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07:02
Identifying Dysregulated Genes Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)
Published on: September 14, 2010
Emerging themes from EBV and KSHV microRNA targets
Dhivya Ramalingam1, Philippe Kieffer-Kwon, Joseph M Ziegelbauer
1HIV and AIDS Malignancy Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. dhivya.ramalingam@nih.gov
Viruses
|November 22, 2012
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) microRNAs have surprisingly different sequences but may target similar host genes. This review explores shared microRNA functions and targets between these related gamma-herpesviruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are gamma-herpesviruses encoding numerous viral microRNAs.
- Investigating viral microRNA functions often involves identifying their target genes.
- Despite their relation, EBV and KSHV microRNAs exhibit low sequence homology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore functional similarities of microRNAs encoded by EBV and KSHV.
- To compare the host target genes of EBV and KSHV microRNAs.
- To reconcile the low sequence homology with potential shared microRNA functions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on EBV and KSHV microRNA target identification.
- Analysis of experimentally validated microRNA-target interactions.
- Comparison of predicted host targets using sensitive identification methods.
Main Results:
- Only three host genes are experimentally confirmed targets for both EBV and KSHV microRNAs.
- Computational predictions suggest up to 60% of host targets may be shared.
- Shared targeting may occur through different sequence recognition within host genes.
Conclusions:
- EBV and KSHV microRNAs, despite sequence divergence, likely share functional roles.
- A significant overlap in host gene targeting by EBV and KSHV microRNAs is predicted.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the functional convergence of these viral microRNAs.
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