RNA Virus-Encoded miRNAs: Current Insights and Future Challenges

In silico identification of novel pre-microRNA genes in Rift valley fever virus suggest new pathomechanisms for embryo-fetal dysgenesis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate the post-transcriptional expression of target genes. Virus-encoded miRNAs play an important role in the replication of viruses, modulate gene expression in both the virus and host, and affect their persistence and immune evasion in hosts. This renders viral miRNAs as potential targets for therapeutic applications, especially against pathogenic viruses that infect humans and animals. Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic RNA virus that causes severe disease in both humans and livestock. High mortality among newborn lambs and abortion storms are key characteristics of an RVF outbreak. To date, limited information is available on RVFV-derived miRNAs. In this study, computational methods were used to analyse the RVFV genome for putative pre-miRNA genes, which were then analysed for the presence of mature miRNAs. We detected 19 RVFV-encoded miRNAs and identified their potential mRNAs targets in sheep (Ovis aries), the most susceptible host. The identification of significantly enriched O. aries genes in association with RVFV miRNAs will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying RVFV pathogenesis and potentially uncover novel drug targets for RVFV.

Mapping the function of MicroRNAs as a critical regulator of tumor-immune cell communication in breast cancer and potential treatment strategies

Among women, breast cancer ranks as the most prevalent form of cancer, and the presence of metastases significantly reduces prognosis and diminishes overall survival rates. Gaining insights into the biological mechanisms governing the conversion of cancer cells, their subsequent spread to other areas of the body, and the immune system's monitoring of tumor growth will contribute to the advancement of more efficient and targeted therapies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the interaction between tumor cells and immune cells, facilitating tumor cells' evasion of the immune system and promoting cancer progression. Additionally, miRNAs also influence metastasis formation, including the establishment of metastatic sites and the transformation of tumor cells into migratory phenotypes. Specifically, dysregulated expression of these genes has been associated with abnormal expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, thereby facilitating tumor development. This study aims to provide a concise overview of the significance and function of miRNAs in breast cancer, focusing on their involvement as tumor suppressors in the antitumor immune response and as oncogenes in metastasis formation. Furthermore, miRNAs hold tremendous potential as targets for gene therapy due to their ability to modulate specific pathways that can either promote or suppress carcinogenesis. This perspective highlights the latest strategies developed for miRNA-based therapies.

Personalized, Precision Medicine to Cure Alzheimer's Dementia: Approach #1

The goal of the treatment for Alzheimer's dementia (AD) is the cure of dementia. A literature review revealed 18 major elements causing AD and 29 separate medications that address them. For any individual with AD, one is unlikely to discern which major causal elements produced dementia. Thus, for personalized, precision medicine, all causal elements must be treated so that each individual patient will have her or his causal elements addressed. Twenty-nine drugs cannot concomitantly be administered, so triple combinations of drugs taken from that list are suggested, and each triple combination can be administered sequentially, in any order. Ten combinations given over 13 weeks require 2.5 years, or if given over 26 weeks, they require 5.0 years. Such sequential treatment addresses all 18 elements and should cure dementia. In addition, any comorbid risk factors for AD whose first presence or worsening was within ±1 year of when AD first appeared should receive appropriate, standard treatment together with the sequential combinations. The article outlines a randomized clinical trial that is necessary to assess the safety and efficacy of the proposed treatments; it includes a triple-drug Rx for equipoise. Clinical trials should have durations of both 2.5 and 5.0 years unless the data safety monitoring board (DSMB) determines earlier success or futility since it is uncertain whether three or six months of treatment will be curative in humans, although studies in animals suggest that the briefer duration of treatment might be effective and restore defective neural tracts.

Identification and Potential Roles of Human MicroRNAs in Ebola Virus Infection and Disease Pathogenesis

Ebola virus (EBOV) is a highly pathogenic virus that causes a severe illness called Ebola virus disease (EVD). EVD has a high mortality rate and remains a significant threat to public health. Research on EVD pathogenesis has traditionally focused on host transcriptional responses. Limited recent studies, however, have revealed some information on the significance of cellular microRNAs (miRNAs) in EBOV infection and pathogenic mechanisms, but further studies are needed. Thus, this study aimed to identify and validate additional known and novel human miRNAs in EBOV-infected adult retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE) cells and predict their potential roles in EBOV infection and pathogenic mechanisms. We analyzed previously available small RNA-Seq data obtained from ARPE cells and identified 23 upregulated and seven downregulated miRNAs in the EBOV-infected cells; these included two novel miRNAs and 17 additional known miRNAs not previously identified in ARPE cells. In addition to pathways previously identified by others, these miRNAs are associated with pathways and biological processes that include WNT, FoxO, and phosphatidylinositol signaling; these pathways were not identified in the original study. This study thus confirms and expands on the previous study using the same datasets and demonstrates further the importance of human miRNAs in the host response and EVD pathogenesis during infection.

