MicroRNAs (miRNAs), non-protein-coding ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules act as post-transcriptional regulators via binding to the 3’ untranslated regions (3’-UTRs) of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). They have negative regulation of gene expression, particularly by degrading target mRNA or inhibiting the translation of protein. Thousands of them have been well characterized in cell growth signaling pathway, differentiation, apoptosis, pathogen-host interactions, stress responses and immune function. Over 700,000 people die each year due to infectious diseases worldwide. Among these, 17% and 61% are attributed to vector borne and zoonotic transmissions. Understanding vectors, microbes and mammalian hosts interaction is crucial for drug development and therapeutic application. Therefore, this research topic is intended to collect original updates on the role of miRNA during pathogen transmission, host colonization and disease pathogenesis due to their efficient role in cell to cell communication in wide array of infectious diseases.This research topic focuses on studies that investigate and discuss:• Current up-to-date classification of miRNAs as well as their general mechanisms of action in infectious diseases.• Current understanding of miRNAs biogenesis in the context of infectious diseases.• Specific examples of how miRNA influence infections, and how this knowledge may steer future research.• Role of miRNA as specific models and related general concepts of microbial invasion, pathogenesis, host immunity and immune evasion.• miRNAs as a molecular biomarker in infectious diseases• Novel therapeutic gene-regulatory function of miRNA in infectious diseases
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), non-protein-coding ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules act as post-transcriptional regulators via binding to the 3’ untranslated regions (3’-UTRs) of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). They have negative regulation of gene expression, particularly by degrading target mRNA or inhibiting the translation of protein. Thousands of them have been well characterized in cell growth signaling pathway, differentiation, apoptosis, pathogen-host interactions, stress responses and immune function. Over 700,000 people die each year due to infectious diseases worldwide. Among these, 17% and 61% are attributed to vector borne and zoonotic transmissions. Understanding vectors, microbes and mammalian hosts interaction is crucial for drug development and therapeutic application. Therefore, this research topic is intended to collect original updates on the role of miRNA during pathogen transmission, host colonization and disease pathogenesis due to their efficient role in cell to cell communication in wide array of infectious diseases.This research topic focuses on studies that investigate and discuss:• Current up-to-date classification of miRNAs as well as their general mechanisms of action in infectious diseases.• Current understanding of miRNAs biogenesis in the context of infectious diseases.• Specific examples of how miRNA influence infections, and how this knowledge may steer future research.• Role of miRNA as specific models and related general concepts of microbial invasion, pathogenesis, host immunity and immune evasion.• miRNAs as a molecular biomarker in infectious diseases• Novel therapeutic gene-regulatory function of miRNA in infectious diseases