Profiling of N⁶-Methyladenosine in Zika Virus RNA and Host Cellular mRNA

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Epigenetics

Background:

• N6-Methylation of adenosine (m6A) is a significant posttranscriptional RNA modification found in various viruses, including Zika virus (ZIKV).
• The precise functions of m6A in viral infections and its impact on the host cell's RNA methylome are not fully understood.
• Previous studies identified m6A in viruses like Rous sarcoma virus, influenza virus, SV40, HIV-1, and HCV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an experimental protocol for profiling m6A modifications in ZIKV RNA.
• To profile m6A modifications in host cell mRNA during ZIKV infection.
• To advance the understanding of m6A's role in viral RNA and host-virus interactions.

Main Methods:

• Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation-sequencing (MeRIP-Seq) was employed.
• The protocol allows for the analysis of m6A "epitranscriptome" in both viral and host RNAs.
• This technique provides high-resolution mapping of m6A sites.

Main Results:

• The study presents a detailed protocol for MeRIP-Seq applied to ZIKV RNA and host mRNA.
• This method enables the generation of m6A profiles for ZIKV RNA.
• The protocol facilitates the investigation of host cell mRNA methylation changes during viral infection.

Conclusions:

• The described MeRIP-Seq protocol is a valuable tool for studying m6A modifications in ZIKV RNA.
• This methodology can elucidate the functional roles of m6A in the context of ZIKV infection.
• Further research using this protocol can uncover how viral infections alter host RNA methylation dynamics.