MicroRNA750-3p Targets Processing of Precursor 7 to Suppress Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus Propagation in Vector Laodelphax striatellus

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs, which, as members of the RNA interference pathway, play a pivotal role in antiviral infection. Almost 80% of plant viruses are transmitted by insect vectors; however, little is known about the interaction of the miRNAs of insect vectors with plant viruses. Here, we took rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV), a devastating virus to rice production in eastern Asia, and the small brown planthopper, (SBPH, Laodelphax striatellus) as a model to investigate the role of microRNA750-3p (miR750-3p) in regulating viral transmission. Our results showed that Ls-miR750-3p was downregulated in RBSDV-infected SBPH and predominately expressed in the midgut of SBPH. Injection with miR750-3p agomir significantly reduced viral accumulation, and the injection with the miR750-3p inhibitor, antagomir-750-3p, dramatically promoted the viral accumulation in SBPH, as detected using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The processing of precursor 7 (POP7), a subunit of RNase P and RNase MRP, was screened, identified, and verified using a dual luciferase reporter assay as one target of miR750-3p. Knockdown of POP7 notably increased RBSDV viral propagation in SBPH and then increased the viral transmission rate by SBPH. Taken together, our data indicate that miR750-3p targets POP7 to suppress RBSDV infection in its insect vector. These results enriched the role of POP7 in modulating virus infection in host insects and shared new insight into the function of miRNAs in plant virus and insect vector interaction.

MicroRNAs: Small but Key Players in Viral Infections and Immune Responses to Viral Pathogens

Since the discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) in C. elegans in 1993, the field of miRNA research has grown steeply. These single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules canonically work at the post-transcriptional phase to regulate protein expression. miRNAs are known to regulate viral infection and the ensuing host immune response. Evolving research suggests miRNAs are assets in the discovery and investigation of therapeutics and diagnostics. In this review, we succinctly summarize the latest findings in (i) mechanisms underpinning miRNA regulation of viral infection, (ii) miRNA regulation of host immune response to viral pathogens, (iii) miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics targeting viral pathogens and challenges, and (iv) miRNA patents and the market landscape. Our findings show the differential expression of miRNA may serve as a prognostic biomarker for viral infections in regard to predicting the severity or adverse health effects associated with viral diseases. While there is huge market potential for miRNA technology, the novel approach of using miRNA mimics to enhance antiviral activity or antagonists to inhibit pro-viral miRNAs has been an ongoing research endeavor. Significant hurdles remain in terms of miRNA delivery, stability, efficacy, safety/tolerability, and specificity. Addressing these challenges may pave a path for harnessing the full potential of miRNAs in modern medicine.

Virus-Derived Small RNAs and microRNAs in Health and Disease

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that can regulate all steps of gene expression (induction, transcription, and translation). Several virus families, primarily double-stranded DNA viruses, encode small RNAs (sRNAs), including miRNAs. These virus-derived miRNAs (v-miRNAs) help the virus evade the host's innate and adaptive immune system and maintain an environment of chronic latent infection. In this review, the functions of the sRNA-mediated virus-host interactions are highlighted, delineating their implication in chronic stress, inflammation, immunopathology, and disease. We provide insights into the latest viral RNA-based research-in silico approaches for functional characterization of v-miRNAs and other RNA types. The latest research can assist toward the identification of therapeutic targets to combat viral infections.

A complex network of transcription factors and epigenetic regulators involved in bovine leukemia virus transcriptional regulation

Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) is the etiological agent of enzootic bovine leukosis, a disease characterized by the neoplastic proliferation of B cells in cattle. While most European countries have introduced efficient eradication programs, BLV is still present worldwide and no treatment is available. A major feature of BLV infection is the viral latency, which enables the escape from the host immune system, the maintenance of a persistent infection and ultimately the tumoral development. BLV latency is a multifactorial phenomenon resulting in the silencing of viral genes due to genetic and epigenetic repressions of the viral promoter located in the 5' Long Terminal Repeat (5'LTR). However, viral miRNAs and antisense transcripts are expressed from two different proviral regions, respectively the miRNA cluster and the 3'LTR. These latter transcripts are expressed despite the viral latency affecting the 5'LTR and are increasingly considered to take part in tumoral development. In the present review, we provide a summary of the experimental evidence that has enabled to characterize the molecular mechanisms regulating each of the three BLV transcriptional units, either through cis-regulatory elements or through epigenetic modifications. Additionally, we describe the recently identified BLV miRNAs and antisense transcripts and their implications in BLV-induced tumorigenesis. Finally, we discuss the relevance of BLV as an experimental model for the closely related human T-lymphotropic virus HTLV-1.

Identification of a SARS-CoV-2 virus-derived vmiRNA in COVID-19 patients holding potential as a diagnostic biomarker

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a lasting threat to public health. To minimize the viral spread, it is essential to develop more reliable approaches for early diagnosis of the infection and immediate suppression of the viral replication. Herein, through computational prediction of SARS-CoV-2 genome and screening analysis of specimens from covid-19 patients, we predicted 15 precursors for SARS-CoV-2-encoded miRNAs (CvmiRNAs) containing 20 mature CvmiRNAs, in which CvmiR-2 was successfully detected by quantitative analysis in both serum and nasal swab samples of patients. CvmiR-2 showed high specificity in distinguishing covid-19 patients from normal controls, and high conservation between SARS-CoV-2 and its mutants. A positive correlation was observed between the CvmiR-2 expression level and the severity of patients. The biogenesis and expression of CvmiR-2 were validated in the pre-CvmiR-2-transfected A549 cells, showing a dose-dependent pattern. The sequence of CvmiR-2 was validated by sequencing analysis of human cells infected by either SARS-CoV-2 or pre-CvmiR-2. Target gene prediction analysis suggested CvmiR-2 may be involved in the regulation of the immune response, muscle pain and/or neurological disorders in covid-19 patients. In conclusion, the current study identified a novel v-miRNA encoded by SARS-CoV-2 upon infection of human cells, which holds the potential to serve as a diagnostic biomarker or a therapeutic target in clinic.

Interplay of host and viral factors in inflammatory pathway mediated cytokine storm during RNA virus infection

RNA viruses always have been a serious concern for human health by causing several outbreaks, often pandemics. The excessive mortality and deaths associated with the outbreaks caused by these viruses were due to the excessive induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines leading to cytokine storm. Cytokines are important for cell-to-cell communication to maintain cell homeostasis. Disturbances of this homeostasis can lead to intricate chain reactions resulting in a massive release of cytokines. This could lead to a severe self-reinforcement of several feedback processes, which could eventually cause systemic harm, multiple organ failure, or death. Multiple inflammation-associated pathways were involved in the cytokine production and its regulation. Different RNA viruses induce these pathways through the interplay with their viral factors and host proteins and miRNAs regulating these pathways. This review will discuss the interplay of host proteins and miRNAs that can play an important role in the regulation of cytokine storm and the possible therapeutic potential of these molecules for the treatment and the challenges associated with the clinical translation.

A microRNA Arising from the Negative Strand of SARS-CoV-2 Genome Targets FOS to Reduce AP-1 Activity

Virus-encoded microRNAs were first reported in the Epstein-Barr virus in 2004. Subsequently, a few hundred viral miRNAs have been identified, mainly in DNA viruses belonging to the herpesviridae family. To date, only 30 viral miRNAs encoded by RNA viruses are reported by miRBase. Since the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, several studies have predicted and, in some cases, experimentally validated miRNAs originating from the positive strand of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. By integrating NGS data analysis and qRT-PCR approaches, we found that SARS-CoV-2 also encodes for a viral miRNA arising from the minus (antisense) strand of the viral genome, in the region encoding for ORF1ab, herein referred to as SARS-CoV-2-miR-AS1. Our data show that the expression of this microRNA increases in a time course analysis of SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. Furthermore, enoxacin treatment enhances the accumulation of the mature SARS-CoV-2-miR-AS1 in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells, arguing for a Dicer-dependent processing of this small RNA. In silico analysis suggests that SARS-CoV-2-miR-AS1 targets a set of genes which are translationally repressed during SARS-CoV-2 infection. We experimentally validated that SARS-CoV-2-miR-AS1 targets FOS, thus repressing the AP-1 transcription factor activity in human cells.

