Exosomal mediated signal transduction through artificial microRNA (amiRNA): A potential target for inhibition of SARS-CoV-2

A Tiny Viral Protein, SARS-CoV-2-ORF7b: Functional Molecular Mechanisms

This study presents the interaction with the human host metabolism of SARS-CoV-2 ORF7b protein (43 aa), using a protein-protein interaction network analysis. After pruning, we selected from BioGRID the 51 most significant proteins among 2753 proven interactions and 1708 interactors specific to ORF7b. We used these proteins as functional seeds, and we obtained a significant network of 551 nodes via STRING. We performed topological analysis and calculated topological distributions by Cytoscape. By following a hub-and-spoke network architectural model, we were able to identify seven proteins that ranked high as hubs and an additional seven as bottlenecks. Through this interaction model, we identified significant GO-processes (5057 terms in 15 categories) induced in human metabolism by ORF7b. We discovered high statistical significance processes of dysregulated molecular cell mechanisms caused by acting ORF7b. We detected disease-related human proteins and their involvement in metabolic roles, how they relate in a distorted way to signaling and/or functional systems, in particular intra- and inter-cellular signaling systems, and the molecular mechanisms that supervise programmed cell death, with mechanisms similar to that of cancer metastasis diffusion. A cluster analysis showed 10 compact and significant functional clusters, where two of them overlap in a Giant Connected Component core of 206 total nodes. These two clusters contain most of the high-rank nodes. ORF7b acts through these two clusters, inducing most of the metabolic dysregulation. We conducted a co-regulation and transcriptional analysis by hub and bottleneck proteins. This analysis allowed us to define the transcription factors and miRNAs that control the high-ranking proteins and the dysregulated processes within the limits of the poor knowledge that these sectors still impose.

Exploring GAS5's impact on prostate cancer: Recent discoveries and emerging paradigms

Novel treatment targets must be discovered to improve the results for patients with prostate cancer, which continues to be a significant worldwide health problem. Growth Arrest-Specific 5 (GAS5) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that has emerged as a promising target. GAS5 is a non-coding RNA that is a tumour suppressor in many different cancers by reducing cell proliferation and increasing apoptosis. GAS5 influences cell cycle control and apoptosis via interactions with important signalling pathways and microRNAs, as has been shown by recent studies. Furthermore, GAS5 has attracted interest for its diagnostic and prognostic potential in prostate cancer. GAS5 expression is a promising biomarker for disease classification and individualized treatment approaches because of its association with clinicopathological characteristics such as tumour stage, Gleason score, and metastatic potential. Preclinical models have revealed encouraging anticancer benefits from experimental techniques employing GAS5 overexpression or synthetic analogues, indicating the possibility of translational treatments. Whether GAS5 can be used as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target might lead to more effective and individualized ways to fight prostate cancer, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. To utilize its potential for therapy and establish it as a useful addition to the clinical arsenal against this pervasive malignancy, more investigation into the complex molecular pathways of GAS5 in prostate cancer is essential. This review highlights the recent advancements and insights into the role of GAS5 in prostate cancer pathogenesis and progression.

Probing the links: Long non-coding RNAs and NF-κB signalling in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that involves the accumulation of lipids and immune cells in the arterial wall. NF-kB signaling is a key regulator of inflammation and is known to play a critical role in atherosclerosis. Recent studies have shown that lncRNAs can regulate NF-kB and contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Preliminary findings reveal significant alterations in the expression of specific lncRNAs in atherosclerotic lesions compared to healthy arterial tissue. Experimental evidence suggests that these dysregulated lncRNAs can influence the NF-kB pathway. By unravelling the crosstalk between lncRNAs and NF-kB signaling, this review aims to enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis. Identifying novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers may lead to developing interventions and management strategies for this prevalent cardiovascular disease. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of lncRNAs in NF-kB signaling in atherosclerosis and highlights their potential as therapeutic targets for this disease.

