A Long Journey Ahead: Long Non-coding RNAs in Bacterial Infections

Abstract

Bacterial pathogens have coevolved with their hosts and acquired strategies to circumvent defense mechanisms of host cells. It was shown that bacteria interfere with the expression of mammalian microRNAs to modify immune signaling, autophagy, or the apoptotic machinery. Recently, a new class of regulatory RNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), was reported to have a pivotal role in the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression. A growing body of literature reports on specific involvement of lncRNAs in the host cell response toward bacterial infections. This mini review summarizes recent data that focuses on lncRNA function in host cells during bacterial infection and provides a perspective where future research in this regard may be going.

Invisible Designers: Brain Evolution Through the Lens of Parasite Manipulation

“…For example, the expression of noncoding RNAs in host cells responds to cues of infection and inflammation, and contributes to regulate multiple immune-related genes. Intriguingly, noncoding RNA expression partly depends on the specific pathogen infecting the host (Duval et al 2017;zur Bruegge et al 2017). Unsurprisingly, host RNAs are themselves targeted by parasites because of their immunoregulatory activity (Duval et al 2017;zur Bruegge et al 2017).…”

“…Intriguingly, noncoding RNA expression partly depends on the specific pathogen infecting the host (Duval et al 2017;zur Bruegge et al 2017). Unsurprisingly, host RNAs are themselves targeted by parasites because of their immunoregulatory activity (Duval et al 2017;zur Bruegge et al 2017). Some of these RNA molecules may interfere with the messenger and noncoding RNAs injected by the parasite, initiate epigenetic changes that counteract their activity, or even regulate the expression of the parasite's own genes.…”

The tRNA‐associated dysregulation in immune responses and immune diseases

“…[30][31][32] Of these, pathogen tRNAs perform a vital function 33,34 (Figure 2). In recent years, a variety of ncR-NAs have been reported to be involved in this physiological process.…”

“…In recent years, a variety of ncR-NAs have been reported to be involved in this physiological process. [30][31][32] Of these, pathogen tRNAs perform a vital function 33,34 (Figure 2).…”

Not lost in host translation: The new roles of long noncoding RNAs in infectious diseases

“…During the last years, RNA‐seq studies have provided evidence for the modulation of lncRNAs during bacterial pathogen challenge or stimulation with pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPS). The majorityof these studies focuses on the nuclear functions of the lncRNAs, that is, their ability to regulate the expression of neighbouring protein‐coding genes, with a particular interest for coding genes involved in the immune response (for review, Bruegge, Einspanier, & Sharbati, ). However, the cytoplasm is the residence and the site of action for many lncRNAs, and they have been attributed important functions such as competing with mRNAs for miRNA binding (referred to as competing endogenous RNA, ceRNA; Figure ).…”