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Micro RNAs-The Small Big Players in Hepatitis E Virus Infection: A Comprehensive Review
1NRL Hepatitis Viruses, Virology Department, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1233 Sofia, Bulgaria.
Biomolecules
|November 11, 2022
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) pathology mechanisms remain unknown. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), from hosts or viruses, impact HEV replication and pathogenesis, offering insights into viral disease.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- The molecular mechanisms underlying Hepatitis E virus (HEV) pathology are not fully understood.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs), both host-derived and viral, are known regulators of gene expression.
- These regulatory molecules play roles in viral infections and host-pathogen interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of Hepatitis E virus (HEV).
- To investigate how host and viral miRNAs influence HEV replication and the host cellular environment.
- To understand the biogenesis and functional interference of miRNAs in the context of HEV infection.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis of miRNA expression profiles in HEV-infected cells.
- Experimental validation of miRNA-target interactions using luciferase assays.
- Assessment of viral replication rates upon modulation of specific miRNA levels.
- Analysis of host gene expression changes induced by viral and host miRNAs.
Main Results:
- Identification of specific host and viral miRNAs that are differentially expressed during HEV infection.
- Demonstration of direct interaction between certain miRNAs and HEV RNA or host factors involved in replication.
- Evidence that modulation of miRNA levels significantly affects HEV replication efficiency.
- Characterization of host pathways and cellular processes altered by miRNA activity during HEV infection.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key players in the molecular mechanisms of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) pathogenesis.
- Both host and viral miRNAs actively modulate the cellular environment to facilitate HEV replication and progeny production.
- Understanding miRNA biogenesis and interference pathways is crucial for unraveling HEV viral pathogenesis.
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