miR-10-3p, but not miR-1006-3p, regulates mei-P26 expression in the Drosophila testis.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, yet predicted miRNA target interactions often require experimental validation. TargetScan Fly predicts that both miR-10-3p and miR-1006-3p target the Drosophila RNA-binding protein Mei-P26, a critical regulator of germline development and miRNA biogenesis. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that overexpression of miR-10-3p is sufficient to significantly suppress mei-P26 mRNA level in the testis. Consistently, inhibition of miR-10 using sponge increased mei-P26 positive spermatocytes in testis. Together, these findings suggest that miR-10-3p, but not miR-1006-3p, functionally regulates mei-P26 in Drosophila testis, highlighting selective engagement of canonical miRNA pathways in mei-P26 regulation.