miRNA regulation of JAK/PI3K/AKT pathway in white spot syndrome virus-infected shrimp: A computational and expression analysis

Background: White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) serve as a serious threat for shrimp aquaculture industry.Shrimp immune responses involve several pathways, including the JAK/STAT signaling cascade, which is vital for cellular communication and immune regulation.While this pathway is well-studied in vertebrates, its function and miRNA-mediated regulation in shrimp remains unclear.Objective: To investigate expression of JAK/PI3K/AKT pathway genes and identify miRNAs regulating these genes during WSSV infection in Penaeus vannamei (P.vannamei).Methods: Hemocytes from WSSV-infected P. vannamei were collected at 6, 24, and 48 hours post-infection (hpi).Expression of PvJAK, PvPI3K, PvAKT, PvmTOR, and PvDomeless were analyzed via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.Bioinformatics tools were used to predict miRNAs targeting these genes for further validation.Results: WSSV infection significantly upregulated JAK/PI3K/AKT pathway genes, indicating their role in the antiviral response.In silico analysis identified 20 miRNAs potentially targeting these genes, 14 for PvJAK, 9 for PvDomeless, and 2 each for PvAKT and PvPI3K.Expression analysis showed five PvJAK-targeting miRNAs (Pva-miR-18, Pva-miR-71, Pva-miR-101, Pva-miR-146-5b, and Pva-miR-1) were downregulated post-infection.In vitro analysis suggested PvJAK is a direct target of Pva-miR-18. Conclusion:This study revealed that WSSV can regulate JAK/PI3K/AKT pathway during infection in P. vannamei.Among the miRNAs identified, Pva-miR-18 may regulate PvJAK expression.Cumulatively, we suggests the potential regulatory of JAK/PI3K/AKT pathway through miRNA.