Association of N6-methyladenosine with viruses and virally induced diseases

Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2020 Mar 1;25(6):1184-1201. doi: 10.2741/4852.

Abstract

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, which alters gene expression, is the most prevalent internal modification of eukaryotic mRNA. m6A modification is dynamic and reversible that is regulated by three associated protein groups: methyltransferases or writers, demethylases or erasers, and m6A-binding proteins or readers. m6A modification is involved in all phases of RNA life, from RNA folding and structure, stability, splicing, nuclear export, translational modulation to RNA degradation. Recent findings show that the abnormal level of m6A modification causes aberrant expression of important viral genes. Here, we reviewe m6A role in gene expression and its contribution to the development of human viral diseases. Particularly, we would focus on viruses associated with human diseases including HIV-1, IAV, HBV, HCV, EBV and so on to find a novel approach and provide a new sight for the innovative treatment of human viral diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review
  • Retracted Publication

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Adenosine / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Methylation
  • Methyltransferases / genetics
  • Methyltransferases / metabolism
  • RNA Folding
  • RNA Stability
  • RNA, Viral / chemistry
  • RNA, Viral / genetics*
  • RNA, Viral / metabolism
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Virus Diseases / genetics*
  • Virus Diseases / metabolism
  • Virus Diseases / virology
  • Viruses / genetics*
  • Viruses / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA, Viral
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • N-methyladenosine
  • Methyltransferases
  • Adenosine