Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a crucial adapter that interacts with messenger RNA and carries the amino acids building blocks needed for protein synthesis. These adapter molecules are richly decorated with base modifications that regulate several aspects of protein synthesis and affect physiological properties of the organism. Indeed, some viruses are thought to alter host cell functions by affecting their tRNA modification, generating tRNA-derived fragments, or by expressing virus-specific tRNAs. PROMOTE aims to understand how viruses utilize RNA-based mechanisms during infection to control host cell protein synthesis and thereby affect antiviral responses. Our preliminary results indicate that tRNA modification is dynamically altered during infection, although the host organism also utilizes these means to enhance its immune responses. This work mechanistically explains how organisms respond to infections and provide tools that can be used to combat pathogens.

2023

2027