MIR-29A-3P, MIR-29C-3P, MIR-146B-5P AND MIR-150-5P, Their Target Genes and lncrnas in HIV Infection: A Bioinformatic Study

Abstract

Introduction: Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as attractive targets in viral infections, including Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Objective: To deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that lead to HIV and provide potential targets for the future development of molecular therapies for its treatment. Methods: Four miRNAs were selected as candidates based on a previous systematic review. A combination of bioinformatic analyses was performed to identify their target genes, lncRNAs and biological processes that regulate them. Results: In the constructed miRNA–mRNA network, 193 gene targets are identified. These miRNAs potentially control genes from several important processes, including signal transduction and cancer. LncRNA-XIST, lncRNA-NEAT1 and lncRNA-HCG18 interact with all four miRNAs. Conclusions: This preliminary result forms the basis for improving reliability in future studies to fully understand the role these molecules and their interactions play in HIV.