miR-9875 functions in antiviral immunity by targeting PDCD6 in mud crab (Scylla paramamosain)

Area of Science:

• Marine invertebrate immunology
• Molecular biology
• Apoptosis regulation

Background:

• Programmed cell death 6 (PDCD6) is a known apoptosis regulator in mammals.
• The role of miRNA-mediated PDCD6 regulation in marine invertebrate immunity is underexplored.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for aquaculture and disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize Scylla paramamosain PDCD6 (Sp-PDCD6).
• To investigate the regulatory relationship between Sp-PDCD6 and miR-9875.
• To elucidate their combined role in antiviral defense and apoptosis.

Main Methods:

• Gene cloning and characterization of Sp-PDCD6.
• In vitro and in vivo experiments to confirm miR-9875 targeting of Sp-PDCD6.
• Apoptosis assays and virus challenge experiments.

Main Results:

• Sp-PDCD6 possesses five EF-hands domains and promotes apoptosis to suppress virus infection.
• miR-9875 directly targets Sp-PDCD6, acting as a positive regulator during viral invasion.
• The miR-9875-PDCD6 pathway is essential for antiviral immune response in mud crabs.

Conclusions:

• The miR-9875-PDCD6 pathway plays a fundamental role in mud crab antiviral immunity.
• This pathway regulates apoptosis and virus defense, offering insights into invertebrate immune systems.
• Findings provide a novel perspective on PDCD6 and miRNA roles in marine invertebrate defense.