MicroRNAs encoded by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus regulate viral life cycle
Journal
EMBO
Journal Volume
11
Journal Issue
10
Pages
784--790
Date Issued
2010-09
Author(s)
Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is linked with Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphomas. The pathogenesis of KSHV depends on the balance between two phases of the viral cycle: latency and lytic replication. In this study, we report that KSHV‐encoded microRNAs (miRNAs) function as regulators by maintaining viral latency and inhibiting viral lytic replication. MiRNAs are short, noncoding, small RNAs that post‐transcriptionally regulate the expression of messenger RNAs. Of the 12 viral miRNAs expressed in latent KSHV‐infected cells, we observed that expression of miR‐K3 can suppress both viral lytic replication and gene expression. Further experiments indicate that miR‐K3 can regulate viral latency by targeting nuclear factor I/B. Nuclear factor I/B can activate the promoter of the viral immediate‐early transactivator replication and transcription activator (RTA), and depletion of nuclear factor I/B by short hairpin RNAs had similar effects on the viral life cycle to those of miR‐K3. Our results suggest a role for KSHV miRNAs in regulating the viral life cycle.
SDGs
Type
journal article