Fungal-host interactions: insights into microRNA in response to Paracoccidioides species
Junya de Lacorte Singulani1, Julhiany de Fátima da Silva1, Fernanda Patricia Gullo1
1Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND Paracoccidioides spp. causes paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), an important and frequent systemic mycosis that occurs in Latin America. The infectious process begins with contact between the fungus and lung cells, and the molecular pattern of this interaction is currently poorly understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate the gene expression in many biological processes, including in the infections. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyse the expression of miRNAs in lung cells as response to infection by Paracoccidioides spp. METHODS A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) based screening was employed to verify differentially expressed miRNAs in human lung cells infected with three different species; Paracoccidioides lutzii, Paracoccidioides americana, and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Furthermore, the in silico predictions of target genes and pathways for miRNAs were obtained. FINDINGS The results showed that miRNAs identified in the lung cells were different according to the species studied. However, based on the predicted targets, the potential signaling pathways regulated by miRNAs are common and related to adhesion, actin cytoskeleton rearrangement, apoptosis, and immune response mediated by T cells and TGF-β. MAIN CONCLUSIONS In summary, this study showed the miRNAs pattern of epithelial cells in response to infection by Paracoccidioides species and the potential role of these molecules in the regulation of key pathogenesis mechanisms of PCM.
Insights
This study reveals distinct microRNA (miRNA) patterns in lung cells infected by different Paracoccidioides species. These miRNAs may regulate key mechanisms in paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Paracoccidioides species cause paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a prevalent systemic fungal infection in Latin America.
- The molecular interactions between fungi and host lung cells during PCM initiation are not well understood.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression involved in biological processes, including host-pathogen interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential expression of miRNAs in human lung cells upon infection with Paracoccidioides species.
- To identify potential signaling pathways regulated by these miRNAs during infection.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to screen miRNA expression.
- Human lung cells were infected with three Paracoccidioides species: P. lutzii, P. americana, and P. brasiliensis.
- In silico analysis predicted target genes and associated signaling pathways for differentially expressed miRNAs.
Main Results:
- Species-specific miRNA expression profiles were observed in infected lung cells.
- Common signaling pathways potentially regulated by these miRNAs include cell adhesion, actin cytoskeleton rearrangement, apoptosis, and T cell-mediated immune responses.
- Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling was also implicated.
Conclusions:
- This study elucidates the miRNA expression patterns in lung epithelial cells in response to Paracoccidioides species infection.
- Identified miRNAs play a potential role in regulating critical pathogenesis mechanisms of PCM, such as immune response and cellular processes.
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