Metabolism and function of virus-encoded miRNA; its application for diagnosis and drug delivery system

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K07600
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 49060:Virology-related
• Research Institution: National Institute of Infectious Diseases
• Principal Investigator: Katano Harutaka 国立感染症研究所, 感染病理部, 室長 (70321867)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: miRNA / ウイルス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Metabolism and function of virus-encoded miRNA was investigated in JC polyomavirus (JCV) and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8, Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus) infection. Highly expression of JCV-encoded miRNA was observed in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. In situ hybridization showed the localization of JCV-encoded miRNA in the pathological samples. Lentivirus vector expressing miRK3, a miRNA encoded by human herpesvirus 8, was established and next generation sequencer revealed profiles of human mRNA expression in lymphoma cells expressing miRK3.

Free Research Field

感染病理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

ウイルスmiRNAを進行性多巣性白質脳症の病理組織からin situ hybridizationで検出したのは世界初であり、意義深い。ウイルスmiRNA発現系の開発、機能解析、発現解析で得られた成果は、ウイルス疾患成立におけるmiRNAの役割の一端が解明されるとともに、miRNAのための新規drug delivery systemの開発に有用な知見である。