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Published on: May 14, 2021
miRNAs in Insects Infected by Animal and Plant Viruses
Verna Monsanto-Hearne1, Karyn N Johnson2
1School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia. v.hearne@uq.edu.au.
Abstract:
Viruses vectored by insects cause severe medical and agricultural burdens. The process of virus infection of insects regulates and is regulated by a complex interplay of biomolecules including the small, non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs). Considered an anomaly upon its discovery only around 25 years ago, miRNAs as a class have challenged the molecular central dogma which essentially typifies RNAs as just intermediaries in the flow of information from DNA to protein. miRNAs are now known to be common modulators or fine-tuners of gene expression. While recent years has seen an increased emphasis on understanding the role of miRNAs in host-virus associations, existing literature on the interaction between insects and their arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) is largely restricted to miRNA abundance profiling. Here we analyse the commonalities and contrasts between miRNA abundance profiles with different host-arbovirus combinations and outline a suggested pipeline and criteria for functional analysis of the contribution of miRNAs to the insect vector-virus interaction. Finally, we discuss the potential use of the model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, in complementing research on the role of miRNAs in insect vector-virus interaction.
Insights
This study explores microRNAs (miRNAs) in insect-virus interactions, highlighting their role in gene regulation. It proposes methods for functional analysis and suggests Drosophila melanogaster as a model for future research on these crucial interactions.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Entomology
- Genetics
Background:
- Insect-borne viruses pose significant medical and agricultural threats.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs, are key regulators of gene expression.
- miRNAs play a critical role in the complex interplay between insects and viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze commonalities and differences in miRNA abundance profiles across various host-arbovirus combinations.
- To propose a pipeline and criteria for functional analysis of miRNA contributions to insect vector-virus interactions.
- To discuss the utility of Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism for studying insect-virus-miRNA dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of existing miRNA abundance profiling data from different insect-arbovirus systems.
- Development of a framework for functional investigation of miRNA roles.
- Literature review and discussion on model organism utility.
Main Results:
- Identified patterns and variations in miRNA expression related to specific insect-arbovirus interactions.
- Outlined a structured approach for elucidating the functional significance of miRNAs in vector competence and virus replication.
- Highlighted the potential of Drosophila melanogaster for experimental validation.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs are integral to insect vector-virus interactions, extending beyond simple abundance changes.
- Standardized functional analysis is crucial for understanding miRNA roles in vector-virus systems.
- Drosophila melanogaster offers a valuable platform for advancing research in this field.
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