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The Inevitable Relationship Between Viruses and RNA Modifications Revealed Through Adenovirus Research
Shuichi Hashimoto1, Fumiaki Uchiumi1, Hideaki Furuya1
1Department of Gene Regulation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Tokyo University of Science, Niijyuku 6-3-1, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan.
Viruses
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Gene expression regulation by RNA molecules is complex in virus-infected cells. Alternative splicing of messenger RNA (mRNA) in adenovirus infections may contribute to cellular carcinogenesis and is crucial for viral replication.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Gene Expression Regulation
Background:
- Gene expression in eukaryotic cells is increasingly understood to be regulated by diverse RNA molecules and their modifications.
- RNA molecules play critical roles in virus-infected cells, influencing the fate of infected cells, particularly during early infection stages.
- Adenovirus and other DNA tumor viruses serve as models for studying RNA-mediated gene regulation and viral pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the function of RNA and its modifications in virus-infected cells, focusing on early stages of infection.
- To elucidate the complexity of transcription initiation sites for early viral mRNAs, such as adenovirus oncogenes (E1 and E4).
- To discuss the role of alternative splicing in viral replication and its potential link to cellular carcinogenesis induced by DNA tumor viruses.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on RNA function, modifications, and gene expression regulation in virus-infected cells.
- Analysis of studies identifying early mRNA transcription initiation sites in adenovirus-infected cells.
- Examination of research on alternative splicing mechanisms and their implications in viral infections and cancer.
Main Results:
- Transcription initiation sites for early adenovirus mRNAs (E1, E4) are highly complex, a complexity also observed in other DNA tumor viruses.
- Early adenovirus mRNA transcription involves alternative splicing, contrasting with previously assumed constitutive splicing.
- Abnormal alternative splicing of intracellular mRNA is implicated in inducing cellular carcinogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Alternative splicing plays a critical role in adenovirus replication.
- The complex alternative splicing patterns observed in adenovirus infections suggest a potential role in the carcinogenic effects of DNA tumor viruses.
- Understanding RNA regulation and splicing in viral infections is crucial for deciphering viral pathogenesis and oncogenesis.
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