Functional relevance of naturally occurring single nucleotide polymorphisms in bovine leukemia virus-encoded microRNAs.
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ABSTRACT: Background: Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) microRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to viral latency and immune evasion. Naturally occurring single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the BLV miRNA cluster have been associated with persistent lymphocytosis in cattle, yet their functional impact remains unclear. Aims: This study aims to (1) evaluate how SNPs in BLV miRNAs affect miRNA biogenesis and mature miRNA levels; (2) determine whether specific SNPs alter miRNA–mRNA interactions and identify affected targets; and (3) characterize transcriptomic changes induced by reference versus SNP-bearing miRNAs. Methods: BLV miRNA loci were PCR-amplified and sequenced from 53 blood samples of infected cattle. Both reference and SNP-containing precursors were cloned into expression vectors and co-transfected with an miRNA-deficient BLV clone into HEK293T cells. Mature miRNA levels were quantified via stem-loop RT-qPCR. Computational target prediction (miRanda) validated changes in mRNA targeting. Gene-expression effects were assessed using Agilent microarrays, with selected findings confirmed by RT-qPCR and subjected to pathway enrichment analysis (IPA). Significance: This work will elucidate how BLV miRNA polymorphisms modify miRNA maturation and target recognition, reshape host gene networks, and contribute to viral persistence and immune modulation.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE299212 | GEO | 2025/06/15
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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