MicroRNAs help control daily rhythms in body tissues by acting locally and from a distance

miR-142-3p and miR-494 overexpression decreases endogenous BMAL1 levels and increases the period of Per2 oscillations.

• Overexpression of miR-142-3p and miR-494 leads to a reduction in BMAL1 protein levels.
• There is an increase in the period of Per2 oscillations associated with miR-142-3p and miR-494 overexpression.
• Conditioned medium enriched with these miRNAs raises their levels in surrounding cells.
• Naïve cells show increased intracellular levels of miR-142-3p and a reduction in Bmal1 activity when exposed to miRNA-enriched medium.
• Inhibitors of vesicle transport affect the communication of these miRNAs and the synchronization of Per2 rhythms.

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