Journal Article Epublish 15 citations
PubMed: 34198800 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116094
In Silico and In Vitro Analyses Validate Human MicroRNAs Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 3'-UTR.
Int J Mol Sci 22(11)
Authors: María Asunción Barreda-Manso, Manuel Nieto-Díaz, Altea Soto, Teresa Muñoz-Galdeano, David Reigada, Rodrigo M Maza
Affiliations
- Molecular Neuroprotection Group, Research Unit, National Hospital for Paraplegics (SESCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain.
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic is caused by betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The genome of this virus is composed of a single strand of RNA with 5' and 3'-UTR flanking a region of protein-coding ORFs closely resembling cells' mRNAs. MicroRNAs are endogenous post-transcriptional regulators that target mRNA to modulate protein expression and mediate cellular functions, including antiviral defense. In the present study, we carried out a bioinformatics screening to search for endogenous human microRNAs targeting the 3'-UTR of SARS-CoV-2. Results from the computational techniques allowed us to identify 10 potential candidates. The capacity of 3 of them, together with hsa-miR-138-5p, to target the SARS-CoV-2 3'-UTR was validated in vitro by gene reporter assays. Available information indicates that two of these microRNAs, namely, hsa-miR-3941 and hsa-miR-138-5p, combine effective targeting of SARS-CoV-2 genome with complementary antiviral or protective effects in the host cells that make them potential candidates for therapeutic treatment of most, if not all, COVID-19 variants known to date. All information obtained while conducting the present analysis is available at Open Science Framework repository.
MeSH
Rna, Cells, Therapeutics, Genome, Sars Virus, 3' Untranslated Regions, Micrornas, Covid-19, Sars-Cov-2
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- Host microRNAs exhibit differential propensity to interact with SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concern. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis, 2022
- miRNA expression in COVID-19. Gene Rep, 2022
- Telomere Length, Oxidative Stress Markers, and Related miRNAs in Non-Invasive Samples of Mild COVID-19 Cases. Int J Mol Sci, 2025