Tmprss2 specific miRNAs as promising regulators for SARS-CoV-2 entry checkpoint

Graphical abstract

Highlights

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  Post transcriptional regulators miRNAs may be potential Biodrugs for coronaviruses.

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  Computer aided screening identified 3 miRNAs targeting Tmprss2 in CoV2 management.

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  hsa-miR-214, hsa-miR-98 and hsa-miR-32 recognized as potential binders in Tmprss2.

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  miRNA target validation for TMPRSS2 in Caco-2 promises molecular therapy for CoV2.

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  hsa-miR32 a novel potential therapeutics with maximum suppression of TMPRSS2 protein.

Abstract

Tmprss2 is an emerging molecular target which guides cellular infections of SARS-CoV-2, has been earmarked for interventions against the viral pathologies. The study aims to computationally screen and identifies potential miRNAs, following in vitro experimental validation of miRNA-mediated suppression of Tmprss2 for early prevention of COVID-19. Pool of 163 miRNAs, scrutinized for Tmprss2 binding with three miRNA prediction algorithms, ensued 11 common miRNAs. Further, computational negative energies for association, corroborated miRNA-Tmprss2 interactions, whereas three miRNAs (hsa-miR-214, hsa-miR-98 and hsa-miR-32) based on probability scores ≥0.8 and accessibility to Tmprss2 target have been selected in the Sfold tool. Transfection of miRNA(s) in the Caco-2 cells, quantitatively estimated differential expression, confirming silencing of Tmprss2 with maximum gene suppression by hsa-miR-32 employing novel promising role in CoV-2 pathogenesis. The exalted binding of miRNAs to Tmprss2 and suppression of later advocates their utility as molecular tools for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 viral transmission and replication in humans.