Expression analysis of miR-2005 and its target genes in Apostichopus japonicus by Vibrio splendidus challenged

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important effectors in mediating host-pathogen interaction. MiR-2005 is observed to be involved in immune response processes in Apostichopus japonicus. In the present study, the putative target genes of miR-2005 in A. japonicus coelomocytes were predicted by bioinformatics analysis of transcriptome database and PCR approaches. A total of 506 potential targets were screened, and 187 targets were annotated. Several immune-related target genes were identified in this study, such as SLI3, CFHR5, FGL, A2ML, and Rab9al. The expression patterns of miR-2005 and its potential targets were validated by quantitative real-time PCR in Vibrio splendidus challenged A. japonicus. For further characterization, an overexpression experiment of miR-2005 at cellular levels was applied. Accordingly, significant negative correlation expression profiles were detected between miR-2005 and two candidates targets, suggesting that SLI3 and CHRP5 showed high possibility to be the targets of miR-2005 in A. japonicus. Altogether, this study will enhance our understanding in the context of miR-2005 modulating the interaction of A. japonicus after being challenged by V. splendidus.