miRNAs post transcriptionally regulate gene expression by

miRNAs post-transcriptionally regulate gene Ramiprilat by cleaving mRNA or inhibiting translation of target gene transcripts. Vita analysis of HBV genome sequence suggested that miR-185-5p may not directly act on HBV mRNAs, which suggested that miR-185-5p might suppress HBV gene expression and replication by targeting HBV associated host factors. Subsequently, bioinformatics analysis and functional validation identified that host transcription factor ELK1 was a target of miR-185-5p. ELK1 was reported to be participated in some virus replication, maintenance of virus latency and virus-induced diseases [[13], [14], [15]]. Interestingly, Goto T et al. found that HBx activated the transcriptional ability of ELK1 during HBV and HDV coinfection or superinfection, and this activation may play important roles in virus-induced transformation and HCC pathogenesis [15]. In this study, we found that ELK1 can stimulate HBV preS1 promoter activities, which indicated its role in HBV replication. Further mechanistic analysis showed that the two ETS-binding sites within preS1 promoter are required for the action of ELK1 as mutation of the two binding sites abolished the stimulation effect of ELK1. However, ELK1 may also have an indirect effect on HBV gene expression and replication with its vital role in many pathways, which needs further investigation.
Conclusions
Conflict of interest