Oncogenic Viruses-Encoded microRNAs and Their Role in the Progression of Cancer: Emerging Targets for Antiviral and Anticancer Therapies

Approximately 20% of all cases of human cancer are caused by viral infections. Although a great number of viruses are capable of causing a wide range of tumors in animals, only seven of these viruses have been linked to human malignancies and are presently classified as oncogenic viruses. These include the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). Some other viruses, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are associated with highly oncogenic activities. It is possible that virally encoded microRNAs (miRNAs), which are ideal non-immunogenic tools for viruses, play a significant role in carcinogenic processes. Both virus-derived microRNAs (v-miRNAs) and host-derived microRNAs (host miRNAs) can influence the expression of various host-derived and virus-derived genes. The current literature review begins with an explanation of how viral infections might exert their oncogenic properties in human neoplasms, and then goes on to discuss the impact of diverse viral infections on the advancement of several types of malignancies via the expression of v-miRNAs. Finally, the role of new anti-oncoviral therapies that could target these neoplasms is discussed.

In silico analysis of genomic landscape of SARS-CoV-2 and its variant of concerns (Delta and Omicron) reveals changes in the coding potential of miRNAs and their target genes

COVID-19 related morbidities and mortalities are still continued due to the emergence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2. In the last few years, viral miRNAs have been the centre of study to understand the disease pathophysiology. In this work, we aimed to predict the change in coding potential of the viral miRNAs in SARS-CoV-2's VOCs, Delta and Omicron compared to the Reference (Wuhan origin) strain using bioinformatics tools. After ab-intio based screening by the Vmir tool and validation, we retrieved 22, 6, and 6 pre-miRNAs for Reference, Delta, and Omicron. Most of the predicted unique pre-miRNAs of Delta and Omicron were found to be encoded from the terminal and origin of the genomic sequence, respectively. Mature miRNAs identified by MatureBayes from the unique pre-miRNAs were used for target identification using miRDB. A total of 1786, 216, and 143 high-confidence target genes were captured for GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analysis. The GO and KEGG pathways terms analysis revealed the involvement of Delta miRNAs targeted genes in the pathways such as Human cytomegalovirus infection, Breast cancer, Apoptosis, Neurotrophin signaling, and Axon guidance whereas the Sphingolipid signaling pathway was found for the Omicron. Furthermore, we focussed our analysis on target genes that were validated through GEO's (Gene Expression Omnibus) DEGs (Differentially Expressed Genes) dataset, in which FGL2, TNSF12, OGN, GDF11, and BMP11 target genes were found to be down-regulated by Reference miRNAs and YAE1 and RSU1 by Delta. Few genes were also observed to be validated among in up-regulated gene set of the GEO dataset, in which MMP14, TNFRSF21, SGMS1, and TMEM192 were related to Reference whereas ZEB2 was detected in all three strains. This study thus provides an in-silico based analysis that deciphered the unique pre-miRNAs in Delta and Omicron compared to Reference. However, the findings need future wet lab studies for validation.

The diverse roles of miRNAs in HIV pathogenesis: Current understanding and future perspectives

Despite noteworthy progress made in the management and treatment of HIV/AIDS-related disease, including the introduction of the now almost ubiquitous HAART, there remains much to understand with respect to HIV infection. Although some roles that miRNAs play in some diseases have become more obvious of late, the roles of miRNAs in the context of HIV pathogenesis have not, as yet, been elucidated, and require further investigations. miRNAs can either be beneficial or harmful to the host, depending upon the genes they target. Some miRNAs target the 3' UTR of viral mRNAs to accomplish restriction of viral infection. However, upon HIV-1 infection, there are several dysregulated host miRNAs which target their respective host factors to either facilitate or abrogate viral infection. In this review, we discuss the miRNAs which play roles in various aspects of viral pathogenesis. We describe in detail the various mechanisms thereby miRNAs either directly or indirectly regulate HIV-1 infection. Moreover, the predictive roles of miRNAs in various aspects of the HIV viral life cycle are also discussed. Contemporary antiretroviral therapeutic drugs have received much attention recently, due to their success in the treatment of HIV/AIDS; therefore, miRNA involvement in various aspects of antiretroviral therapeutics are also elaborated upon herein. The therapeutic potential of miRNAs are discussed, and we also propose herein that the therapeutic potential of one specific miRNA, miR-34a, warrants further exploration, as this miRNA is known to target three host proteins to promote HIV-1 pathogenesis. Finally, future perspectives and some controversy around the expression of miRNAs by HIV-1 are also discussed.

