Identification and characterization analysis of the HCV-related microRNA using a deep sequencing approach. Homo sapiens

In this study, Solexa deep sequencing technology was used for high-throughput analysis of miRNAs in a small RNA library isolated from serum sample of HCV-related fibrosis and control healthy. In total, 41 miRNAs were dysregulated (30 upregulated and 11 downregulated) in the patients with chronic HCV infection compared with the healthy controls. Furthermore, miRNA features including length distribution and end variations were characterized. Annotation of targets revealed a broad range of biological processes and signal transduction pathways regulated by HCV-induced fibrosis miRNAs. In addition, miRNAs of HCV-related fibrosis and control healthy were confirmed using miRNA microarray analysis. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis of miRNA in the chronic HCV infection patients and control healthy groups showed good concordance between the sequencing and qPCR data. This study provides the first large-scale identification and characterization of HCV-related fibrosis miRNAs and their potential targets, and represents a foundation for further characterization of their roles in the regulation of the diversity of HCV-related fibrosis. Overall design: Aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression plays a pivotal role in the development of liver fibrosis. However, the functional roles of miRNAs in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver fibrosis remain largely unknown. In this study, we systematically analyzed the serum miRNAs of patients with HCV-induced hepatic fibrosis with a microarray.