MicroRNA let-7b targets Akt-1: possible implication for skeletal muscle atrophy in diabetic rats

In diabetic animals there is marked muscle atrophy, but the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle wasting are still unclear. Our in silico analysis and the inverse correlation between let-7b and Akt1 expression in soleus of diabetic animals indicated Akt1 as a potential let-7b target. The assays of luciferase and inhibition of endogenous expression of Akt1 with mimic let-7b were used to validate Akt1 as a direct target of let-7b.