Non-coding RNAs Function as Immune Regulators in Teleost Fish

Abstract

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are functional RNA molecules that are transcribed from DNA but not translated into proteins. ncRNAs function as key regulators of gene expression and chromatin modification. Recently, the functional role of ncRNAs in teleost fish has been extensively studied. Teleost fish are a highly diverse group among the vertebrate lineage. Fish are also important in terms of aquatic ecosystem, food production and human life, being the source of animal proteins worldwide and models of biomedical research. However, teleost fish always suffer from the invasion of infectious pathogens including viruses and bacteria, which has resulted in a tremendous economic loss to the fishing industry worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that ncRNAs, especially miRNAs and lncRNAs, may serve as important regulators in cytokine and chemokine signaling, antigen presentation, complement and coagulation cascades, and T cell response in teleost fish. In this review, we summarize current knowledge and understanding of the roles of both miRNAs and lncRNAs in immune regulation in teleost fish. Molecular mechanism insights into the function of ncRNAs in fish immune response may contribute to the development of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of fish diseases.

Potential Involvement of lncRNAs in the Modulation of the Transcriptome Response to Nodavirus Challenge in European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)

“…In fish, although functional studies remain highly limited, several publications reported the modulation of lncRNAs after different stimuli and/or conditions with a special focus on the immune system [19]. Because lncRNAs can alter the expression of their adjacent genes, the functionality of those lncRNAs identified in fish is usually predicted based on the function of their neighbouring protein-coding genes [22].…”

miRNAs Predicted to Regulate Host Anti-viral Gene Pathways in IPNV-Challenged Atlantic Salmon Fry Are Affected by Viral Load, and Associated With the Major IPN Resistance QTL Genotypes in Late Infection

“…Moreover, some conserved miRNAs (e.g. miRNAs from families 21, 146, 181, 462, and 731) have shown similar responses to viral challenge in many different teleosts (13,62). This further indicates that they contribute to the regulation of common immune and anti-viral response genes.…”

“…This further indicates that they contribute to the regulation of common immune and anti-viral response genes. However, the particular response and magnitude of change in different teleost fish could depend, and be manipulated by, the pathogen (13,62,63).…”

Targeted mutagenesis of Δ5 and Δ6 fatty acyl desaturases induce multiplex-mutagenesis and lipogenesis in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

“…The DEGs were likely more enriched in mRNA regulation pathways, including mRNA surveillance and spliceosome pathways. One possible explanation could be the mutation of ncRNA which has function on transcription regulation or immune system [39]. Nevertheless, the reason for the high number of DEGs in Δ6bc Mt salmon and their enriched pathways needs to be further investigated.…”