Molecular mechanism of circRNA hsa_circ_0000290 regulating Zika virus replication: a preliminary study

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of transfusion-transmitted Zika virus (ZIKV) on the expression of circular RNA (hsa_circ_0000290) and the role of hsa_circ_0000290 in ZIKV replication. Methods A549 or U251 cells were infected with ZIKV, and the total RNA were extracted continuously for 1-4 days. The relative expression level of hsa_circ_0000290 was detected by RT-qPCR; hsa_circ_0000290 was produced by transcription of PDHX (pyruvate dehydrogenase complex component X). After knocking down the expression of hsa_circ_0000290 by transfection with siRNA, the effect on ZIKV and PDHX expression was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The localization of hsa_circ_0000290 in cells was verified by cytoplasmic localization experiment. Results Compared with the control group, hsa_circ_0000290 was up-regulated in A549 and U251 cells after 1-4 days of ZIKV infection; hsa_circ_0000290 was mainly localized in the nucleus. Knockdown the expression level of hsa_circ_0000290 in cells can inhibit the replication of ZIKV RNA and the expression of ZIKV protein, and promote the expression of PDHX. Conclusion The expression level of hsa_circ_0000290 is significantly increased after ZIKV infection. Hsa_circ_0000290 is localized in the nucleus, and the specific knockdown of hsa_circ_0000290 expression level significantly inhibits ZIKV replication.

Keywords

• zika virus
• transfusion transmission
• circrnas
• hsa_circ_0000290
• virus replication