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Updated: Jun 8, 2025

Genome-wide RNAi Screening to Identify Host Factors That Modulate Oncolytic Virus Therapy
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Genome-wide RNAi Screening to Identify Host Factors That Modulate Oncolytic Virus Therapy

Published on: April 3, 2018

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SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein interaction with YBX1 displays oncolytic properties through PKM mRNA destabilization

Xin Chen1, Baohong Jiang2, Yu Gu1

  • 1Institute of Medical Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Jinan University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510632, China.

Molecular Cancer
|November 7, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein inhibits tumor growth and metastasis by downregulating cancer-related genes. This discovery reveals a novel oncolytic function for the virus, impacting cancer progression.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19.
  • The oncogenic or oncolytic potential of SARS-CoV-2 in tumor progression remains unclear.
  • Evaluating the role of SARS-CoV-2 in cancer is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the regulatory role of SARS-CoV-2 in solid tumor progression.
  • To explore the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cancer-related genes.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 influences tumor growth and metastasis.

Main Methods:

  • Bioinformatic analysis of COVID-19 RNA-seq data from the GEO database.
  • Functional studies in lung, colon, kidney, and liver cancer models.
  • In vivo and in vitro experiments using SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein.

Main Results:

  • SARS-CoV-2 infection decreased cancer proliferation and metastasis genes in lung tissues.
  • SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein inhibited colon and kidney tumor growth and metastasis.
  • N protein interacts with YBX1, leading to PKM mRNA destabilization and suppressed glycolysis.

Conclusions:

  • SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein exhibits a novel oncolytic function.
  • The N protein suppresses tumor progression by inhibiting glycolysis.
  • This study uncovers a new role for SARS-CoV-2 in cancer biology.
Keywords:
CancerGlycolysisNucleocapsid proteinSARS-CoV-2Stress granule

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