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Updated: May 31, 2026
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Genome-wide RNAi Screening to Identify Host Factors That Modulate Oncolytic Virus Therapy
Published on: April 3, 2018
Genome-wide screening using RNA interference to study host factors in viral replication and pathogenesis
Laurent Houzet1, Kuan-Teh Jeang
1Molecular Virology Section, Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-0460, USA.
Experimental Biology and Medicine (Maywood, N.J.)
|July 6, 2011
Summary
Genome-wide RNA interference screens identify crucial host genes for viral infections. This technology advances our understanding of viral pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- RNA interference (RNAi) technology, utilizing short interfering RNA and short hairpin RNA, is a powerful tool for gene function discovery.
- RNAi screens have successfully identified numerous genes implicated in cellular processes like signal transduction, cell cycle, and cancer biology.
- The application of RNAi in virology has revealed novel host factors essential for various virus lifecycles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent genome-wide RNAi-based screens in mammalian cells.
- To highlight the identification of essential host factors for viral infection and pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide RNAi screens in mammalian cells.
- Utilizing short interfering RNA (siRNA) and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression libraries.
Main Results:
- Identification of hundreds of previously unknown genes crucial for viral lifecycles.
- Discovery of essential host factors influencing viral infection and pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Genome-wide RNAi screens are effective for discovering host factors in viral infections.
- This approach significantly contributes to understanding host-pathogen interactions and viral pathogenesis.
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