Viral codon usage and the host transfer RNA

The expansion of viruses within cells requires efficient viral protein production. Counterintuitively, many viral genomes are enriched in suboptimal codons, which are typically associated with reduced protein outputs. Recent research using chikungunya virus (CHIKV) as a prototype model highlights th...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Muscolino, Elena, Díez Antón, Juana, 1962-
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Varias* (Consorci de Biblioteques Universitáries de Catalunya, Centre de Serveis Científics i Acadèmics de Catalunya)
Repositorio:Recercat. Dipósit de la Recerca de Catalunya
OAI Identifier:oai:recercat.cat:10230/71810
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10230/71810
http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev-virology-092623-105418
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:DNA damage response
Codon optimality
Codon usage
mcm5/mcm5s2
tRNA epitranscriptome
Viruses
Descripción
Sumario:The expansion of viruses within cells requires efficient viral protein production. Counterintuitively, many viral genomes are enriched in suboptimal codons, which are typically associated with reduced protein outputs. Recent research using chikungunya virus (CHIKV) as a prototype model highlights the role of host transfer RNA (tRNA) modifications, collectively known as the tRNA epitranscriptome, in resolving this paradox. Upon infection, CHIKV triggers a DNA damage stress response that ultimately leads to changes in the tRNA epitranscriptome. These changes reprogram codon optimality, selectively enhancing the translation of specific suboptimal codons that are highly enriched in both host stress response genes and the viral genome. Hence, CHIKV codon usage optimally aligns with the tRNA modification landscape in infected cells. We propose that this interplay between viral codon usage, stress responses, and tRNA modifications is a shared strategy among viruses beyond CHIKV. Targeting this interplay may pave the way for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral therapies.