CHINESE JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY AND PARASITIC DISEASES ›› 2023, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (6): 749-755.doi: 10.12140/j.issn.1000-7423.2023.06.013

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Research progress on the regulation of miRNA in the infection of apicomplexan parasites

MA Yue(), ZHAO Baocai, ZHOU Jiali, HU Junhao, ZHAO Hongxi*()   

  1. College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
  • Received:2023-08-03 Revised:2023-10-26 Online:2023-12-30 Published:2023-12-22
  • Contact: * E-mail: zhaohongxi2006@163.com
  • Supported by:
    Natural Science Foundation of Ningxia(2023AAC02017)

Abstract:

miRNAs are abundant small non-coding single-stranded RNAs in animals, including humans, that play crucial roles in regulating cellular processes such as cell energy metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis, tumorigenesis, and viral invasion. Apicomplexan parasites are strictly intracellular parasitic protozoa that exhibit host specificity and infect a wide range of hosts. Recent research has revealed the significant regulatory roles of miRNAs during the infection process of apicomplexan parasites. miRNAs serve as novel biomarkers for monitoring the occurrence, development, diagnosis, and prognosis of parasitic diseases and act as novel regulators involved in the interplay between host cells and parasites. This interaction affects the normal physiological processes of host cells and consequently impacts the overall functionality of the organism. This review article summarizes the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs during apicomplexan parasite infections, aiming to provide valuable insights for exploring preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches against apicomplexan parasitic diseases.

Key words: Apicomplexan, Parasites, miRNA, Mechanism

CLC Number: