| MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous, non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate genes controlling diverse cellular and metabolic pathways. Recently, several miRNAs that function in aging processes in C. elegans have been identified, including miR-239, which negatively regulates life span through the insulin/IGF-1 pathway. However, little is known about the molecular basis of miR-239 function. To identify miR-239 targets, we performed RNA-seq in mir-239 mutants and identified several candidate miR-239 target genes on the basis of their expression, lifespan phenotypes, conservation and presence of miR-239 binding sites. Using fluorescence microscopy of GFP reporter strains, qRT-PCR and genetic epistasis we characterized the putative role of these genes as miR-239 targets. Our results suggest that these target genes are pro-longevity and are negatively regulated by miR-239. Since these genes function through the insulin/IGF-1 pathway and have human homologs, we expect that these results may inform on genetic pathways of human longevity and health. |
