Let-7 microRNAs target the lineage-specific transcription factor PLZF to regulate terminal NKT cell differentiation and effector function.

TitleLet-7 microRNAs target the lineage-specific transcription factor PLZF to regulate terminal NKT cell differentiation and effector function.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsPobezinsky, LA, Etzensperger, R, Jeurling, S, Alag, A, Kadakia, T, McCaughtry, TM, Kimura, MY, Sharrow, SO, Guinter, TI, Feigenbaum, L, Singer, A
JournalNat Immunol
Volume16
Issue5
Pagination517-24
Date Published2015 May
Abstract

Lethal-7 (let-7) microRNAs (miRNAs) are the most abundant miRNAs in the genome, but their role in developing thymocytes is unclear. We found that let-7 miRNAs targeted Zbtb16 mRNA, which encodes the lineage-specific transcription factor PLZF, to post-transcriptionally regulate PLZF expression and thereby the effector functions of natural killer T cells (NKT cells). Dynamic upregulation of let-7 miRNAs during the development of NKT thymocytes downregulated PLZF expression and directed their terminal differentiation into interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-producing NKT1 cells. Without upregulation of let-7 miRNAs, NKT thymocytes maintained high PLZF expression and terminally differentiated into interleukin 4 (IL-4)-producing NKT2 cells or IL-17-producing NKT17 cells. Upregulation of let-7 miRNAs in developing NKT thymocytes was signaled by IL-15, vitamin D and retinoic acid. Such targeting of a lineage-specific transcription factor by miRNA represents a previously unknown level of developmental regulation in the thymus.

Alternate JournalNat. Immunol.