Bioinformatics evaluation of the miRNAs effect on expression of genes involved in neurogenesis process in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Several microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the differentiation of neurons and neurogenesis in vertebrates’ brain. However, there is scant knowledge of miRNAs and their target genes in fish. Microarray is recognized as a standard method for a general study of genes that are under miRNAs’ control, although the high cost of this method has limited its application. With advances in bioinformatics algorithms and computer simulation, mRNA targets for miRNAs can be predicted. Therefore, this study tries to determine genes and the relevant miRNAs by investigating the bioinformatics of genes and miRNAs involved in regulating active genes in differentiating neurons and neurogenesis in the brain of zebrafish with the help of Target Scan and DIANA tools. The results of bioinformatics investigations indicate that expression of neurod6b, neurod2, neurod4, olfm1a and olfm1b, gle1, sox11a and sox11b, cadm1b, notch2 and notch1b genes is more likely to be influenced by dre-miRNAs during neurogenesis. Therefore, the product of these genes can be used as a new appropriate candidate in experimental studies for understanding neurogenesis in the brain of zebrafish.