miRNA regulation of JAK/PI3K/AKT pathway in white spot syndrome virus-infected shrimp: A computational and expression analysis

Abstract

Background: White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) serve as a serious threat for shrimp aquaculture industry. Shrimp immune responses involve several pathways, including the JAK/STAT signaling cascade, which is vital for cellular communication and immune regulation. While this pathway is well-studied in vertebrates, its function and miRNA-mediated regulation in shrimp remains unclear.

Objective: To investigate expression of JAK/PI3K/AKT pathway genes and identify miRNAs regulating these genes during WSSV infection in Penaeus vannamei (P. vannamei).

Methods: Hemocytes from WSSV-infected P. vannamei were collected at 6, 24, and 48 hours post-infection (hpi). Expression of PvJAK, PvPI3K, PvAKT, PvmTOR, and PvDomeless were analyzed via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics tools were used to predict miRNAs targeting these genes for further validation.

Results: WSSV infection significantly upregulated JAK/PI3K/AKT pathway genes, indicating their role in the antiviral response. In silico analysis identified 20 miRNAs potentially targeting these genes, 14 for PvJAK, 9 for PvDomeless, and 2 each for PvAKT and PvPI3K. Expression analysis showed five PvJAK-targeting miRNAs (Pva-miR-18, Pva-miR-71, Pva-miR-101, Pva-miR-146-5b, and Pva-miR-1) were downregulated post-infection. In vitro analysis suggested PvJAK is a direct target of Pva-miR-18.

Conclusion: This study revealed that WSSV can regulate JAK/PI3K/AKT pathway during infection in P. vannamei. Among the miRNAs identified, Pva-miR-18 may regulate PvJAK expression. Cumulatively, we suggests the potential regulatory of JAK/PI3K/AKT pathway through miRNA.