Systematic identification of NF90 target RNAs by iCLIP analysis

Roles of RNA-binding proteins in neurological disorders, COVID-19, and cancer

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have emerged as important players in multiple biological processes including transcription regulation, splicing, R-loop homeostasis, DNA rearrangement, miRNA function, biogenesis, and ribosome biogenesis. A large number of RBPs had already been identified by different approaches in various organisms and exhibited regulatory functions on RNAs' fate. RBPs can either directly or indirectly interact with their target RNAs or mRNAs to assume a key biological function whose outcome may trigger disease or normal biological events. They also exert distinct functions related to their canonical and non-canonical forms. This review summarizes the current understanding of a wide range of RBPs' functions and highlights their emerging roles in the regulation of diverse pathways, different physiological processes, and their molecular links with diseases. Various types of diseases, encompassing colorectal carcinoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, aberrantly express RBPs. We also highlight some recent advances in the field that could prompt the development of RBPs-based therapeutic interventions.

How SARS-CoV-2 dodges immune surveillance and facilitates infection: an analytical review

INTRODUCTION

Effective treatments for the ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic are limited. The virus has evolved strategies to evade the immune system or hijack immune responses to facilitate infection and escape immune surveillance. Mechanistically, SARS-CoV-2 takes advantage of TLR4 and cytokine-induced integrins to promote its entrance into the cell. Furthermore, the activation of pattern recognition receptors (PRR)-mediated signaling pathways is compromised by SARS-CoV-2 non-structural proteins (NSPs), accessory protein open reading frames (ORFs), and structural proteins upon infection, contributing to viral infection and replication. Host factors necessary for cellular protein synthesis, metabolism, and viral replication can also be inhibited by the SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Exploring specific mechanisms would optimize the therapy methods and benefit drug research and development.

AREAS COVERED

: We describe pathways and mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 evades immune system; these include the mechanisms that operate during virus entry, signaling pathways involved, and processes at RNA and protein levels.

EXPERT OPINION

: Increased understanding of how viruses interfere with immune responses would provide more evidence for drug development. Drugs targeting conserved viral proteins to inhibit their replication or host factors to enhance immune responses would minimize the impact of virus mutations and prepare for future coronavirus outbreaks.