Cross-kingdom communications via small non-coding RNAs (2015-2017)
Abstract
Small non-coding RNAs play significant roles in various biological processes, including host-microorganism interactions. Recent evidence suggests that small RNAs can be exchanged between microorganisms and their hosts and regulate gene expression in the other organism. The endosymbiotic bacterium, Wolbachia, has attracted worldwide attention due to inhibiting replication of various vector-borne pathogens in mosquito vectors. This proposal will determine the role of small non-coding RNAs in mosquito-Wolbachia interactions, including Wolbachia microRNAs, concentrating on exchanged microRNAs between the two organisms and explore their effect on Wolbachia maintenance and its anti-viral property.
