Hepatitis C virus infection, microRNA and liver disease progression

Core Tip

Core tip: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major cause of chronic liver disease that gradually progresses from chronic hepatitis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during the course of infection. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules and have the ability to regulate gene expression by targeting mRNA degradation or translational repression. miRNAs regulate HCV life cycle either by supporting viral replication or by inhibiting interferon signaling pathway. Several miRNAs play important roles in HCV related inflammation, fibrosis and HCC development. This review focuses on the involvement of miRNA in HCV life cycle and virus mediated liver disease progression, emerging role of circulating miRNAs and exploitation of miRNA as alternative therapeutic approach for HCV infection.