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Review
. 2017 Aug;25(8):648-661.
doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2017.02.002. Epub 2017 Mar 2.

KSHV microRNAs: Tricks of the Devil

Jie Qin  1 , Wan Li  1 , Shou-Jiang Gao  2 , Chun Lu  3
Affiliations
Review

KSHV microRNAs: Tricks of the Devil

Jie Qin et al. Trends Microbiol. 2017 Aug.

Abstract

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), a vascular tumor frequently found in immunodeficient individuals. KSHV encodes 12 pre-microRNAs (pre-miRNAs), which are processed into 25 mature microRNAs (miRNAs). KSHV miRNAs maintain KSHV latency, enhance angiogenesis and dissemination of the infected cells, and interfere with the host immune system by regulating viral and cellular gene expression, ultimately contributing to KS development. In this review, we briefly introduce the biogenesis of miRNAs and then describe the recent advances in defining the roles and mechanisms of action of KSHV miRNAs in KS development.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; KSHV microRNA; Tumor dissemination; Viral latency.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Biogenesis of miRNA and Mechanism of Function.
Pri-miRNAs are products of polymerase II (Poly II), and are usually kilobases long. Pri-miRNAs are further processed into much smaller RNAs by Drosha and transported into the cytoplasm by Exportin 5 (EXP5). In the cytoplasm, pre-miRNAs are selectively cleaved by Dicer and processed by RISC. The functions of mature miRNAs are executed by the RNA-induced silencing complex, or RISC.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. Map of the Relative Positions of Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) miRNAs and Viral Latent Genes in the KSHV Genome.
KSHV miRNAs are located in the latent cluster of the KSHV genome. Most of the KSHV miRNAs are clustered together while miR-K12 and −K10 lie in the 3ʹUTR and ORF of kaposin, respectively.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
KSHV contributes to KS development in multiple ways. In this diagram, we show the functions of KSHV miRNAs in KSHV infectivity, immune response, and tumor angiogenesis and dissemination. KSHV lytic replication is regulated by multiple KSHV miRNAs. miRNAs are encapsidated in the virions, which can be released into newly infected cells. miRNAs also regulate the expression of multiple cytokines, contributing to immune escape, cell proliferation, and tumor angiogenesis and dissemination.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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