MicroRNAs in the interaction between host–bacterial pathogens: A new perspective

Abstract

Gene expression regulation plays a critical role in host–pathogen interactions, and RNAs function is essential in this process. miRNAs are small noncoding, endogenous RNA fragments that affect stability and/or translation of mRNAs, act as major posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. miRNA is involved in regulating many biological or pathological processes through targeting specific mRNAs, including development, differentiation, apoptosis, cell cycle, cytoskeleton organization, and autophagy. Deregulated microRNA expression is associated with many types of diseases, including cancers, immune disturbances, and infection. miRNAs are a vital section of the host immune response to bacterial‐made infection. Bacterial pathogens suppress host miRNA expression for their benefit, promoting survival, replication, and persistence. The role played through miRNAs in interaction with host–bacterial pathogen has been extensively studied in the past 10 years, and knowledge about these staggering molecules' function can clarify the complicated and ambiguous interactions of the host–bacterial pathogen. Here, we review how pathogens prevent the host miRNA expression. We briefly discuss emerging themes in this field, including their role as biomarkers in identifying bacterial infections, as part of the gut microbiota, on host miRNA expression.