Multi-walled carbon nanotubes-induced alterations in microRNA let-7 and its targets activate a protection mechanism by conferring a developmental timing control

BackgroundMulti-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been produced and applied for diverse purposes. MWCNTs can potentially cause the adverse effects on organisms. MicroRNA let-7 and its targets of HBL-1 and LIN-41 play a central role in regulating developmental timing by acting as a developmental switch. The sequence of let-7 and the underlying mechanisms for let-7 in the control of developmental timing are conserved among different species. In this study, we investigated the potential effect of MWCNTs exposure on the molecular basis for developmental timing mediated by let-7 and its targets of HBL-1 and LIN-41.