Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNA) regulate gene silencing and modify homeostatic status in animals faced with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)

Authors: FLEMING, DAMARIUS - Orise Fellow; Miller, Laura

Submitted to: International Society for Animal Genetics Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/16/2017
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: It has been established that reduced susceptibility to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has a genetic component. This genetic component may take the form of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNA), which are molecules that function as regulators of gene expression. Various sncRNAs have emerged as having an important role in the immune system in humans. Among them are microRNAs (miRNA) and transfer RNA-derived RNA fragments (tRFs). Establishing the difference in type and quantity of sncRNAs between healthy and PRRSV-infected pigs will produce information needed to understand how gene function in the pig can become dysregulated by PRRSV in conjunction with how the pig’s immune system responds to the virus. The objectives are to 1) identify differences in sncRNA expression in pigs, with emphasis on miRNA and tRF expression between healthy pigs and PRRSV challenged pigs; 2) establish if differences are due to changes in type and/or quality of sncRNA; and 3) establish if differences are associated with gene targets of observed sncRNAs. Transcriptomic analysis of whole blood samples from PRRSV experiments will be used to prepare sequencing libraries on a HiSeq 3000 (Illumina). Sequences will be mapped to the Sus scrofa genome and then to a database containing different annotated sncRNA features to determine their origin. The main expected result will be the identification of any changes in type (i.e. profile) and/or expression of sncRNA associated with PRRSV-infection in pigs.