Virologie & Mycologie
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Regulation of Cellular MicroRNA Expression in Oligodendrocytes during Acute and Persistent Coronavirus Infection

Xuming Zhang, Yin Liu and Jianzhong Cao

Genome-wide microRNA expression was profiled in oligodendrocytes during acute and persistent infection with
murine coronavirus. A total of 113 microRNAs were specifically expressed in oligodendrocytes, among which 10
microRNAs [miR-23a, miR-26a, miR-30b/c/d,miR-192, miR-665, miR-709, and Let-7b/d] were significantly upregulated
while 16 microRNAs [miR-129-5p, miR-210, miR-214, miR-297, miR-297b, miR-300, miR-370, miR-466,
miR-467b, miR-468, miR-669a/b, miR-672, miR-706, miR-760, and miR-801] were significantly down-regulated
during infection. The biological significance of microRNA expression was further assessed for their effects on target
gene expression and viral replication. Results showed that transfection of synthetic miR-214, miR-129-5p, and
Let-7b specifically reduced target myelin-associated gene expression and inhibited viral replication. Importantly,
there was an inverse correlation between expression of microRNAs and the level of their target genes in virusinfected
cells. These results thus suggest a potential role for microRNAs in regulation of cellular gene expression in
coronavirus-infected oligodendrocytes.