Impact of Zika Virus Infection on Human Neural Stem Cell MicroRNA Signatures [miRNA-Seq]

We used next generation sequencing to analyze the effects of Zika virus (ZIKV) strains Uganda and French Polynesia on intracellular and extracellular vesicle (EV) derived miRNA profiles of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human neural stem cells (long-term self-renewing neuroepithelial-like stem (lt-NES®) cells) - particularly to identify dysregulated miRNAs which are associated with the microcephaly phenotype. MiRNAs, which were derived from EVs and intracellular miRNAs of Zika virus-infected lt-NES® cells were analyzed 24, 48 and 72 hours post infection. At the same timepoints intracellular and EV-associated miRNA profiles of uninfected lt-NES® cells were analyzed. 3 biological replicates were used.