SARS-CoV-2-encoded small RNAs are able to repress the host expression of SERINC5 to facilitate viral replication

Serine incorporator protein 5 (SERINC5) is a key innate immunity factor that operates in the cell to restrict the infectivity of certain viruses. Different viruses have developed strategies to antagonize SERINC5 function but, how SERINC5 is controlled during viral infection is poorly understood. Here, we report that SERINC5 levels are reduced in COVID-19 patients during the infection by SARS-CoV-2 and, since no viral protein capable of repressing the expression of SERINC5 has been identified, we hypothesized that SARS-CoV-2 non-coding small viral RNAs (svRNAs) could be responsible for this repression. Two newly identified svRNAs with predicted binding sites in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the SERINC5 gene were characterized and we found that the expression of both svRNAs during the infection was not dependent on the miRNA pathway proteins Dicer and Argonaute-2. By using svRNAs mimic oligonucleotides, we demonstrated that both viral svRNAs can bind the 3'UTR of SERINC5 mRNA, reducing SERINC5 expression in vitro. Moreover, we found that an anti-svRNA treatment to Vero E6 cells before SARS-CoV-2 infection recovered the levels of SERINC5 and reduced the levels of N and S viral proteins. Finally, we showed that SERINC5 positively controls the levels of Mitochondrial Antiviral Signalling (MAVS) protein in Vero E6. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting svRNAs based on their action on key proteins of the innate immune response during SARS-CoV-2 viral infection.

Micro RNAs—The Small Big Players in Hepatitis E Virus Infection: A Comprehensive Review

The molecular mechanism of hepatitis E virus (HEV) pathology is still unclear. The micro RNAs (miRNAs), of host or viral origin, interfere with virus replication and host environment in order to create an appropriate condition for the production of mature HEV progeny. Understanding the biogenesis and the interference of miRNAs with HEV will help to revile the mechanism of viral pathogenesis.

miRNA in Molecular Diagnostics

MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression on post-transcriptional level. Their biogenesis consists of a complex series of sequential processes, and they regulate expression of many genes involved in all cellular processes. Their function is essential for maintaining the homeostasis of a single cell; therefore, their aberrant expression contributes to development and progression of many diseases, especially malignant tumors and viral infections. Moreover, they can be associated with certain states of a specific disease, obtained in the least invasive manner for patients and analyzed with basic molecular methods used in clinical laboratories. Because of this, they have a promising potential to become very useful biomarkers and potential tools in personalized medicine approaches. In this review, miRNAs biogenesis, significance in cancer and infectious diseases, and current available test and methods for their detection are summarized.

Potential of MicroRNAs As Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Respiratory Viruses: A Literature Review

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression through recognition of cognate sequences and interference of transcriptional, translational, or epigenetic processes. Hundreds of miRNA genes have been found in diverse viruses, and many of these are phylogenetically conserved. Respiratory viruses are the most frequent causative agents of disease in humans, with a significant impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recently, the role of miRNAs in respiratory viral gene regulation, as well as host gene regulation during disease progression, has become a field of interest. This review highlighted the importance of various miRNAs and their potential role in fighting with respiratory viruses as therapeutic molecules with a focus on COVID-19.

A cypovirus encoded microRNA negatively regulates the NF-κB pathway to enhance viral multiplication in Silkworm, Bombyx mori

