Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Abstract: microRNAs (miRNAs) are short sequences of RNA that function as negative post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression.Their effects are mediated through direct binding to target messenger RNAs.Studies describing the crucial role of miRNAs in osteoclasts are quite limited.The aim of this work was to investigate the basic mechanisms by which miRNAs control osteoclast differentiation and activity.miR-29 Promotes Murine Osteoclastogenesis by Regulating Osteoclast Commitment and Migration.The expression of miR-29 family members increases during osteoclast differentiation, and its inhibition impairs commitment and migration of the progenitors.In an effort to understand how miR-29 exerts its function, we demonstrated that miR-29 negatively regulates RNAs critical for cytoskeletal organization and RNAs expressed in the macrophage lineage, as well as Calcitonin receptor, which controls osteoclast survival and resorption.Pathway analysis of microRNA expression profile during murine osteoclastogenesis.Microarray analysis was used to profile the expression of miRNAs during the course of osteoclast differentiation, in an enriched population of osteoclast Tiziana Franceschetti -University of Connecticut, 2014 progenitor cells from murine bone marrow.Computational analyses were used to predict functional pathways that may be regulated by clusters of miRNAs in osteoclasts.The most prominent pathways identified include those involved in cell motility, cell-matrix interactions, axon guidance, and cytoskeletal remodeling.These processes are critical for the migration of osteoclast precursors, their maturation, and bone resorbing activity.These studies contribute to our understanding of miRNA function in the encouragement throughout the years.She has been instrumental in my education, in developing my experimental design, critical thinking skills, and teaching me how to communicate as a scientist.I would like to thank my family for emotionally supporting me during my graduate studies away from home.They helped me get through the tough times and motivated me during this whole experience.I also would like to acknowledge my thesis committee, especially Dr.
Author: Tiziana Franceschetti
Language: English
Topic: Bone Metabolism and Diseases
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W179619353