Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2024 | SARS-CoV-2 | Review
Mechanisms and consequences of mRNA destabilization during viral infections
Authors:
Soraya I. Shehata, J. Monty Watkins, James M. Burke, Roy Parker
Published in:
Virology Journal
|
Issue 1/2024
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Abstract
During viral infection there is dynamic interplay between the virus and the host to regulate gene expression. In many cases, the host induces the expression of antiviral genes to combat infection, while the virus uses “host shut-off” systems to better compete for cellular resources and to limit the induction of the host antiviral response. Viral mechanisms for host shut-off involve targeting translation, altering host RNA processing, and/or inducing the degradation of host mRNAs. In this review, we discuss the diverse mechanisms viruses use to degrade host mRNAs. In addition, the widespread degradation of host mRNAs can have common consequences including the accumulation of RNA binding proteins in the nucleus, which leads to altered RNA processing, mRNA export, and changes to transcription.