Preliminary evaluation of circulating microRNAs as potential biomarkers in paracoccidioidomycosis

Autor(es)

Singulani, Junya De lacorte ; Da Silva, Julhiany De Fatima ; Gullo, Fernanda Patricia ; Costa, Marina Celia ; Fusco-Almeida, Ana Marisa ; Enguita, Francisco Javier ; Soares Mendes-Giannini, Maria Jose

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: BIOMEDICAL REPORTS; v. 6, n. 3, p. 353-357, MAR 2017.
• Citações Web of Science: 3

Resumo

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs (length, 19-24 nucleotides) that regulate gene expression by either mRNA degradation or translational inhibition of proteins. Circulating miRNAs, which are extremely stable and protected from RNAse-mediated degradation in body fluids, have appeared as candidate biomarkers for numerous diseases. However, little is known about circulating miRNAs in fungal infections. Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is caused by the Paracoccidioides species, and is endemic in Central and South America, with predominance in adult male workers from rural areas. The current study aimed to identify a serum miRNA expression profile that could serve as a novel diagnostic biomarker for PCM. Total RNA was isolated and the levels of circulating miRNAs were compared between patients with PCM and healthy control subjects using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatic analysis was used to evaluate the potential roles of these miRNAs in PCM. Eight miRNAs were differentially expressed in serum samples from patients with PCM. These miRNAs are associated with apoptosis and immune response. The identified miRNAs facilitate with understanding the regulatory mechanisms involved in the host-parasite interaction of PCM. Furthermore, considering that the diagnosis of PCM presents difficulties, these miRNAs may serve as novel biomarkers for this disease. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 14/10446-9 - Pesquisa de novas terapias e de biomarcadores na paracoccidioidomicose: estudo da atividade antifúngica de galatos de alquila em modelos alternativos e camundongos e identificação de microRNAs circulantes
• Beneficiário: Junya de Lacorte Singulani
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado