miR-10a-3p Participates in Nacre Formation in the Pearl Oyster Pinctada fucata martensii by Targeting NPY

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression via the recognition of their target messenger RNAs. MiR-10a-3p plays an important role in the process of ossification. In this study, we obtained the precursor sequence of miR-10a-3p in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii (Pm-miR-10a-3p) and verified its sequence by miR-RACE technology, and detected its expression level in the mantle tissues of the pearl oyster P. f. martensii. Pm-nAChRs alpha and Pm-NPY were identified as the potential target genes of Pm-miR-10a-3p. After the over-expression of Pm-miR-10a-3p, the target genes Pm-nAChRs alpha and Pm-NPY were downregulated, and the nacre microstructure became disordered. The Pm-miR-10a-3p mimic obviously inhibited the luciferase activity of the 3 ' untranslated region of the Pm-NPY gene. When the interaction site was mutated, the inhibitory effect disappeared. Our results suggested that Pm-miR-10a-3p participates in nacre formation in P. f. martensii by targeting Pm-NPY. This study can expand our understanding of the mechanism of biomineralization in pearl oysters.

Automated summary

In this study, the precursor sequence of Pm-miR-10a-3p was obtained in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii and its expression level in the mantle tissues was detected. Pm-nAChRs alpha and Pm-NPY were identified as potential target genes of Pm-miR-10a-3p. Over-expression of Pm-miR-10a-3p downregulated the target genes and disrupted the nacre microstructure.