MicroRNAs in large herpesvirus DNA genomes: recent advances

Biomol Concepts. 2016 Aug 1;7(4):229-39. doi: 10.1515/bmc-2016-0017.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that regulate gene expression. They alter mRNA translation through base-pair complementarity, leading to regulation of genes during both physiological and pathological processes. Viruses have evolved mechanisms to take advantage of the host cells to multiply and/or persist over the lifetime of the host. Herpesviridae are a large family of double-stranded DNA viruses that are associated with a number of important diseases, including lymphoproliferative diseases. Herpesviruses establish lifelong latent infections through modulation of the interface between the virus and its host. A number of reports have identified miRNAs in a very large number of human and animal herpesviruses suggesting that these short non-coding transcripts could play essential roles in herpesvirus biology. This review will specifically focus on the recent advances on the functions of herpesvirus miRNAs in infection and pathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Survival / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral
  • Genome, Viral*
  • Herpesviridae / genetics*
  • Herpesviridae / physiology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / genetics
  • Herpesviridae Infections / immunology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / virology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / genetics
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immune Evasion
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Viral / genetics*
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Virus Activation / genetics
  • Virus Activation / immunology
  • Virus Latency / genetics

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Viral