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Genome-Wide Analysis of Differentially Expressed microRNA in Bombyx mori Infected with Nucleopolyhedrosis Virus

Ping Wu1,2, Xiaoxu Jiang3, Xijie Guo1

  • 1Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, China.

Plos One
|November 3, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrosis virus (BmNPV) infection alters silkworm microRNA (miRNA) expression. This study identified 38 differentially expressed miRNAs, revealing potential roles in host-virus interactions and identifying Bmo-miR-277-5p targeting Dnmt2.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Genomics
  • Entomology

Background:

  • Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrosis virus (BmNPV) significantly impacts the sericulture industry.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators in host-pathogen interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of BmNPV infection on the silkworm (Bombyx mori) miRNA expression profile.
  • To identify specific miRNAs and their target genes involved in the silkworm-BmNPV interaction.

Main Methods:

  • Deep sequencing of small RNA libraries from infected and uninfected silkworm larvae.
  • Bioinformatic analysis including Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment.
  • Dual-luciferase reporter assay to validate miRNA-target interaction.

Main Results:

  • 38 silkworm miRNAs exhibited differential expression upon BmNPV infection.
  • Predicted target genes are involved in binding, catalytic activity, virion, and immune responses.
  • Bmo-miR-277-5p was upregulated and confirmed to target the B. mori DNA cytosine-5 methyltransferase (Dnmt2) gene.

Conclusions:

  • Silkworm miRNAs play a significant role in the host response to BmNPV infection.
  • The identified differentially expressed miRNAs and their targets provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of silkworm-BmNPV interactions.
  • Bmo-miR-277-5p and its target Dnmt2 are potential key players in this host-pathogen relationship.

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