Regulation of miR-186-YY1 axis by the p53 translational isoform ∆40p53: implications in cell proliferation

We have earlier shown that p53-FL and its translational isoform ∆40p53 are differentially regulated. In this study, we have investigated the cellular effect of ∆40p53 regulation on downstream gene expression, specifically miRNAs. Interestingly, ∆40p53 showed antagonistic regulation of miR-186-5p as compared to either p53 alone or a combination of both the isoforms. We have elucidated the miR-186-5p mediated effect of ∆40p53 in cell proliferation. Upon expression of ∆40p53, we observed a significant decrease in YY1 levels, an established target of miR-186-5p, which is involved in cell proliferation. Further assays with anti-miR-186 established the interdependence of ∆40p53− miR-186-5p−YY1− cell proliferation. The results unravel a new dimension toward the understanding of ∆40p53 functions, which seems to regulate cellular fate independent of p53FL.