Over-expression of miR-542-3p down-regulates endogenous nAChR β2 protein levels in differentiated PC12 cells. PC12 cells were transfected with miR-542-3p mimic (A) or inhibitor (B) and treated with NGF for 3 d. Controls were transfected with control mimic or control inhibitor. Proteins were isolated and expression levels were analyzed by immunoblotting. Representative blots showing nAChR subunits and β-actin loading controls are presented above the corresponding graph. Each graph presents the average quantification of nAChR subunit protein levels for each sample, normalized to the β-actin loading control. Protein levels of miRNA mimic/inhibitor treated cells (+) are presented relative to control mimic/inhibitor (−). Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis, (*) P < 0.05; n = 4.
