Analysis of the microRNA expression profiles in feline kidney cell line infected with feline panleukopenia virus

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in many biological processes. Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a highly infectious pathogen that can cause severe disease in pets, economically important animals and wildlife. In this study, miRNAs associated with FPV infection were identified using high-throughput sequencing. Our results showed that 673 known miRNAs and 278 novel miRNAs were identified and 57 significantly differential expression miRNAs were found post-FPV infection in feline kidney cell line. Stem-loop qRT-PCR was applied to validate the expression of the randomly selected miRNAs; the results were consistent with the sequencing data. Furthermore, the target genes of differential expression miRNAs were analyzed and predicated by GO and KEGG pathway. Altogether, our analysis provides a potential link between miRNA expression and the pathogenesis of FPV infection.