In silico identification of microRNAs targeting the PPARα/γ: promising therapeutics for SARS-CoV‑2 infection

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Virology
• Metabolic Research

Background:

• The SARS-CoV-2 virus hijacks host cell metabolism for replication.
• Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha and gamma (PPARα and PPARγ) are upregulated by SARS-CoV-2, supporting viral replication complexes.
• Dysregulation of these metabolic pathways can influence COVID-19 severity and inflammatory responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of PPARα and PPARγ in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To identify potential therapeutic targets by exploring microRNAs (miRNAs) that modulate PPARα and PPARγ expression.
• To explore novel strategies for managing COVID-19 progression and associated cytokine storms.

Main Methods:

• Bioinformatic analysis to identify microRNAs targeting PPARα and PPARγ genes.
• Review of existing literature on host-pathogen metabolic interactions.
• In silico identification of potential miRNA-gene interactions.

Main Results:

• Identification of specific microRNAs predicted to target PPARα and PPARγ.
• These miRNAs represent potential regulators of host lipid metabolism relevant to SARS-CoV-2.
• The findings suggest a link between miRNA-mediated gene regulation and viral lifecycle.

Conclusions:

• Targeting PPARα and PPARγ through identified miRNAs may offer a novel therapeutic approach for COVID-19.
• Modulating host lipid metabolism via miRNA intervention could disrupt SARS-CoV-2 replication.
• Further research into these miRNA targets is warranted for developing new anti-COVID-19 therapies.