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Virology Journal
Published in: Virology Journal 1/2020

Open Access 01-12-2020 | Human Cytomegalovirus | Review

MicroRNAs expressed by human cytomegalovirus

Authors: Lichen Zhang, Jiaqi Yu, Zhijun Liu

Published in: Virology Journal | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs about 22 nucleotides in length, which play an important role in gene regulation of both eukaryotes and viruses. They can promote RNA cleavage and repress translation via base-pairing with complementary sequences within mRNA molecules.

Main body

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) encodes a large number of miRNAs that regulate transcriptions of both host cells and themselves to favor viral infection and inhibit the host’s immune response. To date, ~ 26 mature HCMV miRNAs have been identified. Nevertheless, their roles in viral infection are ambiguous, and the mechanisms have not been fully revealed. Therefore, we discuss the methods used in HCMV miRNA research and summarize the important roles of HCMV miRNAs and their potential mechanisms in infection.

Conclusions

To study the miRNAs encoded by viruses and their roles in viral replication, expression, and infection will not only contribute to the planning of effective antiviral therapies, but also provide new molecular targets for the development of antiviral drugs.
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Metadata
Title
MicroRNAs expressed by human cytomegalovirus
Authors
Lichen Zhang
Jiaqi Yu
Zhijun Liu
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Virology Journal / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1743-422X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-020-1296-4

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