Viral Infection-Induced Differential Expression of LncRNAs Associated with Collagen in Mouse Placentas and Amniotic Sacs.

PROBLEM: We have previously determined that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are differentially expressed in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and hypothesized that the collagenolysis ubiquitin-proteasome system may be activated by infection and inflammation. However, direct evidence of the involvement of lncRNAs in transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of the infection-triggered alteration of collagen is lacking.

METHOD OF STUDY: A previously developed mouse model with MHV68 viral infection was assessed to determine whether viral infection may induce differential expression of lncRNAs in mouse placentas and amniotic sacs.

RESULTS

Differential expression of lncRNAs that are associated with collagen was found in HMV68 viral-infected, compared to non-infected, mouse placentas and amniotic sacs. Differential expression of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of collagen was also documented.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that viral infection may induce the differential expression of lncRNAs that are associated with collagen. Based on this finding, we propose that lncRNA may have involved in regulating of infection-induced collagen transcription.