Regions identity between the genome of vertebrates and non-retroviral families of insect viruses

The Malignant Role of Exosomes as Nanocarriers of Rare RNA Species

Nowadays, advancements in the oncology sector regarding diagnosis methods allow us to specifically detect an increased number of cancer patients, some of them in incipient stages. However, one of the main issues consists of the invasive character of most of the diagnosis protocols or complex medical procedures associated with it, that impedes part of the patients to undergo routine checkups. Therefore, in order to increase the number of cancer cases diagnosed in incipient stages, other minimally invasive alternatives must be considered. The current review paper presents the value of rare RNA species isolated from circulatory exosomes as biomarkers of diagnosis, prognosis or even therapeutic intervention. Rare RNAs are most of the time overlooked in current research in favor of the more abundant RNA species like microRNAs. However, their high degree of stability, low variability and, for most of them, conservation across species could shift the interest toward these types of RNAs. Moreover, due to their low abundance, the variation interval in terms of the number of sequences with differential expression between samples from healthy individuals and cancer patients is significantly diminished and probably easier to interpret in a clinical context.

Viral categorization and discovery in human circulation by transcriptome sequencing

Serum is the most common and easily accessible patient specimen in a minimally invasive manner. As a biological resource, RNA in serum has been less explored for its clinical utilization due to prevailing concerns regarding its high degradable nature. In the current study, however, we have documented the use of human serum RNA for viral categorization and discovery through transcriptome sequencing and analysis using well-curated databases and advanced bioinformatic tools. Such an integrated approach may have an immediate application in any clinical situations concerning with viral etiology.

Living with the enemy: viral persistent infections from a friendly viewpoint

Persistent infection is a situation of metastability in which the pathogen and the host coexist. A common outcome for viral infections, persistence is a widespread phenomenon through all kingdoms. With a clear benefit for the virus and/or the host at the population level, persistent infections act as modulators of the ecosystem. The origin of persistence being long time elusive, here we explore the concept of 'endogenization' of viral sequences with concomitant activation of the host immune pathways, as a main way to establish and maintain viral persistent infections. Current concepts on viral persistence mechanisms and biological role are discussed.