Tandem array-based expression screens identify host mRNA targets of virus-encoded microRNAs.

ABSTRACT: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs of cellular and viral origin that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression through imperfect base pairing to their mRNA targets. Because the recognition sequences of miRNAs for their targets are short and may be discontinuous, bioinformatic prediction of targets is difficult. Here we present an approach to the experimental identification of the mRNA targets of miRNAs encoded by the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). KSHV encodes 17 miRNAs, derived from 12 pre-miRNAs expressed from a single locus during viral latency. We conducted multiple screens that examine small changes in transcript abundance under different conditions of miRNA expression or inhibition and then searched the identified transcripts for seed sequence matches.

SUBMITTER: Ziegelbauer JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2749995 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature