Bioinformatics Analysis on MicroRNAs that Modulate Significant Host Response Genes as Potential Biomarkers in Cerebral Malaria Infection

Abstract

Introduction: Pathogenesis of severe malaria and cerebral malaria infection is a major problem that affects human body. Candidate genes related to the pathogenesis of malaria disease such as CD36, IFN-γ, TLR4, PRR15 may associate with host microRNA. The contribution of the malaria pathogenesis with host cytokine responses through the cerebral malaria infection may associate with significant miRNAs serving for biomarkers still remain unclear. Objectives: This study was focused on bioinformatics analysis of host target miRNAs response genes association with pathogenesis of malaria as a potential biomarker for development of severe malaria and cerebral malaria. Materials and methods: Two different bioinformatics tools including miRanda and Target Scan were used in the prediction of the host genes associated specifically with miRNA as potential biomarkers of malaria. Results: The prediction result using bioinformatics tools showed that miR-203a-3p.1, miR-146, miR-155-5p, miR-425-5p, miR-217, miR-153-3p, miR-455-3p.2, miR-223, miR-143-3p, miR-146-5p, miR- 216a-5p were able to regulate host genes during the development of severe malaria and cerebral malaria. Conclusion: The bioinformatics analysis of the host microRNA as potential biomarkers from selected gene CD36, TLR4, IFN-γ and PRR15 using bioinformatics tools designated that associated with definite miRNAs such as miR-146 and miR-155. The circulating microRNAs associated with panels of significant host genes should be further investigated.