Bioinformatic Evaluation of the miRNAs Targeting ACE۲ Gene in COVID-۱۹

Introduction: Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus ۲ (SARS-CoV-۲), which began in late ۲۰۱۹ in Wuhan, China, has become a global epidemic. Angiotensin ۲ converting enzyme (ACE۲) acts as a receptor for host function to cause acute coronavirus ۲ acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-۲). ACE۲ is abundantly expressed in different cells of different human organs. In human physiology, ACE۲ is a major player in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) system by degrading angiotensin II. Many factors have been associated with altered ACE۲ expression and the severity and progression of COVID-۱۹, including microRNAs that may be effective in it. Identifying pathological changes due to SARS-CoV-۲ infection is important because it has major implications for understanding the pathophysiology of COVID-۱۹ and developing evidence-based treatment strategies. Currently, many intervention strategies are being explored in ongoing clinical trials.Objective: The aim of this study is to use bioinformatics databases to find potential antiviral therapies against SARS-CoV-۲ through host microRNAs (miRNAs) that can reduce viral gene expression to inhibit virus entry and replication.Methods: Using different algorithms in TargetScan, DIANA, ENCORI and miRWalk databases, the potential microRNAs were identified that target ACE۲. Then, a score table was prepared from the candidate microRNAs, based on the affinity of the seed region of microRNAs and the ۳`-UTR region of the ACE۲ gene. Finally, microRNAs with higher scores were chosen as candidates for practical analysis.Results: The results of Bioinformatical analysis showed that Has-miR-۲۰۰c-۳p, Has-miR-۲۹a, Has-miR-۲۹c, and Has-miR-۹۴۲ are most likely to inhibit ACE۲. These microRNAs are the most potent factors that might be affected on ACE۲ during virulence.Conclusion: It seems that ACE۲ is under the control of the miR-۲۰۰c-۳p and plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology process. Therefore, this microRNA can be considered as a suitable new candidate for experimental evaluation.