Int. J. Dev. Biol. 52: 1099 - 1103 (2008)

https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.082646sd

Vol 52, Issue 8

Dicer inactivation causes heterochronic retinogenesis in Xenopus laevis

Original Article | Published: 1 October 2008

Sarah Decembrini, Massimiliano Andreazzoli, Giuseppina Barsacchi and Federico Cremisi*

Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Italy

Abstract

Maturation of miRNAs by dicer is required in vertebrates for normal neural development. Here we report that dicer inactivation in Xenopus affects cell cycle progression, survival and timing of the generation of retinal cells, resulting in small retinas with lamination defects. In particular, dicer inactivation delays the exit from the cell cycle and the translation of key genes of late neurogenesis, highlighting a crucial role of miRNAs in retinal development.

Keywords

Dicer, miRNA, timing, neurogenesis, retina