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SNHG15 aids SARS-CoV-2 entry via RABL2A
Samuel Pushparaj1,2, Chaitanya Gandikota1,2, Kishore Vaddadi1,2
1Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK USA.
RNA Biology
|August 2, 2023
Summary
Small nucleolar RNA host gene 15 (SNHG15) promotes severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entry. This long noncoding RNA aids viral entry by interacting with Rab-like protein 2A (RABL2A).
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) utilizes specific host factors for cellular entry.
- While protein factors are known, the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in SARS-CoV-2 entry is largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of small nucleolar RNA host gene 15 (SNHG15) in the entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2.
- To elucidate the molecular interactions and pathways mediated by SNHG15 during viral entry.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudotyped lentivirus system with a luciferase reporter assay.
- Manipulated the expression levels of SNHG15 and Rab-like protein 2A (RABL2A) through overexpression and knockdown techniques.
- Assessed the impact of these manipulations on viral entry efficiency.
Main Results:
- Overexpression of SNHG15 significantly enhanced SARS-CoV-2 entry, while SNHG15 knockdown inhibited it in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- SNHG15 was found to interact with RABL2A, another protein involved in regulating viral entry.
- Modulating RABL2A expression mimicked the effects of SNHG15 on viral entry, and RABL2A knockdown abrogated the SNHG15-induced increase in viral entry.
Conclusions:
- SNHG15 acts as a crucial regulatory factor facilitating SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells.
- The interaction between SNHG15 and RABL2A is essential for SNHG15's role in promoting viral entry.
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