The effects of nested miRNAs and their host genes on immune defense against Bacillus thuringiensis infection in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Abstract

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA-molecules that influence translation by binding to the target gene mRNA. Many miRNAs are found in nested arrangements within larger protein-coding host genes. miRNAs and host genes in a nested arrangement are often transcribed simultaneously, which may indicate that both have similar functions. miRNAs have been implicated in regulating defense responses against pathogen infection in C. elegans and in mammals. Here, we asked if miRNAs in nested arrangements and their host genes are involved in the C. elegans response against infection with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). We performed miRNA sequencing and subsequently focused on four nested miRNA-host gene arrangements for a functional genetic analysis. We identified mir-58.1 and mir-2 as negative regulators of C. elegans resistance to Bt infection. However, we did not find any miRNA/host gene pair in which both contribute to defense against Bt.

• Authors: Alejandra Zárate-Potes, Wentao Yang, Bentje Andresen, Rania Nakad, Daniela Haase, Philip Rosenstiel, Katja Dierking, Hinrich Schulenburg
• Journal: Developmental and comparative immunology (Dev Comp Immunol) Vol. 123 Pg. 104144 (10 2021) ISSN: 1879-0089 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 34051205 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
• MIRN58 microRNA, C elegans
• MicroRNAs

Topics

• Animals
• Bacillus thuringiensis (physiology)
• Caenorhabditis elegans (immunology)
• Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins (genetics)
• Disease Resistance
• Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections (immunology)
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Immunity, Innate
• MicroRNAs (genetics)
• Sequence Analysis, RNA