Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2025

14:40
Exploring m6A and m5C Epitranscriptomes upon Viral Infection: an Example with HIV
Published on: March 5, 2022
3.3K
N6-methyladenosine modification-a key player in viral infection
Xiaoyue Zhang1,2, Qiu Peng3, Lujuan Wang4,5
1Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters
|October 12, 2023
Summary
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification regulates viral gene expression. Understanding m6A in virus-host interactions is key for developing new antiviral therapies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal RNA modification.
- m6A dynamics are controlled by writers, erasers, and readers.
- Aberrant m6A modification is linked to altered viral gene expression.
Approach:
- Review of existing literature on m6A modifications in viral infections.
- Focus on DNA and RNA viruses impacting human health.
- Analysis of m6A's role in viral replication and host interactions.
Key Points:
- m6A modification influences the expression of critical viral genes.
- Specific viruses examined include SARS-CoV-2, HIV-1, EBV, and KSHV.
- m6A-mediated epigenetic mechanisms are crucial in virus-host interplay.
Conclusions:
- m6A modifications are integral to viral replication and pathogenesis.
- Targeting m6A pathways offers potential for novel antiviral strategies.
- Further research into m6A in viral infections can inform therapeutic development.
Related Concept Videos
RNA Editing
9.0K
RNA editing is a post-transcriptional modification where a precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) nucleotide sequence is changed by base insertion, deletion, or modification. The extent of RNA editing varies from a few hundred bases, in mitochondrial DNA of trypanosomes, to a just single base, in nuclear genes of mammals. Even a single base change in the pre-mRNA can convert a codon for one amino acid into the codon for another amino acid or a stop codon. This type of re-coding can significantly affect the...
9.0K
Viruses with RNA Genomes
36
RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
36
Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids
56
Nucleic acid biosynthesis is a fundamental biochemical process that produces the purine and pyrimidine nucleotides essential for DNA and RNA synthesis. This pathway maintains a balanced nucleotide pool, preventing imbalances that could jeopardize genetic integrity and cellular function. Given the crucial role of nucleotides, their synthesis is tightly regulated to ensure proper cellular homeostasis.Purine BiosynthesisThe biosynthesis of purine nucleotides begins with ribose-5-phosphate, a...
56
Pre-mRNA Processing: Modification of pre-mRNA Ends
9.4K
In eukaryotic cells, transcripts made by RNA polymerase are modified and processed before exiting the nucleus. Unprocessed RNA is called precursor mRNA or pre-mRNA to distinguish it from mature mRNA.
Once about 20-40 ribonucleotides have been joined together by RNA polymerase, a group of enzymes adds a cap to the 5' end of the growing transcript. In this process, a 5' phosphate is replaced by modified guanosine that has a methyl group attached (7-methyl guanosine). This 5' cap helps...
Once about 20-40 ribonucleotides have been joined together by RNA polymerase, a group of enzymes adds a cap to the 5' end of the growing transcript. In this process, a 5' phosphate is replaced by modified guanosine that has a methyl group attached (7-methyl guanosine). This 5' cap helps...
9.4K
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
16.8K
Small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, are short regulatory RNA molecules that can silence genes post-transcriptionally, as well as the transcriptional level in some cases. siRNAs are important for protecting cells against viral infections and silencing transposable genetic elements.
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...
16.8K
RNA Stability
33.6K
Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
33.6K

