Transcriptome analysis reveals dynamic changes in coxsackievirus A16 infected HEK 293T cells

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) and enterovirus 71 (EV71) are primary causes of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).
• The host cell transcriptome response to CVA16 infection remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mRNA and miRNA expression profiles of human embryonic kidney 293T cells following CVA16 infection.
• To identify host factors and pathways involved in CVA16 pathogenesis and HFMD.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of mRNA and miRNA expression profiles in CVA16-infected versus non-infected 293T cells.
• Correlation analysis to link miRNA expression with target genes.

Main Results:

• SCARB2 transcription was significantly upregulated (nearly 10-fold) in CVA16-infected cells, potentially facilitating co-infection with EV71.
• Down-regulation of has-miR-3605-5p was associated with increased SCARB2 expression.
• Differentially expressed genes were enriched in extracellular membrane (ECM)-receptor interaction and circadian rhythm pathways, potentially linked to HFMD clinical symptoms.
• hsa-miR-149-3p and hsa-miR-5001-5p were implicated in up-regulating morbigenous pathways.

Conclusions:

• CVA16 infection alters the host cell transcriptome, notably upregulating SCARB2 and genes in ECM-receptor interaction and circadian rhythm pathways.
• Key miRNAs, including has-miR-3605-5p, hsa-miR-149-3p, and hsa-miR-5001-5p, play regulatory roles in CVA16-induced pathogenesis.
• These findings offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying HFMD caused by CVA16.