Figure 3. Adiponectin (ADIPOQ) is a direct target of miR-3666 in pancreatic β-cells. A, Interaction sites between miR-3666 and 3′UTR of ADIPOQ. B, INS-1 cells were co-transfected with firefly luciferase constructs containing the ADIPOQ wild type or mutant 3′UTR and miR-3666 mimic (miR-mimic) or mimic-normal control (NC). Luciferase activity was measured 48 h after transfection. C and D, mRNA levels and protein expression of ADIPOQ after transfection with miR-mimic or mimic-NC. Data are reported as means±SE (n=3) and were compared with the t-test.