Exploring miRNAs as the key to understand symptoms induced by ZIKA virus infection through a collaborative database.

Abstract

In early 2015, a ZIKA Virus (ZIKV) infection outbreak was recognized in northeast Brazil, where concerns over its possible links with infant microcephaly have been discussed. Providing a definitive link between ZIKV infection and birth defects is still a big challenge. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), are small noncoding RNAs that regulating post-transcriptional gene expression by translational repression, and play important roles in viral pathogenesis and brain development. The potential for flavivirus-mediated miRNA signaling dysfunction in brain-tissue develop provides a compelling mechanism underlying perceived linked between ZIKV and microcephaly. Here, we provide novel evidences toward to understand the mechanism in which miRNAs can be linked to the congenital ZIKA syndrome symptoms. Moreover, following World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, we have assembled a database to help target mechanistic investigations of this possible relationship between ZIKV symptoms and miRNA mediated human gene expression, helping to foster potential targets for therapy.