Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
05:23
Visualization of SARS-CoV-2 using Immuno RNA-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization
Published on: December 23, 2020
Deciphering the miR-29c-3p / TET3 regulatory axis within the SARS-CoV-2-infected midbrain
Abigail Dickerson1, Andreea Cruceanu1, Bishwa R Pokharel1
1Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA.
Virology
|June 8, 2026
Summary
Persistent neurological symptoms in Long COVID may involve miR-29c-3p and Ten-Eleven-Translocation 3 (TET3) signaling. Research suggests a potential regulatory role for this pathway in SARS-CoV-2-induced brain effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Long COVID is frequently linked to ongoing neurological issues.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in post-viral neurological complications.
- The Ten-Eleven-Translocation 3 (TET3) gene plays a role in neurological function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulatory relationship between miR-29c-3p and TET3 in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To explore the potential role of miR-29c-3p/TET3 signaling in Long COVID neurological symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis to predict miRNA binding sites.
- Luciferase reporter assays to validate direct targeting.
- In vivo studies using K18-hACE2 mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Main Results:
- Bioinformatics predicted multiple miR-29c-3p binding sites in the TET3 3'-UTR.
- Luciferase assays confirmed miR-29c-3p directly binds to an 8 bp sequence in the TET3 3'-UTR.
- An inverse correlation between miR-29c-3p and TET3 expression was observed in the midbrains of virus-positive mice.
- Decreased miR-29c-3p levels were specific to virus-positive brains, suggesting a potential predisposing factor for neuro-invasion.
Conclusions:
- The miR-29c-3p/TET3 signaling pathway is a potential regulator of SARS-CoV-2-induced neurological symptoms.
- Dysregulation of miR-29c-3p may contribute to viral neuro-invasion and Long COVID neurological complications.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and therapeutic potential.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Coronavirus
Coronaviruses, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), are enveloped viruses characterized by their single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome and helical nucleocapsid structure. The hallmark of these viruses is their club-shaped spike (S) glycoproteins that protrude from the viral envelope, facilitating attachment to host cells. Typically, coronaviruses infect the upper respiratory tract, often causing mild or asymptomatic disease. However, certain strains like...
02:28Leaky Scanning
During most eukaryotic translation processes, the small 40S ribosome subunit scans an mRNA from its 5' end until it encounters the first start AUG codon. The large 60S ribosomal subunit then joins the smaller one to initiate protein synthesis. The location of the translation initiation is largely determined by the nucleotides near the start codon as there may be multiple translation initiation sites present on the mRNA. Marilyn Kozak discovered that the sequence RCCAUGG (where R stands for...