UC Berkeley

Post-transcriptional, RNA-based regulation is a major contributor to alterations in gene expression, and γ-herpesviruses interface with the host RNA targeting machinery in a variety of ways. Several of these interactions involve coordination with cellular ribonucleases, for example to direct non-canonical processing of viral microRNAs or widespread degradation of cellular messenger RNAs. Conversely, select viral transcripts use both cis-acting and trans-acting mechanisms to evade degradation. The diversity of mechanisms used by these viruses to both engage and escape the cellular RNA decay machinery underscores the influence these pathways exert on cellular and viral gene expression. Further research in this field should help reveal new mechanisms of RNA-based regulation in both infected and uninfected cells.