ABSTRACT
Objective To screen and identify mRNAs targeted by human cytomegalovirus-encoded miR-US33-1-5p (HCMV miR-US33-1-5p) for understanding the biological functions of HCMV miR-US33-1-5p. Methods Potential target mRNAs of HCMV miR-US33-1-5p were screened out by using hybrid-PCR, a simple and effective method. Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay System was used to identify the binding abili-ties of HCMV miR-US33-1-5p to 3′-UTRs of these potential target mRNAs. Results Twelve potential mRNAs targeted by HCMV miR-US33-1-5p were screened out in human embryo lung fibroblast cells infected with HCMV. Luciferase activities of 3′-UTRs of seven target mRNAs were significantly down-regulated. Conclusion Proteins encoded by these target mRNAs are involved in virus replication,immune system reg-ulation,protein synthesis,cell cycle regulation,energy metabolism and so on. Identification of mRNAs tar-geted by HCMV miR-US33-1-5p is helpful for further studies on biological functions of miR-US33-1-5p.