Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ~22 nt noncoding RNAs that play an important role in regulating muscle development. Our previous study shows that miR-206 is specifically expressed in tilapia skeletal muscle, and exhibits dynamic expression pattern during different developmental stages. Here, we reveal that miR-206 emerges as a crucial regulator of tilapia growth. miR-206 loss of function contributes to the acceleration of tilapia growth. We identify IGF-1 as one of the direct regulatory targets of miR-206. miR-206 can directly regulate IGF-1 expression by targeting its 3’-UTR, and inhibition of miR-206 substantially increases IGF-1 mRNA level in vivo. Thus, miR-206 may be developed as a molecular marker to assist fish breeding. Key words: Nile tilapia, miR-206, growth performance, IGF-1
