aae-mir-12: Aae-mir-12 is a mosquito microRNA that is upregulated by Wolbachia infection and has been found to play a crucial role in the growth and persistence of Wolbachia in host cells. It has been shown to suppress the expression of two genes, monocarboxylate transporter (MCT1) and DNA replication licensing factor (MCM6), which are important for Wolbachia's persistence in the host cell [PMC8261290]. Inhibition of aae-mir-12 using specific inhibitors has been shown to reduce Wolbachia density and replication [PMC3997519]. Aae-mir-12 has also been found to be highly upregulated in CHIKV-infected Aedes aegypti saliva, suggesting its involvement in viral infection [PMC4303268]. In Aag2 cells, inhibition of aae-mir-12 resulted in reduced CHIKV replication [PMC4303268]. The target genes of aae-mir-12, MCM6 and MCT1, have been functionally validated both in vitro and in vivo [PMC3500346]. Transfection with synthetic aae-mir-12 inhibitors reduced Wolbachia density, further supporting the role of aae-mir-12 in Wolbachia's persistence [PMC3500346]. The interaction between aae-mir-12 and its target genes has been confirmed through various experiments using synthetic mimics and inhibitors [PMC3500346]. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of aae-mir-12 in mediating the interaction between Wolbachia and its host cells.