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Shrimp miRNAs regulate innate immune response against white spot syndrome virus infection

Napol Kaewkascholkul1, Kulwadee Somboonviwat2, Shuichi Asakawa3

  • 1Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.

Developmental and Comparative Immunology
|March 7, 2016
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression. In this study, we identified differentially expressed miRNAs in white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)-infected shrimp, revealing their potential role in antiviral immunity.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression via RNA interference pathways.
  • White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) poses a significant threat to shrimp aquaculture, necessitating research into host antiviral mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize microRNAs (miRNAs) expressed in Penaeus monodon (shrimp) infected with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV).
  • To investigate the role of these miRNAs in the shrimp's antiviral immune response.

Main Methods:

  • Next-generation sequencing was employed to identify miRNA homologs in WSSV-infected shrimp hemocytes.
  • Stem-loop real-time RT-PCR was used to validate differential expression of selected miRNAs.
  • Bioinformatic tools predicted miRNA targets, focusing on immune-related genes.
  • Luciferase reporter assays and expression correlation studies were performed to functionally characterize specific miRNAs, like pmo-bantam.

Main Results:

  • Forty-six miRNA homologs were identified in WSSV-infected shrimp.
  • Eleven of sixteen selected miRNAs exhibited differential expression upon WSSV infection, with pmo-miR-315 and pmo-miR-750 being highly responsive.
  • Predicted targets included numerous immune-related genes involved in antimicrobial activity, signaling, and apoptosis.
  • The conserved miRNA, pmo-bantam, was shown to target Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor (KuSPI), with expression correlation observed in infected shrimp.

Conclusions:

  • The study identified several differentially expressed miRNAs in shrimp in response to WSSV infection.
  • These miRNAs target a range of immune-related genes, suggesting their critical role in regulating shrimp antiviral immunity.
  • Specific miRNAs, such as pmo-bantam, play a functional role in the shrimp's immune response against viral pathogens.
Keywords:
Black tiger shrimpPenaeus monodonRNA interferenceShrimp immunityWhite spot syndrome virusmicroRNA

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