Unconventional RNA-binding proteins step into the virus-host battlefront

Garcia-Moreno, M., Järvelin, A. I. and Castello, A. (2018) Unconventional RNA-binding proteins step into the virus-host battlefront. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: RNA, 9(6), e1498. (doi: 10.1002/wrna.1498) (PMID:30091184) (PMCID:PMC7169762)

Abstract

The crucial participation of cellular RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) in virtually all steps of virus infection has been known for decades. However, most of the studies characterizing this phenomenon have focused on well‐established RBPs harboring classical RNA‐binding domains (RBDs). Recent proteome‐wide approaches have greatly expanded the census of RBPs, discovering hundreds of proteins that interact with RNA through unconventional RBDs. These domains include protein–protein interaction platforms, enzymatic cores, and intrinsically disordered regions. Here, we compared the experimentally determined census of RBPs to gene ontology terms and literature, finding that 472 proteins have previous links with viruses. We discuss what these proteins are and what their roles in infection might be. We also review some of the pioneering examples of unorthodox RBPs whose RNA‐binding activity has been shown to be critical for virus infection. Finally, we highlight the potential of these proteins for host‐based therapies against viruses.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: A.C. is funded by MRC Career Development Award (number MR/L019434/1) and John Fell funds from the University of Oxford. M.G.M. is funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme under the Marie‐Sklodowska‐Curie Grant agreement number 700184.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Castello, Professor Alfredo
• Authors: Garcia-Moreno, M., Järvelin, A. I., and Castello, A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
• Journal Name: Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: RNA
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 1757-7004
• ISSN (Online): 1757-7012
• Published Online: 09 August 2018