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Updated: Nov 27, 2025

In Vitro Transcribed RNA-based Luciferase Reporter Assay to Study Translation Regulation in Poxvirus-infected Cells
Published on: May 1, 2019
Translational control of coronaviruses
Sylvain de Breyne1, Caroline Vindry1, Olivia Guillin1
1CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, INSERM U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France.
Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, hijack host cell machinery for protein synthesis. This review details viral strategies and the roles of viral proteins and RNAs in controlling host translation for replication.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Coronaviruses are enveloped RNA viruses infecting animals and humans, with SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Related coronaviruses, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, caused significant outbreaks in 2002 and 2012.
- Viruses depend on host cell protein synthesis for replication and spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the strategies coronaviruses employ to manipulate host cell translation.
- To highlight the involvement of viral proteins and RNAs in this process.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing research on coronavirus-host interactions.
- Focuses on mechanisms of translational control.
Main Results:
- Coronaviruses have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to control the host's translational machinery.
- Viral proteins and RNAs play crucial roles in hijacking cellular translation.
- These strategies facilitate viral protein production essential for replication and propagation.
Conclusions:
- Understanding coronavirus translational strategies is key to combating viral infections.
- Targeting these host-hijacking mechanisms could lead to novel antiviral therapies.
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