Let-7f-5p Modulates Lipid Metabolism by Targeting Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein 2 in Response to PRRSV

Dongfeng Jiang1,2,3, Liyu Yang2,3, Xiangge Meng1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.

Veterinary Sciences
|September 27, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) induces the microRNA let-7f-5p, which impacts lipid metabolism by targeting SREBP2 to regulate disease progression. This finding offers a potential new antiviral target for PRRS.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Lipid Metabolism

Background:

  • Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) significantly impacts the swine industry.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as key regulators in the pathogenesis of PRRS virus (PRRSV).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of let-7f-5p in PRRSV pathogenesis.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which let-7f-5p influences PRRSV infection, focusing on lipid metabolism.

Main Methods:

  • Transcriptome analysis of PRRSV-infected cells with altered let-7f-5p levels.
  • Dual-luciferase reporter assay to confirm direct targeting of SREBP2 by let-7f-5p.
  • Western blotting to assess SREBP2 protein levels.

Main Results:

  • PRRSV infection induces let-7f-5p expression.
  • Transcriptome analysis revealed significant alterations in lipid metabolism pathways.
  • let-7f-5p directly targets and downregulates the lipogenesis master regulator SREBP2.
  • let-7f-5p modulates lipogenesis in PRRSV-infected cells.

Conclusions:

  • let-7f-5p plays a critical role in PRRSV pathogenesis by modulating lipid metabolism through SREBP2.
  • This miRNA-mediated pathway represents a novel insight into PRRSV infection.
  • let-7f-5p targeting of SREBP2 presents a potential therapeutic target for PRRSV.

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