Short Communication: Long Noncoding RNA GAS5 Inhibits HIV-1 Replication Through Interaction with miR-873.

HIV is the causative pathogen of AIDS, which has generated worldwide concern. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a rising star in virus-host cross-talk pathways; they are differentially expressed during many viral infections and are involved in multiple biological processes. Currently, lncRNA growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) is known to be downregulated during HIV-1 infection. However, the functions and mechanisms of GAS5 in HIV-1 infection remain largely unknown. In this report, it was found for the first time that GAS5 could inhibit HIV-1 replication. Interestingly, using bioinformatics analyses (with Genomica and starBase.v2.0), GAS5 was found to potentially interact with miR-873. It was further verified that GAS5 could suppress miR-873. Moreover, miR-873 could promote HIV-1 replication. Together, these results not only suggest that GAS5 may inhibit HIV-1 replication through interaction with miR-873 but the results may also provide novel biomarkers for antiviral drugs or potential targets for future therapeutics for HIV/AIDS.