Host microRNA Target Prediction in SARS-CoV-2 and Hepatitis E Virus Genomes: Insights from RNAhybrid Analysis

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression that can influence viral replication and pathogenesis by binding to viral RNA genomes. This study uses RNAhybrid to predict binding sites of three abundant human miRNAs--hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-21-5p, and hsa-let-7a-5p--within the genomes of SARS-CoV-2 (Bangladesh isolate OM967280.1) and Hepatitis E Virus genotype 1 (NC_001434.1). Our results show stable hybridization events with minimum free energy (mfe) values ranging from -23.8 to -28.1 kcal/mol, indicating strong potential interactions. These findings suggest that host miRNAs may modulate viral RNA stability or translation, impacting viral pathogenesis. Further experimental validation is necessary to confirm these regulatory relationships and explore their therapeutic potential.