Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Identification of EcoHIV-Infected Cells in Microglia-Manipulated Transgenic Mice
07:23

Identification of EcoHIV-Infected Cells in Microglia-Manipulated Transgenic Mice

Published on: December 20, 2024

1.7K

HIV-1 Vpr activates microglia by upregulating m6A modification through ubiquitin-proteasome pathway-mediated

Qian Peng1, Weiling Li2, Feng Qian3

  • 1Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China.

Virulence
|March 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

HIV-1 infection increases m6A modification in microglia via the Vpr protein, leading to neuroinflammation. Inhibiting this process may offer new strategies for preventing HIV-associated neurological damage.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • HIV-1 infection activates microglia, causing neuroinflammation and neurological complications.
  • Microglial activation is linked to the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification pathway.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanisms by which HIV-1 infection upregulates m6A modification in microglia.
  • To identify the specific viral protein responsible for this upregulation and its downstream effects.

Main Methods:

  • Viral protein screening to identify key players in m6A modification.
  • Experiments using Vpr-deleted HIV-1 and mutant Vpr to assess ALKBH5 degradation.
  • Utilizing m6A inhibitors and ALKBH5 overexpression to evaluate effects on microglial activation.

Main Results:

  • HIV-1 infection upregulates m6A modification in microglia, mediated by the viral protein Vpr.
  • Vpr interacts with and promotes the degradation of the m6A demethylase ALKBH5 via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.
  • Inhibition of m6A modification or ALKBH5 overexpression suppressed Vpr-induced microglial activation and inflammatory cytokine production.

Conclusions:

  • Upregulation of m6A modification by HIV-1 Vpr plays a critical role in microglial activation and neuroinflammation.
  • Targeting the Vpr-ALKBH5 interaction and m6A modification presents a potential therapeutic strategy for HIV-associated neurological disorders.
Keywords:
ALKBH5HIV-1Vprm6Amicroglial activation

More Related Videos

A Rat Model of EcoHIV Brain Infection08:48

A Rat Model of EcoHIV Brain Infection

Published on: January 21, 2021

3.9K
Exploring m6A and m5C Epitranscriptomes upon Viral Infection: an Example with HIV14:40

Exploring m6A and m5C Epitranscriptomes upon Viral Infection: an Example with HIV

Published on: March 5, 2022

3.8K

Related Concept Videos

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
2.4K
Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells01:32

Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells

Chromatin modification alters gene expression; therefore, scientists can add histone-modifying enzymes, histone variants, and chromatin remodeling complexes to somatic cells to aid reprogramming into pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...
2.3K
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs01:15

Receptor Downregulation in MVBs

Multivesicular bodies (MVBs) are mature endosomes that sort ubiquitinated proteins and then fuse with lysosomes to degrade the sorted proteins. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) form a complex that can be internalized through endocytosis, sorted into an MVB, and later degraded.
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that  lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR  stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive  EGFR...
2.9K
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes01:26

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
987
Regulated Protein Degradation02:58

Regulated Protein Degradation

It is vital to regulate the activity of enzymatic as well as non-enzymatic proteins inside the cell. This can be achieved either through creating a balance between their rate of synthesis and degradation or regulating the intrinsic activity of the protein. Both these regulation mechanisms play an essential role in the normal functioning of cells.
Protein degradation plays two important roles in the cells. It helps to protect cells from misfolded or damaged proteins before they lead to a...
9.1K