Effects of microRNA-298 on APP and BACE1 translation differ according to cell type and 3′-UTR variation

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is marked by neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques composed of amyloid β (Aβ) peptides. However, specific contributions of different cell types to Aβ deposition remain unknown. Non-coding microRNAs (miRNA) play important roles in AD by regulating translation of major associated proteins, such as Aβ precursor protein (APP) and β-site APP-cleaving enzyme (BACE1), two key proteins associated with Aβ biogenesis. MiRNAs typically silence protein expression via binding specific sites in mRNAs’ 3′-untranslated regions (3′-UTR). MiRNAs regulate protein levels in a cell-type specific manner; however, mechanisms of the variation of miRNA activity remain unknown. We report that miR-298 treatment reduced native APP and BACE1 protein levels in an astrocytic but not in a neuron-like cell line. From miR-298’s effects on APP-3′-UTR activity and native protein levels, we infer that differences in APP 3′-UTR length could explain differential miR-298 activity. Such varied or truncated, but natural, 3′-UTR specific to a given cell type provides an opportunity to regulate native protein levels by particular miRNA. Thus, miRNA’s effect tailoring to a specific cell type, bypassing another undesired cell type with a truncated 3′-UTR would potentially advance clinically-relevant translational research.