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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
14:40
Exploring m6A and m5C Epitranscriptomes upon Viral Infection: an Example with HIV
Published on: March 5, 2022
Dynamic m6A epitranscriptomic remodeling coordinates host transcriptional reprogramming during MPXV infection
Ruixia Tang1, Jindi Huang1, Wenhai Yu1,2,3,4
1Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.
Cell Communication and Signaling : CCS
|July 18, 2026
Summary
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection alters host gene expression and N6‑methyladenosine (m6A) modification. This study reveals m6A epitranscriptomic remodeling as a key correlate of the host response to MPXV infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- The global emergence of monkeypox virus (MPXV) necessitates understanding host-pathogen interactions.
- Transcriptional responses to MPXV are known, but epitranscriptomic regulation, specifically N6‑methyladenosine (m6A) modification, is unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of m6A modification in the host response to MPXV infection.
- To analyze time-series transcriptomic and m6A methylome profiles during MPXV infection in rhesus macaques.
Main Methods:
- Integrated analysis of time-series transcriptomic and m6A methylome data from MPXV-infected rhesus macaques.
- Examination of host gene expression and m6A modification dynamics post-infection.
- Differential expression and modification analyses, followed by pathway and immune cell signature profiling.
Main Results:
- MPXV infection suppressed immune pathways and activated metabolic processes, with a global increase in m6A modifications.
- Upregulation of METTL3 and downregulation of FTO/ALKBH5 and YTHDF1-3 readers were observed; METTL3/YTHDF2 knockdown reduced viral replication.
- Identified 38 genes with coordinated transcriptional and m6A changes, including DNAJB1, and observed shifts in immune cell signatures.
Conclusions:
- m6A epitranscriptomic remodeling is a key component of the host response to MPXV infection.
- DNAJB1 and 10 other dual-regulated genes are nominated as candidate host factors for further mechanistic study.
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