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Interactions Among Host-Parasite MicroRNAs During Nosema ceranae Proliferation in Apis mellifera

Jay D Evans1, Qiang Huang2

  • 1Bee Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Beltsville, MD, United States.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|April 26, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Nosema ceranae microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate parasite reproduction and host gene expression. Targeting the parasite Dicer gene with small interfering RNA (siRNA) revealed these regulatory roles in honey bee infections.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Parasitology
  • Apiculture

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression.
  • Nosema ceranae is an important parasite of honey bees, impacting colony health.
  • Previous work identified N. ceranae miRNAs and linked Dicer to parasite reproduction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the function of parasitic miRNAs from N. ceranae.
  • Identify target genes regulated by N. ceranae miRNAs.
  • Understand the impact of parasitic miRNAs on host gene expression.

Main Methods:

  • Infection of honey bees with N. ceranae.
  • Administration of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting N. ceranae Dicer.
  • Deep sequencing of miRNAs from both host and parasite.
  • Correlation analysis between miRNA expression and host/parasite gene expression.

Main Results:

  • Significant differential expression of seven honey bee and five N. ceranae miRNAs was observed.
  • Over 79% of N. ceranae protein-coding genes were significantly correlated with N. ceranae miRNAs.
  • N. ceranae miRNAs secreted into the host cytoplasm can regulate honey bee metabolism and immunity.

Conclusions:

  • N. ceranae miRNAs play a crucial role in regulating both parasite and host gene expression.
  • Parasitic miRNAs offer novel insights into the evolution of microsporidia parasitism.
  • Targeting parasitic miRNAs presents a potential strategy for controlling N. ceranae infections.
Keywords:
Nosema ceranaeRNAihoney beemiRNAmicrosporidia

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