Development of miRNA-Based Approaches to Explore the Interruption of Mosquito-Borne Disease Transmission

Abstract

MicroRNA (miRNA or miR)-based approaches to interrupt the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases have been explored since 2005. A review of these studies and areas in which to proceed is needed. In this review, significant progress is reviewed at the level of individual miRNAs, and miRNA diversification and relevant confounders are described in detail. Current miRNA studies in mosquitoes include four steps, namely, identifying miRNAs, validating miRNA-pathogen interactions, exploring action mechanisms, and performing preapplication investigations. Notably, regarding the Plasmodium parasite, mosquito miRNAs generally bind to mosquito immunity- or development-related mRNAs, indirectly regulating Plasmodium infection; However, regarding arboviruses, mosquito miRNAs can bind to the viral genome, directly modifying viral replication. Thus, during explorations of miRNA-based approaches, researchers need select an ideal miRNA for investigation based on the mosquito species, tissue, and mosquito-borne pathogen of interest. Additionally, strategies for miRNA-based approaches differ for arboviruses and protozoan parasites.

Amentoflavone inhibits colorectal cancer epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the miR-16-5p/HMGA2/β-catenin pathway

“…However, the anticancer effect and the mechanism of action of amentoflavone in CRC are unknown. In this study, we demonstrated the anti-CRC cell migration, invasion, and EMT effect of amentoflavone and the role of increased miR-16-5p expression on amentoflavone-induced inhibition (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15). However, the function of miR-16-5p in the progression of CRC remains unknown.…”

“…MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a large class of small noncoding RNAs (14). The miR-16 family comprises six mature miRNAs (miR15a/b, miR-16-5p, miR-195, miR-424, and miR-497) widely explored in various cancers and considered tumor suppressors that inhibit tumor progression (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20).…”

Burmese pythons in Florida: A synthesis of biology, impacts, and management tools

“…Alternatively, non-replicating species-specific RNA interference (RNAi) technologies disrupt physiological functions in a target organism to reduce reproductive output or cause death through ingestion or topical application to a target organism (e.g., Xu et al 2021). A critical component and benefit of the technology is that the RNAi compound can be developed and validated to be species-specific, ensuring other species are not harmed (e.g., only functional in Burmese pythons).…”

One microRNA has the potential to target whole viral mRNAs in a given human coronavirus

“…It is obvious that viral mRNAs retain target sites for miRNAs ( Skalsky and Cullen, 2010 ), and that miRNAs can achieve the regulatory roles by targeting host mRNAs and/or viral mRNAs. The regulatory roles played by miRNAs include inhibiting or promoting viral replication and certain other pathobiology related effects ( Xu et al, 2021 ).…”