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Updated: Jun 3, 2025
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A Complete Pipeline for Isolating and Sequencing MicroRNAs, and Analyzing Them Using Open Source Tools
Published on: August 21, 2019
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Sequence Analysis of microRNAs Encoded by Simian Lymphocryptoviruses
Yan Chen1, Devin N Fachko1, Helen L Wu2
1Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
Viruses
|January 8, 2025
Summary
This study comprehensively annotates over 95 viral microRNAs from non-human primate lymphocryptoviruses (LCVs). Simian LCV microRNAs were detected in circulation, showing potential as biomarkers for LCV-related post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Lymphocryptoviruses (LCVs) are gamma-herpesviruses causing lifelong infections in primates.
- LCV infections in immunocompromised hosts are linked to B cell disorders and lymphoma.
- Simian LCVs infect various non-human primate (NHP) species, including macaques and baboons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively annotate viral microRNAs (miRNAs) encoded by LCVs in four NHP species.
- To investigate the potential of simian LCV miRNAs as biomarkers for LCV-associated diseases.
Main Methods:
- Sequence comparison analysis of LCV genomes from Mauritian cynomolgus macaques, baboons, stump-tailed macaques, and bonobos.
- Identification and annotation of viral miRNAs using bioinformatics approaches.
- Detection of cyLCV miRNAs in circulation using molecular assays.
Main Results:
- Defined sequences for over 95 viral miRNAs from four NHP LCVs, representing a comprehensive annotation.
- Demonstrated the presence of cyLCV miRNAs in circulating body fluids in vivo.
- Identified potential biomarker utility for cyLCV miRNAs in diagnosing LCV-related post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD).
Conclusions:
- This study provides the most extensive catalog of NHP LCV miRNAs to date.
- The identified viral miRNAs serve as a valuable resource for developing diagnostic reagents.
- Circulating cyLCV miRNAs show promise as non-invasive biomarkers for PTLD.
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