Table 3. Potential functions of parasite miRNAs.
| miRNA | Species | Possible functionsa | Expressionb | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| let-7 |
S. japonicum |
Transition from miracidium to sporocyst? |
? |
59
,
60
|
| Bantamc |
Regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis/sex development or reproduction |
Cercaria, female |
59
,
60
|
|
| miR-7 |
Tissue development |
Cercaria |
60
|
|
| miR-36 |
Developmental transition |
Cercaria |
||
| miR-71 |
Sexual development |
Male |
||
| miR-nov-70d |
Sexual development/reproduction |
Female |
||
| let-7 |
B. xylophilus |
Regulation of worm activity |
Cold-stressed worm |
61
|
| miR-1 |
|
|||
| miR-nov-10d miR-29 miR-40 miR-72 |
|
Response to cold stress |
Downregulated in cold-stressed worm |
|
| miR-4 miR-49 miR-60 |
T. gondii |
Related to virulence? |
Lethal strain |
30
|
| miR-40 miR-56 |
|
Hypo-virulent strain |
||
| /e |
T. brucei |
Antigenic variation | ND |
69
|
| miR-2 | G. lamblia | 22 |
a None of miRNA functions was experimental validated;
b miRNA(s) are highly or exclusively expressed in tissues or strains listed, if not clearly stated;
c miR-nov-110 are highly homogenous to bantam and therefore the latter is listed here;
d Novel miRNAs;
e Many miRNAs are predicted to target VSG mRNA and therefore not listed here;
?, controversial or not clear; ND, not determined.