Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JT, UK.
Cell Mol Life Sci. 2013 Oct;70(19):3525-44. doi: 10.1007/s00018-012-1257-1. Epub 2013 Jan 26.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a ubiquitous component of gene regulatory networks that modulate the precise amounts of proteins expressed in a cell. Despite their small size, miRNA genes contain various recognition elements that enable specificity in when, where and to what extent they are expressed. The importance of precise control of miRNA expression is underscored by functional studies in model organisms and by the association between miRNA mis-expression and disease. In the last decade, identification of the pathways by which miRNAs are produced, matured and turned-over has revealed many aspects of their biogenesis that are subject to regulation. Studies in viral systems have revealed a range of mechanisms by which viruses target these pathways through viral proteins or non-coding RNAs in order to regulate cellular gene expression. In parallel, a field of study has evolved around the activation and suppression of antiviral RNA interference (RNAi) by viruses. Virus encoded suppressors of RNAi can impact miRNA biogenesis in cases where miRNA and small interfering RNA pathways converge. Here we review the literature on the mechanisms by which miRNA biogenesis and turnover are regulated in animals and the diverse strategies that viruses use to subvert or inhibit these processes.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) 是基因调控网络中的普遍组成部分，可调节细胞中表达的蛋白质的精确数量。尽管 miRNA 基因很小，但它们包含各种识别元件，使它们在何时、何地以及在何种程度上表达具有特异性。在模式生物中的功能研究以及 miRNA 表达异常与疾病之间的关联，突显了 miRNA 表达精确调控的重要性。在过去的十年中，miRNA 产生、成熟和周转的途径的鉴定揭示了它们生物发生的许多受调控的方面。病毒系统的研究揭示了一系列机制，病毒通过病毒蛋白或非编码 RNA 靶向这些途径，以调节细胞基因表达。与此同时，一个围绕病毒激活和抑制抗病毒 RNA 干扰 (RNAi) 的研究领域也在发展。在 miRNA 和小干扰 RNA 途径交汇的情况下，病毒编码的 RNAi 抑制剂可以影响 miRNA 的生物发生。在这里，我们综述了关于动物中 miRNA 生物发生和周转调控的机制的文献，以及病毒用来颠覆或抑制这些过程的各种策略。
