LncMPEG1/miR-2c regulates exoskeleton biocalcification via engrailed in bivalve

LncRNAs and miRNAs has been reported to play important regulation roles in skeleton growth . This research elucidates the molecular interplay between long noncoding RNA LncMPEG1 and miRNA miR-2c in the biocalcification process of shell formation. The study establishes LncMPEG1 as a molecular sponge for miR-2c , modulating the expression of key biomineralization genes, including homeobox protein engrailed and matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). Utilizing miRanda prediction, interaction sites between miR-2c and LncMPEG1 were identified and validated through RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays. In vivo overexpression of miR-2c suppressed engrailed and MMP expression, while miR-2c inhibition induced the opposite effect. Luciferase assays confirmed miR-2c's inhibitory effect on the 3′UTR of target genes (p < 0.001). Western blot analysis corroborated these findings, showing miR-2c's regulatory impact on protein expression levels. LncMPEG1 interference significantly reduced target gene transcription (p < 0.01), and its overexpression enhanced the reporter vector's activity by binding miR-2c (p < 0.05). Collectively, these results underscore LncMPEG1's role in shell formation through competitive binding with miR-2c , thereby regulating the expression of biomineralization-related genes. • LncMPEG1 competitively bind to competes with miR-2c . • miR-2c targets expression of engrailed and MMP . • LncMPEG1 enhances shell calcification by upregulating engrailed and MMP .