MicroRNA Expression Profile of Whole Blood Is Altered in Adenovirus-Infected Pneumonia Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Molecular Virology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Human adenovirus (Adv) is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia in infants and children, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in regulating viral infections and host immune responses.
• Understanding miRNA expression profiles in adenovirus infection can elucidate host responses and improve diagnostic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the differential microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in children with adenovirus-infected pneumonia compared to healthy controls.
• To identify specific miRNAs that can serve as potential biomarkers for adenovirus-infected pneumonia.
• To explore the impact of dysregulated miRNAs on host target genes and pathways involved in adenovirus pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Small RNA deep sequencing was employed to analyze total RNA extracted from the whole blood of children with adenovirus-infected pneumonia and healthy controls.
• Differential expression analysis was performed to identify significantly altered miRNAs.
• Bioinformatic prediction and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to validate potential host target genes of the identified miRNAs.

Main Results:

• MicroRNA expression profiles in whole blood were significantly altered and distinct in children with adenovirus infection.
• Three specific miRNAs (hsa-miR-127-3p, hsa-miR-493-5p, and hsa-miR-409-3p) were found to be highly upregulated in adenovirus-infected children, clearly differentiating them from healthy individuals.
• Validated target genes of these miRNAs were predominantly associated with the MAPK signaling pathway and innate immune response.

Conclusions:

• Highly upregulated miRNAs, including hsa-miR-127-3p, hsa-miR-493-5p, and hsa-miR-409-3p, play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of adenovirus infection.
• These identified miRNAs represent promising potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of adenovirus-infected pneumonia in children.