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that function as novel gene expression regulators at the post-transcriptional level. Not with standing that the biogenesis and function of miRNAs are well-understood in eukaryotes, little is known about RNA virus-encoded miRNAs. Bombyx mori cypovirus (BmCPV) is a double-stranded RNA virus with a segmented genome that causes cytoplasmic polyhedrosis disease in silkworm larvae. To date, the interaction between BmCPV and silkworm remains largely unclear. 22 candidate BmCPV-encoded miRNAs were identified in this study through small RNA sequencing, stem-loop RT-PCR and qRT-PCR. Then, generation and function analyses were conducted on one of the candidate miRNAs, BmCPV-miR-1, in the BmN cells and the silkworm larvae by RNA interference, quantitative PCR, dual-luciferase assay. Our results revealed that BmCPV-miR-1 was encoded by BmCPV genome RNA rather than the degraded fragments of the viral genome. Its generation depended on Dicer-1 and might also be correlated with Dicer-2, Argonaute-1 and Argonaute-2. Moreover, BmCPV-miR-1 could suppress the expression of the target gene, B. mori inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta (BmIKKβ), via binding to the target mRNA 3'-untranslated region, which fine-tuned the host NF-κB signaling pathway and consequently enhanced viral replication. Our results provide new evidence supporting the hypothesis that RNA viruses could generate miRNAs to modulate antiviral host defense.

The Influence of Host miRNA Binding to RNA Within RNA Viruses on Virus Multiplication

microRNAs (miRNAs), non-coding RNAs about 22 nt long, regulate the post-transcription expression of genes to influence many cellular processes. The expression of host miRNAs is affected by virus invasion, which also affects virus replication. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that miRNA influences RNA virus multiplication by binding directly to the RNA virus genome. Here, the knowledge relating to miRNAs’ relationships between host miRNAs and RNA viruses are discussed.

Virus and endogenous viral element-derived small non-coding RNAs and their roles in insect-virus interaction

RNA interference pathways mediated by different types of small non-coding RNAs (siRNAs, miRNAs and piRNAs) are conserved biological responses to exotic stresses, including viral infection. Aside from the well-established siRNA pathway, the miRNA pathway and the piRNA pathway process viral sequences, exogenously or endogenously, into miRNAs and piRNAs, respectively. During the host-virus interaction, viral sequences, including both coding and non-coding sequences, can be integrated as endogenous viral elements (EVEs) and thereby become present within the germline of a non-viral organism. In recent years, significant progress has been made in characterizing the biogenesis and function of viruses and EVEs associated with snRNAs. Overall, the siRNA pathway acts as the primarily antiviral defense against a wide range of exogenous viruses; the miRNA pathways associated with viruses or EVEs function in antiviral response and host gene regulation; EVE derived piRNAs with a ping-pong signature have the potential to limit cognate viral infection.

The role of microRNAs in solving COVID-19 puzzle from infection to therapeutics: A mini-review

Nowadays, one of the major global health concerns is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Even though numerous treatments and vaccines to combat this virus are currently under development, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of this disease are yet to be elucidated to design future therapeutic tools against SARS-CoV-2 variants. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small (20-24 nucleotides), non-coding RNA molecules that regulate post-transcriptional gene expression. Recently, it has been demonstrated that both host and viral-encoded miRNAs are crucial for the successful infection of SARS-CoV-2. For instance, dysregulation of miRNAs that modulate multiple genes expressed in COVID-19 patients with comorbidities (e.g., type 2 diabetes, lung adenocarcinoma, and cerebrovascular disorders) could affect the severity of the disease. Thus, altered expression levels of circulating miRNAs might be helpful to diagnose this illness and forecast whether a COVID-19 patient could develop a severe state of the disease. Besides, researchers have found a number of miRNAs could inhibit the expression of proteins, such as ACE2, TMPRSS2, spike, and Nsp12, involved in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2. Accordingly, miRNAs represent potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this devastating viral disease. Therefore, in this current review, we present the recent discoveries regarding the clinical relevance and biological roles of miRNAs in COVID-19.

The Regulatory Network of Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase-Stimulator of Interferon Genes Pathway in Viral Evasion

Virus infection has been consistently threatening public health. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) pathway is a critical defender to sense various pathogens and trigger innate immunity of mammalian cells. cGAS recognizes the pathogenic DNA in the cytosol and then synthesizes 2'3'-cyclic GMP-AMP (2'3'cGAMP). As the second messenger, cGAMP activates STING and induces the following cascade to produce type I interferon (IFN-I) to protect against infections. However, viruses have evolved numerous strategies to hinder the cGAS-STING signal transduction, promoting their immune evasion. Here we outline the current status of the viral evasion mechanism underlying the regulation of the cGAS-STING pathway, focusing on how post-transcriptional modifications, viral proteins, and non-coding RNAs involve innate immunity during viral infection, attempting to inspire new targets discovery and uncover potential clinical antiviral treatments.