Global mRNA Degradation during Lytic Gammaherpesvirus Infection Contributes to Establishment of Viral Latency
2011

Global mRNA Degradation during Lytic Gammaherpesvirus Infection Contributes to Establishment of Viral Latency

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Richner Justin M., Clyde Karen, Pezda Andrea C., Cheng Benson Yee Hin, Wang Tina, Kumar G. Renuka, Covarrubias Sergio, Coscoy Laurent, Glaunsinger Britt

Primary Institution: University of California Berkeley

Hypothesis

What is the role of global mRNA degradation during gammaherpesvirus infection in establishing viral latency?

Conclusion

The study found that global mRNA degradation is important for establishing latency in gammaherpesvirus infections.

Supporting Evidence

  • The mutant virus showed reduced levels of mRNA turnover.
  • Mice infected with the mutant virus had lower levels of viral DNA in the spleen.
  • The study linked mRNA degradation to the establishment of latency.

Takeaway

When a virus infects, it can make the host's genes stop working, which helps it hide in the body for a long time. This study shows that this process is important for the virus to stay hidden.

Methodology

The researchers created a mutant virus that was defective in host shutoff activity and analyzed its effects on viral replication and latency establishment in mice.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.ppat.1002150

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication