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Aim The global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has driven significant research into diagnostic methods, particularly the use of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential prognostic biomarkers. This study investigated the plasma expression levels of miR-200c-3p, miR-150, and miR-155 in both SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative subjects. Method We employed quantitative real-time PCR to quantify the plasma expression levels of miR-200c-3p, miR-150, and miR-155 in 94 SARS-CoV-2 positive and 94 SARS-CoV-2 negative individuals. The fold-change expression levels of the miRNAs were evaluated, and receiving operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to calculate sensitivity and specificity. Results miR-200c-3p and miR-155 were significantly elevated in SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects compared to the SARS-CoV-2 negative group. The expression level of miR-150 was reduced (p < 0.001). The highest AUC of 0.88 was associated with miR-200c-3p demonstrating a sensitivity of 90.4% and specificity of 69.1% (p < 0.001). Conclusion A significant alteration in the plasma expression levels of these miRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients was shown. These miRNAs could potentially serve as biomarkers for SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, it is important to note that our research is preliminary, and further research is necessary to explore the clinical applicability of these findings. Plain Language Summary This study looked at three miRNAs – small molecules with the potential to be used as an indicator of whether someone is infected with the SARS-CoV-2 - in individuals who tested positive and negative for the virus. Blood samples were taken from 94 people with COVID-19 and 94 without it. We found that levels of two miRNAs were higher in those with COVID-19, while another one was lower. We also found that miR-200c-3p was the best indicator of whether someone had COVID-19. Our research highlights the potential of specific blood miRNAs to be used as indicators of SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer, as one of the most serious public health problems, is the second-leading cause of death in the world after cardiovascular disease. The number of patients and the resulting mortality are increasing worldwide; therefore, early diagnosis, prevention, and effective treatment of cancer are very important. Current treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often non-selective and have side effects. The use of oncolytic viruses (viral therapy) is a new approach to treating cancer. One problem with viral therapy is the lack of selective replication for the virus in cancer cells, meaning that the virus replicates in normal cells. In recent years, various methods have been used to inhibit virus replication in healthy cells and to make selective replication in tumors. Correspondingly, MiRNA targeting is the newest method. The present review article describes the different aspects of making selectivity for replication of oncolytic viruses by the miRNA targeting mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ebola virus (EBOV) is a life-threatening and virulent pathogen that kills approximately 90 percent of infected individuals. Nowadays, microRNAs (miRNAs) have become a promising option for more efficient screening, diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy of numerous diseases such as cancer, stroke, Alzheimer's, and viral infections. Recent studies have revealed the role of EBOV and host-encoded miRNAs in Ebola virus disease (EVD), opening an avenue for developing novel drugs against EVD and diagnostic panels for EBOV infection. EBOV-encoded miRNAs such as miR-VP-3p and miR-1-5p and anti-EBOV host cell miRNAs such as has-miR-150-3p, has-miR-103b and has-miR-145-3p might be a possible diagnostic biomarker or druggable targets. This paper highlights the importance of viral and cellular miRNAs in EBOV infection and EVD., (© The Author(s).)