About this Research Topic
The field of virology has long been concerned with understanding how viruses interact with host cellular mechanisms. RNA viruses present significant threats to human health, while oncoviruses are responsible for approximately 12% of cancers globally, leading to over 1.5 million new cases annually. These viruses exploit host cellular proteins and RNAs, known as proviral host factors, to manipulate or inhibit host cellular pathways for their benefit. Recent studies have shown that flaviviruses inhibit mRNA degradation by generating subgenomic flavivirus RNAs (sfRNAs). At the same time, viruses like Herpes and Bunya counteract RNA polymerase II CTD phosphorylation to shut down host transcription. Poliovirus destabilizes key proteins in the 5′–3′ RNA decay pathway, and oncogenic viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) disrupt host chromatin architecture and induce widespread mRNA degradation. Despite these advances, there remains a critical need for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions and their implications for viral pathogenesis and host cellular responses.
This research topic aims to promote research on the interactions of viruses with the host transcription and mRNA decay apparatus, focusing on, but not limited to, RNA viruses and oncogenic viruses. The primary objectives include elucidating the specific mechanisms by which viruses manipulate host transcription and mRNA decay pathways, identifying novel proviral host factors, and understanding the broader implications of these interactions for viral replication and pathogenesis. Key questions to be addressed include how viral proteins interact with host cellular RNAs, the role of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in viral regulation of gene expression, and the potential for targeting these interactions in antiviral therapies.
To gather further insights into the complex interplay between viruses and host cellular mechanisms, we welcome original Research articles, Brief Research Reports, Methods, Mini Reviews, and Reviews addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Interplay of the virus with the host transcription apparatus
- Interplay between virus and host mRNA decay factors
- Viral protein and cellular RNA interaction
- Liquid–Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) mediated regulation of gene expression during virus infection
By exploring these themes, we aim to advance our understanding of viral manipulation of host cellular pathways and identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
This research topic aims to promote research on the interactions of viruses with the host transcription and mRNA decay apparatus, focusing on, but not limited to, RNA viruses and oncogenic viruses. The primary objectives include elucidating the specific mechanisms by which viruses manipulate host transcription and mRNA decay pathways, identifying novel proviral host factors, and understanding the broader implications of these interactions for viral replication and pathogenesis. Key questions to be addressed include how viral proteins interact with host cellular RNAs, the role of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in viral regulation of gene expression, and the potential for targeting these interactions in antiviral therapies.
To gather further insights into the complex interplay between viruses and host cellular mechanisms, we welcome original Research articles, Brief Research Reports, Methods, Mini Reviews, and Reviews addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Interplay of the virus with the host transcription apparatus
- Interplay between virus and host mRNA decay factors
- Viral protein and cellular RNA interaction
- Liquid–Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) mediated regulation of gene expression during virus infection
By exploring these themes, we aim to advance our understanding of viral manipulation of host cellular pathways and identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Keywords: Virus, Gene-regulation, transcription, mRNA decay, Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS)
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
