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Identification and Potential Roles of Human MicroRNAs in Ebola Virus Infection and Disease Pathogenesis
Melvin Mensah-Bonsu1, Christopher Doss2, Clay Gloster3
1Applied Science and Technology Ph.D. Program, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA.
Genes
|April 27, 2024
Summary
This study identifies new human microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in Ebola virus disease (EVD) pathogenesis. These findings enhance understanding of the host response to Ebola virus (EBOV) infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe illness with high mortality.
- Host transcriptional responses are traditionally studied in EVD pathogenesis.
- Cellular microRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their role in EVD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and validate known and novel human miRNAs in Ebola virus (EBOV)-infected cells.
- To predict the roles of these miRNAs in EVD pathogenesis.
- To expand understanding of host-pathogen interactions in EVD.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of small RNA sequencing data from EBOV-infected adult retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE) cells.
- Identification and validation of differentially expressed miRNAs.
- Bioinformatic prediction of miRNA-associated pathways.
Main Results:
- Identified 23 upregulated and 7 downregulated miRNAs in EBOV-infected ARPE cells.
- Discovered 2 novel miRNAs and 17 previously unidentified known miRNAs.
- Associated these miRNAs with WNT, FoxO, and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Confirms and expands previous findings on miRNAs in EVD.
- Highlights the crucial role of human miRNAs in the host response to EBOV.
- Suggests novel therapeutic targets for EVD based on miRNA involvement.
