Differential expression of the miR-200 family microRNAs in epithelial and B cells and regulation of Epstein-Barr virus reactivation by the miR-200 family member miR-429

J Virol. 2010 Aug;84(15):7892-7. doi: 10.1128/JVI.00379-10. Epub 2010 May 19.

Abstract

The miR-200 microRNA family is important for maintaining the epithelial phenotype, partially through suppressing ZEB1 and ZEB2. Since ZEB1 inhibits Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, we hypothesized that expression of miR-200 family members in epithelial cells may partly account for higher levels of EBV reactivation in this tissue (relative to nonplasma B cells). Here we show that, whereas miR-200 family members are expressed in epithelial cells, their expression is low in latently infected B cells. Furthermore, the miR-200 family member miR-429 shows elevated expression in plasma cell lines and is induced by B-cell-receptor activation in Akata cells. Lastly, expression of miR-429 can break latency.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes / virology*
  • Epithelial Cells / virology*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / physiology*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / biosynthesis*
  • Virus Activation*

Substances

  • MIRN200 microRNA, human
  • MIRN429 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs