Rotavirus RNAs sponge host cell RNA binding proteins and interfere with their subcellular localization

Area of Science:

• Cellular biology
• Virology
• Molecular biology

Background:

• Cellular mRNAs are dynamically regulated, cycling between translation and silencing in structures like processing bodies (PBs) and GW-bodies.
• Viruses often manipulate host cell machinery, including RNA-protein complexes, to facilitate their replication.
• Rotavirus, a common cause of gastroenteritis, employs strategies to overcome host antiviral defenses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how rotavirus infection alters the distribution of RNA-binding proteins and RNA granules in host cells.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which rotavirus counteracts cellular RNA silencing pathways.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of RNA-binding protein distribution in rotavirus-infected cells.
• Microscopy to observe the structural changes in processing bodies (PBs) and GW-bodies.
• Investigating the role of viral RNA accumulation in protein redistribution.

Main Results:

• Rotavirus infection induced the disaggregation of PBs and relocalization of GW-body proteins.
• The predominantly nuclear protein HuR accumulated in the cytoplasm of infected cells.
• Viral RNA accumulation in the cytoplasm is proposed as a mechanism to sequester RNA-binding proteins (RBPs).

Conclusions:

• Rotavirus infection significantly remodels host cell RNA granules and protein localization.
• Viral RNA acts as a potential 'RBP sponge,' sequestering host factors to promote viral replication.
• These viral strategies contribute to successful rotavirus infection by evading host antiviral responses.