Cross-Species Insights Into Gamma Herpesvirus Transcriptomes: Long-Read and Multi-Omics Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Genomics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Gamma herpesvirus transcriptomes are complex, with gene expression patterns crucial for viral persistence.
• Previous studies were limited in resolving the full scope of viral RNA diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding gamma herpesvirus transcriptomes using advanced sequencing and multi-omics.
• To highlight novel transcript isoforms and regulatory mechanisms discovered through these approaches.

Main Methods:

• Comparative transcriptome analysis across multiple gamma herpesviruses (KSHV, EBV, MHV68).
• Application of long-read sequencing and integrative multi-omics.

Main Results:

• Discovery of diverse transcript isoforms, including alternative UTRs and splice variants.
• Identification of novel open reading frames (ORFs) and viral non-coding RNAs.
• Elucidation of complex regulatory strategies like promoter dependence and readthrough transcription.

Conclusions:

• Integrative transcriptomics has revolutionized the study of gamma herpesvirus gene expression.
• These findings provide deeper insights into viral strategies for replication and persistence.