Non-coding RNAs Function as Immune Regulators in Teleost Fish.

Man Wang,Shuai Jiang,Peifeng Li,Wenguang Chang,Kun Wang,Wei Wu,Fei Yu

doi:10.3389/fimmu.2018.02801

Man Wang, Shuai Jiang + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2018.02801

Copy DOI

Abstract

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are functional RNA molecules that are transcribed from DNA but not translated into proteins. ncRNAs function as key regulators of gene expression and chromatin modification. Recently, the functional role of ncRNAs in teleost fish has been extensively studied. Teleost fish are a highly diverse group among the vertebrate lineage. Fish are also important in terms of aquatic ecosystem, food production and human life, being the source of animal proteins worldwide and models of biomedical research. However, teleost fish always suffer from the invasion of infectious pathogens including viruses and bacteria, which has resulted in a tremendous economic loss to the fishing industry worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that ncRNAs, especially miRNAs and lncRNAs, may serve as important regulators in cytokine and chemokine signaling, antigen presentation, complement and coagulation cascades, and T cell response in teleost fish. In this review, we summarize current knowledge and understanding of the roles of both miRNAs and lncRNAs in immune regulation in teleost fish. Molecular mechanism insights into the function of ncRNAs in fish immune response may contribute to the development of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of fish diseases.

Highlights

Teleosts represent the largest and most diverse group of vertebrates, with an estimated number of species exceeding 25,000 [1]
We focus on the functional roles of miRNAs and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) in the regulation of fish immune responses
Functional annotation indicated that most of differentially expressed miRNAs were associated with immune system development and immune response, such as hematopoietic or lymphoid organ development, B or T cell-mediated immunity, Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, complement and chemokine signaling pathway, and antigen processing and presentation. These results suggested that the differentially expressed miRNAs in M. amblycephala acted as important players in innate and adaptive immune responses against bacterial infection

Summary

Introduction

Teleosts represent the largest and most diverse group of vertebrates, with an estimated number of species exceeding 25,000 [1]. We focus on the functional roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the regulation of fish immune responses. If one miRNA is identified as differentially expressed in diverse teleost species infected with different viruses, this miRNA may serve as a vital modulator in fish immune system.

Results

Conclusion