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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

MicroRNA-based Regulation of Picornavirus Tropism
Published on: February 6, 2017
miRNAs in the pathogenesis of oncogenic human viruses
1Department of Pathology, SL-79, Tulane Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Abstract:
Tumor viruses are a class of pathogens with well established roles in the development of malignant diseases. Numerous bodies of work have highlighted miRNAs (microRNAs) as critical regulators of tumor pathways and it is clear that the dysregulation of cellular miRNA expression can promote tumor formation. Tumor viruses encode their own miRNAs and/or manipulate the expression of cellular miRNAs to modulate their host cell environment, thereby facilitating their respective infection cycles. The modulation of these miRNA responsive pathways, however, often influences certain signal transduction cascades in ways that favor tumorigenesis. In this review, we discuss the roles of virally-encoded and virally-regulated cellular miRNAs in the respective viral life cycles and in virus associated pathogenesis.
Insights
Tumor viruses utilize microRNAs (miRNAs) to manipulate host cells, influencing pathways that promote cancer. This review explores how viral and cellular miRNAs contribute to virus-associated diseases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Tumor viruses are known to cause malignant diseases.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of cellular pathways involved in cancer.
- Dysregulated miRNA expression is linked to tumor formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the roles of virally-encoded and cellular miRNAs in viral life cycles.
- To discuss the involvement of miRNAs in virus-associated pathogenesis.
- To highlight how viruses manipulate miRNA pathways to favor tumorigenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on tumor viruses and miRNAs.
- Analysis of miRNA encoding and expression regulation by viruses.
- Examination of miRNA-mediated modulation of host cell signaling.
Main Results:
- Tumor viruses encode their own miRNAs or alter cellular miRNA expression.
- These viral and cellular miRNA alterations modulate host cell environments.
- Such modulations often favor viral replication and contribute to cancer development.
Conclusions:
- Virally-encoded and regulated cellular miRNAs are integral to viral pathogenesis.
- Understanding these miRNA roles offers insights into virus-associated cancers.
- Targeting these miRNA pathways may present therapeutic strategies.
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