A circRNA therapy based on Rnf103 to inhibit Vibrio anguillarum infection

Weiwei Zheng; Xing Lv; Yaqi Tao; Yanqiu Cui; Xiangxiang Zhu; Tongtong Zhu; Tianjun Xu

Cell Reports (Nov 2023)

A circRNA therapy based on Rnf103 to inhibit Vibrio anguillarum infection

Weiwei Zheng,
Xing Lv,
Yaqi Tao,
Yanqiu Cui,
Xiangxiang Zhu,
Tongtong Zhu,
Tianjun Xu

Affiliations

Weiwei Zheng: Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
Xing Lv: Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
Yaqi Tao: Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
Yanqiu Cui: Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
Xiangxiang Zhu: Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
Tongtong Zhu: Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
Tianjun Xu: Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Laboratory of Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China; Corresponding author

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 42, no. 11
p. 113314

Abstract

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Summary: The losses caused by Vibrio infections in the aquaculture industry are challenging to quantify. In the face of antibiotic resistance, a natural and environmentally friendly alternative is urgently needed. In this study, we identify E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase RNF103 (rnf103) as a crucial target involved in immune evasion by Vibrio anguillarum. Our research demonstrates that Rnf103 promotes immune escape by inhibiting Traf6. Interestingly, we discover a circular RNA (circRNA), circRnf103, formed by reverse splicing of the Rnf103 gene. Predictive analysis and experimentation reveal that circRnf103 encodes Rnf103-177aa, a protein that competes with Rnf103 and binds to Traf6, preventing its degradation. Notably, circRnf103 therapy induces Rnf103-177aa protein production in zebrafish. In zebrafish models, circRnf103 exhibits significant effectiveness in treating V. anguillarum infections, reducing organ burden. These findings highlight the potential of circRNA therapy as a natural and innovative approach to combat infectious diseases sustainably, particularly in aquaculture and environmental management.

Published in Cell Reports

ISSN: 2211-1247 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Science: Biology (General)
Website: http://www.cell.com/cell-reports/home

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