Abstract: Objective To investigate the role of iASPP as the target gene of miR-124a in neural development. Methods Using the
online bioinformatical tool (TargetScan) and by reviewing the relevant studies, we selected iASPP as the candidate target gene
of miR-124a involved in early-stage neuronal differentiation. Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the candidate gene.
We transfected M17 cells with a miR-124a overexpression plasmid and detected the changes in the protein expression of iASPP
using Western blotting. With retinoic acid-induced M17 cells as the neuronal differentiation model, the role of iASPP in
early-stage neuronal differentiation was investigated by gene overexpression and gene interference techniques. Results
miR-124a inhibited the expression of iASPP in M17 cells by interacting with the 3’UTR of iASPP gene. miR-124a promoted
neurite outgrowth of the cells, which was blocked by iASPP overexpression. Conclusion miR-124a promotes neurite
outgrowth of M17 cells by inhibiting iASPP expression.