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. 2021 Dec;28(12):7499-7504.
doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.08.056. Epub 2021 Aug 23.

In silico identification of MicroRNAs targeting the key nucleator of stress granules, G3BP: Promising therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 infection

Bjad K Almutairy  1 , Abdullah Alshetaili  1 , Md Khalid Anwer  1 , Nemat Ali  2
Affiliations

In silico identification of MicroRNAs targeting the key nucleator of stress granules, G3BP: Promising therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 infection

Bjad K Almutairy et al. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2021 Dec.

Abstract

Stress granules (SGs) are non-membrane ribonucleoprotein condensates formed in response to environmental stress conditions via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). SGs are involved in the pathogenesis of aging and aging-associated diseases, cancers, viral infection, and several other diseases. GTPase-activating protein (SH3 domain)-binding protein 1 and 2 (G3BP1/2) is a key component and commonly used marker of SGs. Recent studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein via sequestration of G3BPs inhibits SGs formation in the host cells. In this study, we have identified putative miRNAs targeting G3BP in search of modulators of the G3BP expression. These miRNAs could be considered as new therapeutic targets against COVID-19 infection via the regulation of SG assembly and dynamics.

Keywords: COVID-19; G3BP; Nucleocapsid; SARS-CoV-2; Stress granule; microRNA.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
G3BP-miRNA interactome. Common 34 miRNAs interacting with both G3BP1 and G3BP2 genes.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Functional enrichment of the common miRNAs. Gene ontology analysis for biological and molecular functions along with KEGG pathways related to miRNAs interacting with G3BP.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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