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Discovering the cellular RNA-binding proteins controlling virus infection

General Research

By studying RNA metabolism in infected cells, Alfredo Castello and his team in the Department of Biochemistry, have identified dozens of cellular proteins that are key regulators of virus infection. This work could potentially open new avenues for the development of antivirals.

New research from Alfredo Castello's laboratory published in Molecular Cell has discovered that virus infection rewires cellular RNA-binding proteins on a global level. This reflects two antagonistic processes: the virus hijacking key cellular resources and the antiviral defence mechanisms of the cell. This work provides a comprehensive snapshot of the virus-host cell battlefield and opens new avenues for the development of antiviral therapies.

Read more (Department of Biochemistry website)

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