ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of iASPP as the target gene of miR-124a in neural development.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>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.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>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.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>miR-124a promotes neurite outgrowth of M17 cells by inhibiting iASPP expression.</p>