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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Animal Disease Center » Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #342138
Research Project: Identification of Disease Mechanisms and Control Strategies for Viral Respiratory Pathogens of Ruminants

Location: Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research

Title: MicroRNA expression and implications for infectious diseases in livestock

Author
item Taxis, Tasia
item Casas, Eduardo

Submitted to: Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/22/2017
Publication Date: 10/12/2017
Citation: Taxis, T.M., Casas, E. 2017. MicroRNA expression and implications for infectious diseases in livestock. Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International. 12(26):1-20. https://doi.org/10.1079/PAVSNNR201712026.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1079/PAVSNNR201712026

Interpretive Summary: Animal diseases are a significant source of lost revenue in livestock production systems. Reduction and control of diseases has traditionally been done under two management programs: vaccination and use of antibiotics. However, reduced efficacy of vaccines and restrictions in the use of antibiotics in several countries has prompted the need to develop novel methodologies to identify disease exposure and potentially implement intervention strategies to control the various diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that have been proposed as biomarkers for disease in livestock. MiRNAs function by blocking protein translation, or through direct degradation of messenger RNA. As a result, miRNAs have been widely studied in humans, and their role in animal disease is now being assessed. This review encompasses a summary of miRNAs involved in relevant animal diseases. This includes miRNAs associated with diseases in cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry. The possibility and challenges of using these molecules as biomarkers in animal health is discussed.

Technical Abstract: Animal diseases are a significant source of lost revenue in livestock production systems. Reduction and control of diseases has traditionally been done under two management programs: vaccination and use of antibiotics. However, reduced efficacy of vaccines and restrictions in the use of antibiotics in several countries has prompted the need to develop novel methodologies to identify disease exposure and potentially implement intervention strategies to control the various diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that have been proposed as biomarkers for disease in livestock. MiRNAs function by blocking protein translation, or through direct degradation of messenger RNA. As a result, miRNAs have been widely studied in humans, and their role in animal disease is now being assessed. This review encompasses a summary of miRNAs involved in relevant animal diseases. This includes miRNAs associated with diseases in cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry. The possibility and challenges of using these molecules as biomarkers in animal health is discussed.