Roles of host and viral microRNAs in human cytomegalovirus biology

• Published in: Virus research Vol. 157; no. 2; pp. 180 - 192
• Main Authors: Dhuruvasan, Kavitha, Sivasubramanian, Geetha, Pellett, Philip E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.05.2011
• Subjects: biogenesis; biology; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus - genetics; Cytomegalovirus - metabolism; Cytomegalovirus Infections - genetics; Cytomegalovirus Infections - metabolism; Gene Expression Regulation; genes; Genome, Viral; genomes; Herpesvirus; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Human betaherpesvirus 5; Human cytomegalovirus; Human herpesvirus 5; Humans; immunomodulators; infection; Mammalian target of rapamycin; mechanism of action; MicroRNA; MicroRNAs - metabolism; plants (botany); Virus Latency; virus replication; viruses; Cytomegalovirus; MicroRNA; Human herpesvirus 5; Mammalian target of rapamycin; Herpesvirus; Human cytomegalovirus
• ISSN: 0168-1702; 1872-7492; 1872-7492
• DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2010.10.011

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has a relatively large and complex genome, a protracted lytic replication cycle, and employs a strategy of replicational latency as part of its lifelong persistence in the infected host. An important form of gene regulation in plants and animals revolves around a type of small RNA known as microRNA (miRNA). miRNAs can serve as major regulators of key developmental pathways, as well as provide subtle forms of regulatory control. The human genome encodes over 900 miRNAs, and miRNAs are also encoded by some viruses, including HCMV, which encodes at least 14 miRNAs. Some of the HCMV miRNAs are known to target both viral and cellular genes, including important immunomodulators. In addition to expressing their own miRNAs, infections with some viruses, including HCMV, can result in changes in the expression of cellular miRNAs that benefit virus replication. In this review, we summarize the connections between miRNAs and HCMV biology. We describe the nature of miRNA genes, miRNA biogenesis and modes of action, methods for studying miRNAs, HCMV-encoded miRNAs, effects of HCMV infection on cellular miRNA expression, roles of miRNAs in HCMV biology, and possible HCMV-related diagnostic and therapeutic applications of miRNAs.