Open AccessThe Role of MicroRNAs in Parasitology
Author(s) -
Özlem Ulusan Bağcı,
Ayşe Caner
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
türkiye parazitoloji dergisi/türkiye parazitoloji dergisi
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.207
H-Index - 18
eISSN - 2146-3077
pISSN - 1300-6320
DOI - 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2020.6776
Subject(s) - parasitology , microrna , biology , computational biology , medicine , zoology , genetics , gene
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as epigenetic regulators, are small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression in eukaryotes at the post-transcriptional level to control biological functions. MicroRNAs play a role in development, physiology, infection, immunity and the complex life cycles of parasites. Also, parasite infection can alter host miRNA expression that might result in either parasite clearance or infection. Over the past 20 years, thousands of miRNAs have been identified in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and other parasites. Thus, miRNA pathways are potential targets for the diagnostic and therapeutic control of parasitic diseases. Here, we review the current status and potential functions of miRNAs related to protozoans, helminths, and arthropods.