Evidence that Transcriptional Alterations in Sarcoptes scabiei Are under Tight Post-Transcriptional (microRNA) Control

Abstract

Here, we explored transcriptomic differences among early egg (Ee), late egg (Le) and adult female (Af) stages of the scabies mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, using an integrative bioinformatic approach. We recorded a high, negative correlation between miRNAs and genes with decreased mRNA transcription between the developmental stages, indicating substantial post-transcriptional repression; we also showed a positive correlation between miRNAs and genes with increased mRNA transcription, suggesting indirect post-transcriptional regulation. The alterations in mRNA transcription between the egg and adult female stages of S. scabiei were inferred to be linked to metabolism (including carbohydrate and lipid degradation, amino acid and energy metabolism), environmental information processing (e.g., signal transduction and signalling molecules), genetic information processing (e.g., transcription and translation) and/or organismal systems. Taken together, these results provide insight into the transcription of this socioeconomically important parasitic mite, with a particular focus on the egg stage. This work encourages further, detailed laboratory studies of miRNA regulation across all developmental stages of S. scabiei and might assist in discovering new intervention targets in the egg stage of S. scabiei.

Exploring the Possibility of RNA in Diverse Biological Processes

“…They also list six key sets of miRNAs, proposed to be essential regulators of differentiation and development, with potential roles in stress responses and environmental adaptation. These analyses can guide forthcoming laboratory examinations pertaining to the regulation of miRNAs (microRNAs) across all developmental phases of the scabies mite [ 7 ].…”

“…The Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences entitled “Exploring the Possibility of RNA in Diverse Biological Processes” contains original articles and two comprehensive reviews. These publications under this issue encompass various aspects of RNA biology including gene transcription [ 3 ], RNA processing [ 4 , 5 ], and post-transcriptional regulation [ 6 , 7 ], as well as the application of the state-of-art research strategies and technologies involved in RNA studies [ 8 ].…”