this study, we established a screening strategy involving three consecutive analytical approaches—analysis of target genes of <I>miR-125b</I>, expression correlation analysis between each target gene and representative pigmentary genes, and functional analysis of candidate genes related to melanogenesis—to discover melanogenesis-related genes targeted by <I>miR-125b</I>. Through these analyses, we identified SRC homology 3 domain-binding protein 4 (<I>SH3BP4</I>) as a novel pigmentation gene. In addition, by combining bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation, we demonstrated that <I>SH3BP4</I> is a direct target of <I>miR-125b</I>. Finally, we found that <I>SH3BP4</I> is transcriptionally regulated by microphthalmia-associated transcription factor as its direct target. These findings provide important insights into the roles of miRNAs and their targets in melanogenesis.</P>