RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, RdRP, a promising therapeutic target for cancer and potentially COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Virology
• Oncology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for novel antiviral therapies targeting viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP).
• Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), a DNA polymerase, shares structural and phylogenetic similarities with viral RdRPs.
• hTERT is a key driver in many cancers, making it a target for cancer therapeutics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the enzymatic function of RdRP in viral replication and tumor development.
• To highlight the unexpected intersection between RNA virus research and cancer research.
• To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting hTERT's RdRP activity.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on RdRP function in viruses and hTERT in cancer.
• Analysis of phylogenetic and structural similarities between viral RdRPs and hTERT.
• Synthesis of research findings on hTERT's RdRP activity and its role in tumorigenesis.

Main Results:

• Viral RdRP is essential for RNA virus replication and represents a viable antiviral target.
• hTERT exhibits RdRP activity, which is critical for tumor formation.
• The study of coronaviruses has unexpectedly linked RNA virus research with cancer research.

Conclusions:

• Targeting hTERT's RdRP activity offers a potential dual therapeutic strategy for both viral infections and cancer.
• The convergence of virology and oncology research presents new avenues for therapeutic development.
• Understanding hTERT's RdRP function is key to developing novel treatments for significant diseases.