Comparative Characterization of MicroRNAs from the Liver Flukes Fasciola gigantica and F. hepatica

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053387
• Publication Date: 2012-12-31T22:19:57Z
• Authors: Min-Jun Xu; Lin Ai; Jing-Hua Fu; Alasdair J. Nisbet; Qing-You Liu; Mu-Xin Chen; Dong-Hui Zhou; Xing-Quan Zhu
• Keywords: Hepatica; Fasciola gigantica

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression at the post-transcription level. The present study specifically explored and compared miRNA profiles F. gigantica hepatica using an integrated sequencing bioinformatics platform quantitative real-time PCR. Nineteen 16 candidates were identified from hepatica, respectively. two parasites shared 11 miRNAs, with 8 also showing similarity to miRNAs Schistosoma japonicum. Another as gigantica-specific 5 hepatica-specific, most which novel. Predicted target analysis 11465 mRNA EST sequences revealed that all had more than one target, ranging 2 398 average 51 targets. Some functions predicted targets only found in gigantica, such "transcription regulator", while some others "reproduction" "response stimulus", indicating different metabolism regulation patterns parasites. represents first global comparative characterization has provided novel valuable resources for a better understanding zoonotic trematodes.