Long-term expression of miRNA for RNA interference using a novel vector system based on a negative-strand RNA virus

Sci Rep. 2016 May 18:6:26154. doi: 10.1038/srep26154.

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a promising technique for gene therapy. However, the safe and long-term expression of small RNA molecules is a major concern for the application of RNAi therapies in vivo. Borna disease virus (BDV), a non-segmented, negative-strand RNA virus, establishes a persistent infection without obvious cytopathic effects. Unique among animal non-retroviral RNA viruses, BDV persistently establishes a long-lasting persistent infection in the nucleus. These features make BDV ideal for RNA virus vector persistently expressing small RNAs. Here, we demonstrated that the recombinant BDV (rBDV) containing the miR-155 precursor, rBDV-miR-155, persistently expressed miR-155 and efficiently silenced its target gene. The stem region of the miR-155 precursor in rBDV-miR-155 was replaceable by any miRNA sequences of interest and that such rBDVs efficiently silence the expression of target genes. Collectively, BDV vector would be a novel RNA virus vector enabling the long-term expression of miRNAs for RNAi therapies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Borna disease virus / genetics*
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Gene Expression*
  • Genetic Therapy / methods
  • Genetic Vectors*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / biosynthesis*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • Molecular Biology / methods*
  • RNA Interference*
  • Vero Cells

Substances

  • MIRN155 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs