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ZIKV - CDB: A Collaborative Database to Guide Research Linking SncRNAs and ZIKA Virus Disease Symptoms

Victor Satler Pylro1, Francislon Silva Oliveira1, Daniel Kumazawa Morais1

  • 1Biosystems Informatics and Genomics Group, René Rachou Research Center (CPqRR-FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|June 23, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection may cause birth defects by disrupting microRNA (miRNA) function, impacting brain development. This study computationally identifies ZIKV-related miRNAs and human miRNAs interacting with the virus, offering therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Genetics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • The 2015 Zika Virus (ZIKV) outbreak in Brazil raised concerns about its link to infant microcephaly.
  • Establishing a causal link between ZIKV infection and birth defects remains challenging.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression, impacting viral pathogenesis and brain development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential role of miRNA dysregulation in Congenital Zika Syndrome.
  • To computationally identify interactions between ZIKV and human miRNAs.
  • To provide insights for ZIKV research and potential therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • In silico analyses were employed to predict miRNA interactions.
  • Computational prediction of ZIKV-encoded miRNAs targeting human genes.
  • Identification of human miRNAs interacting with the ZIKV genome.

Main Results:

  • Novel insights into how ZIKV may cause Congenital Zika Syndrome through miRNA imbalance.
  • Identification of ZIKV-derived miRNAs targeting human genes.
  • Identification of human miRNAs interacting with ZIKV, potentially modulating viral activity.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides a computational foundation for understanding the link between ZIKV and microcephaly via miRNA pathways.
  • Identified miRNA targets offer potential avenues for therapeutic interventions.
  • The findings advance ZIKV research by highlighting the role of small noncoding RNAs.

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