Idiosyncrasies of Viral Noncoding RNAs Provide Insights into Host Cell Biology

Annu Rev Virol. 2019 Sep 29;6(1):297-317. doi: 10.1146/annurev-virology-092818-015811. Epub 2019 Apr 30.

Abstract

Like their host cells, many viruses express noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Despite the technical challenge of ascribing function to ncRNAs, diverse biological roles for virally expressed ncRNAs have been described, including regulation of viral replication, modulation of host gene expression, host immune evasion, cellular survival, and cellular transformation. Insights into conserved interactions between viral ncRNAs and host cell machinery frequently lead to novel findings concerning host cell biology. In this review, we discuss the functions and biogenesis of ncRNAs produced by animal viruses. Specifically, we describe noncanonical pathways of microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis and novel mechanisms used by viruses to manipulate miRNA and messenger RNA stability. We also highlight recent advances in understanding the function of viral long ncRNAs and circular RNAs.

Keywords: noncoding RNA; virus-host interactions; viruses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral*
  • Host Microbial Interactions*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • RNA, Circular / genetics
  • RNA, Untranslated*
  • RNA, Viral / genetics*
  • Virus Replication
  • Viruses / genetics*

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Circular
  • RNA, Untranslated
  • RNA, Viral