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Hepatitis C virus infection, microRNA and liver disease progression

Shubham Shrivastava1, Anupam Mukherjee, Ratna B Ray

  • 1Shubham Shrivastava, Anupam Mukherjee, Ratna B Ray, Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States.

World Journal of Hepatology
|September 28, 2013
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key players in Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and liver disease progression. Targeting these miRNAs shows promise for novel HCV therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular virology
  • Hepatology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronically infects 170-200 million people globally, leading to liver cirrhosis and cancer.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate host cell factors essential for HCV replication and cell growth.
  • Dysregulated miRNA expression is implicated in HCV pathogenesis, affecting cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent studies on the role of miRNAs in the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle.
  • To explore the contribution of miRNAs to HCV-mediated liver disease progression.
  • To highlight the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCV infection.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature focusing on microRNA involvement in Hepatitis C virus infection.
  • Analysis of studies investigating miRNA regulation of host factors and signaling pathways in HCV.
  • Examination of research on circulating miRNAs as potential biomarkers for HCV disease progression.

Main Results:

  • MicroRNAs significantly influence HCV infection establishment and propagation within hepatocytes.
  • Targeting miRNAs, such as with anti-miRNA oligonucleotides (e.g., miravirsen), shows therapeutic potential.
  • Circulating miRNAs are emerging as promising biomarkers for monitoring HCV disease progression and liver cell communication.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs are critical regulators in the Hepatitis C virus life cycle and HCV-induced liver disease.
  • Therapeutic strategies targeting miRNAs offer a novel approach for treating chronic HCV infection.
  • Further research into circulating miRNAs could enhance diagnostics and understanding of HCV pathogenesis.

Keywords:
Circulatory microRNAHepatitis C virusInterferon signalingLiver diseaseMicroRNA

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