LncRNAs and PTEN/PI3K signaling: A symphony of regulation in cancer biology

The Emergence of Long Non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as Key Regulators in Diverse Biological Processes: A Paradigm Shift in Understanding Gene Expression and its Impact on Cancer. The PTEN/PI3K pathway, a pivotal signaling cascade involved in cancer progression, orchestrates critical cellular functions such as survival, proliferation, and growth. In light of these advances, our investigation delves into the intricate and multifaceted interplay between lncRNAs and the PTEN/PI3K signaling pathway, unearthing previously undisclosed mechanisms that underpin cancer growth and advancement. These elusive lncRNAs exert their influence through direct targeting of the PTEN/PI3K pathway or by skillfully regulating the expression and activity of specific lncRNAs. This comprehensive review underscores the paramount significance of the interaction between lncRNAs and the PTEN/PI3K signaling pathway in cancer biology, unveiling an auspicious avenue for novel diagnostic tools and targeted therapeutic interventions. In this review, we navigate through the functional roles of specific lncRNAs in modulating PTEN/PI3K expression and activity. Additionally, we scrutinize their consequential effects on downstream components of the PTEN/PI3K pathway, unraveling the intricacies of their mutual regulation. By advancing our understanding of this complex regulatory network, this study holds the potential to revolutionize the landscape of cancer research, paving the way for tailored and efficacious treatments to combat this devastating disease.

Exosome and virus infection

Exosomes are messengers of intercellular communication in monolayer vesicles derived from cells. It affects the pathophysiological process of the body in various diseases, such as tumors, inflammation, and infection. It has been confirmed that exosomes are similar to viruses in biogenesis, and exosome cargo is widely involved in many viruses’ replication, transmission, and infection. Simultaneously, virus-associated exosomes can promote immune escape and activate the antiviral immune response of the body, which bidirectionally modulates the immune response. This review focuses on the role of exosomes in HIV, HBV, HCV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection and explores the prospects of exosome development. These insights may be translated into therapeutic measures for viral infections and reduce the disease burden.

In silico analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomes: Insights from SARS encoded non-coding RNAs

The recent pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 has resulted in enormous deaths around the world. Clues from genomic sequences of parent and their mutants can be obtained to understand the evolving pathogenesis of this virus. Apart from the viral proteins, virus-encoded microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play a vital role in regulating viral pathogenesis. Thus we sought to investigate the miRNAs encoded by SARS-CoV-2, its mutants, and the host. Here, we present the results obtained using a dual approach i.e (i) identifying host-encoded miRNAs that might regulate viral pathogenesis and (ii) identifying viral-encoded miRNAs that might regulate host cell signaling pathways and aid in viral pathogenesis. Analysis utilizing the first approach resulted in the identification of ten host-encoded miRNAs that could target the SARS, SARS-CoV-2, and its mutants. Interestingly our analysis revealed that there is a significantly higher number of host miRNAs that could target the SARS-CoV-2 genome as compared to the SARS reference genome. Results from the second approach resulted in the identification of a set of virus-encoded miRNAs which might regulate host signaling pathways. Our analysis further identified a similar "GA" rich motif in the SARS-CoV-2 and its mutant genomes that was shown to play a vital role in lung pathogenesis during severe SARS infections. In summary, we have identified human and virus-encoded miRNAs that might regulate the pathogenesis of SARS coronaviruses and describe similar non-coding RNA sequences in SARS-CoV-2 that were shown to regulate SARS-induced lung pathology in mice.

Elevated Expression of RGS2 May Underlie Reduced Olfaction in COVID-19 Patients

Anosmia is common in COVID-19 patients, lasting for weeks or months following recovery. The biological mechanism underlying olfactory deficiency in COVID-19 does not involve direct damage to nasal olfactory neurons, which do not express the proteins required for SARS-CoV-2 infection. A recent study suggested that anosmia results from downregulation of olfactory receptors. We hypothesized that anosmia in COVID-19 may also reflect SARS-CoV-2 infection-driven elevated expression of regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2), a key regulator of odorant receptors, thereby silencing their signaling. To test our hypothesis, we analyzed gene expression of nasopharyngeal swabs from SARS-CoV-2 positive patients and non-infected controls (two published RNA-sequencing datasets, 580 individuals). Our analysis found upregulated RGS2 expression in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients (FC = 14.5, Padj = 1.69 × 10⁻⁵ and FC = 2.4; Padj = 0.001, per dataset). Additionally, RGS2 expression was strongly correlated with PTGS2, IL1B, CXCL8, NAMPT and other inflammation markers with substantial upregulation in early infection. These observations suggest that upregulated expression of RGS2 may underlie anosmia in COVID-19 patients. As a regulator of numerous G-protein coupled receptors, RGS2 may drive further neurological symptoms of COVID-19. Studies are required for clarifying the cellular mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 infection drives the upregulation of RGS2 and other genes implicated in inflammation. Insights on these pathway(s) may assist in understanding anosmia and additional neurological symptoms reported in COVID-19 patients.