In silico identification of microRNAs targeting the PPARa/?: promising therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 infection

The SARS-CoV-2 lifecycle is dependent on the host metabolism machinery. It upregulates the PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma genes in lipid metabolism, which supports the essential viral replication complex including lipid rafts and palmitoylation of viral protein. The use of PPAR ligands in SARS-CoV-2 infection may have positive effects by preventing cytokine storm and the ensuing inflammatory cascade. The inhibition of PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma genes may alter the metabolism and may disrupt the lifecycle of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 progression. In the present work, we have identified possible miRNAs targeting PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma in search of modulators of PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma genes expression. The identified miRNAs could possibly be viewed as new therapeutic targets against COVID-19 infection.