Identification and characterization of host miRNAs that target the mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV) genome.

The intricate interplay between viruses and hosts involves microRNAs (miRNAs) to regulate gene expression by targeting cellular/viral messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV), the aetiological agent of breast cancer and leukaemia/lymphomas in mice, provides an ideal model to explore how viral and host miRNAs interact to modulate virus replication and tumorigenesis. We previously reported dysregulation of host miRNAs in MMTV-infected mammary glands and MMTV-induced tumours, suggesting a direct interaction between MMTV and miRNAs.

Transactivation of the novel 5' cis-acting element of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) by human retroviral transactivators Tat and Tax.

The mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) encodes a 5' element crucial for transcription of its genome along with the Rem/Rem-responsive element (RmRE) responsible for nuclear export of this unspliced RNA. Whether the 5' element is Rem-responsive or has any functional interaction with host/viral factors to facilitate MMTV gene expression was tested in this study. Our results reveal that the 5' element is non-responsive to Rem, but can be transactivated by both HIV Tat and HTLV-1 Tax activators.

The Host miR-17-92 Cluster Negatively Regulates Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus (MMTV) Replication Primarily Via Cluster Member miR-92a.

The mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is a well-known causative agent of breast cancer in mice. Previously, we have shown that MMTV dysregulates expression of the host miR-17-92 cluster in MMTV-infected mammary glands and MMTV-induced tumors. This cluster, better known as oncomiR-1, is frequently dysregulated in cancers, particularly breast cancer.

Identifying citrus limonoids as a potential fusion inhibitor of DENV-2 virus through its in silico study and FTIR analysis.

Unlabelled: Dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) is an arthropod-borne deadly RNA human pathogen transmitted through the mosquito Aedes. The DENV-2 roots viral infection by facilitating entry with its envelope glycoprotein to the receptor protein Dendritic-cell-specific ICAM3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) through membrane fusion. Here, an organizational path is reported for inhibiting the transition due to fusion activation and by blocking the residues of the DC-SIGN-E-Glyco protein complex through citrus limonoids with its antiviral effect.

Proteomic and phosphoproteomic characterisation of primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts.

Fibroblasts are the most common cell type in stroma and function in the support and repair of most tissues. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) are amenable to isolation and rapid growth in culture. MEFs are therefore widely used as a standard model for functional characterisation of gene knockouts, and can also be used in co-cultures, commonly to support embryonic stem cell cultures.