Abstract
Mosquitoes are incriminated as vectors for many crippling diseases, including malaria, West Nile fever, Dengue fever, and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). microRNAs (miRNAs) can interact with multiple target genes to elicit biological functions in the mosquitoes. However, characterization and function of individual miRNAs and their potential targets have not been fully determined to date. We conducted a systematic review of published literature following PRISMA guidelines. We summarize the information about miRNAs in mosquitoes to better understand their metabolism, development, and responses to microorganisms. Depending on the study, we found that miRNAs were dysregulated in a species-, sex-, stage-, and tissue/organ-specific manner. Aberrant miRNA expressions were observed in development, metabolism, host-pathogen interactions, and insecticide resistance. Of note, many miRNAs were down-regulated upon pathogen infection. The experimental studies have expanded the identification of miRNA target from the 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of mRNAs of mosquitoes to the 5′ UTRs of mRNAs of the virus. In addition, we discuss current trends in mosquito miRNA research and offer suggestions for future studies.
Highlights
MiRNAs, which are ~22 nt long non-coding RNAs derived from larger hairpin RNA precursors, are involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of target genes in many physiological and pathological processes; they are of interest as therapeutic targets for treating various diseases [1]
Millions of human infections are caused by mosquito-borne diseases, so understanding the molecular and genetic mechanisms that determine variability in transmission efficiency and insect susceptibility may assist with novel vector control strategies
Introduction miRNAs, which are ~22 nt long non-coding RNAs derived from larger hairpin RNA precursors, are involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of target genes in many physiological and pathological processes; they are of interest as therapeutic targets for treating various diseases [1]
Summary
MiRNAs, which are ~22 nt long non-coding RNAs derived from larger hairpin RNA precursors, are involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of target genes in many physiological and pathological processes; they are of interest as therapeutic targets for treating various diseases [1]. In Drosophila, miRNAs control developmental processes, and once they are activated, more than 50 target genes can be regulated temporally and spatially [2]. MiRNAs may control the activity of ~30% of all protein-coding genes and participate in the regulation of most cellular processes [3]. We must understand the molecular mechanisms underlying vector biology and host-pathogen interactions to develop novel vector control strategies to reduce disease. The genome sequences of several important vector mosquitoes have enabled studies of the molecular basis of mosquito feeding, immune function, and development. Big data platforms generated from studies of the mosquito genome, transcriptome, and proteome would add in the understanding of vector biology and host-pathogen interactions [13,14,15,16]
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