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Role of MicroRNAs in Bone Pathology during Chikungunya Virus Infection
Enakshi Roy1, Siddappa N Byrareddy2,3,4, St Patrick Reid1
1Department of Pathology & Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA.
Abstract:
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an alphavirus, transmitted by mosquitoes, which causes Chikungunya fever with symptoms of fever, rash, headache, and joint pain. In about 30%-40% of cases, the infection leads to polyarthritis and polyarthralgia. Presently, there are no treatment strategies or vaccine for Chikungunya fever. Moreover, the mechanism of CHIKV induced bone pathology is not fully understood. The modulation of host machinery is known to be essential in establishing viral pathogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate major cellular functions by modulating gene expression. Fascinatingly, recent reports have indicated the role of miRNAs in regulating bone homeostasis and altered expression of miRNAs in bone-related pathological diseases. In this review, we summarize the altered expression of miRNAs during CHIKV pathogenesis and the possible role of miRNAs during bone homeostasis in the context of CHIKV infection. A holistic understanding of the different signaling pathways targeted by miRNAs during bone remodeling and during CHIKV-induced bone pathology may lead to identification of useful biomarkers or therapeutics.
Insights
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection can cause severe joint pain and bone issues. This review explores how microRNAs (miRNAs) impact bone health during CHIKV infection, potentially revealing new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) causes fever, rash, and severe joint pain, with 30-40% experiencing persistent polyarthritis.
- Current treatments and vaccines for CHIKV are lacking, and the mechanisms of CHIKV-induced bone pathology remain unclear.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of cellular functions and have been implicated in bone homeostasis and various bone diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the altered expression of miRNAs during Chikungunya virus pathogenesis.
- To explore the potential role of miRNAs in regulating bone homeostasis during CHIKV infection.
- To identify potential miRNA biomarkers or therapeutic targets for CHIKV-induced bone pathology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on CHIKV pathogenesis and miRNA expression.
- Analysis of existing research on miRNA regulation of bone homeostasis.
- Synthesis of information on signaling pathways targeted by miRNAs in bone remodeling and CHIKV infection.
Main Results:
- CHIKV infection alters the expression of specific miRNAs.
- These altered miRNAs may play a significant role in modulating bone homeostasis during CHIKV infection.
- Understanding miRNA-targeted pathways could illuminate CHIKV-induced bone pathology.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are critically involved in the host response to CHIKV infection and its impact on bone health.
- Further research into miRNA-mediated mechanisms could lead to novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for Chikungunya fever complications.
- Targeting specific miRNAs offers a promising avenue for managing CHIKV-related bone pathology.
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