In Silico and In Vitro Analyses Validate Human MicroRNAs Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 3'-UTR.

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 m

SUBMITTER: Barreda-Manso MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8201247 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature