Interplay of RNA 2'-O-methylations with viral replication

Viral RNAs (vRNAs) are decorated by post-transcriptional modifications, including methylation of nucleotides. Methylations regulate biological functions linked to the sequence, structure, and protein interactome of RNA. Several RNA viruses were found to harbor 2'-O-methylations, affecting the ribose moiety of RNA. This mark was initially shown to target the first and second nucleotides of the 5'-end cap structure of mRNA. More recently, nucleotides within vRNA were also reported to carry 2'-O-methylations. The consequences of such methylations are still puzzling since they were associated with both proviral and antiviral effects. Here, we focus on the mechanisms governing vRNA 2'-O-methylation and we explore the possible roles of this epitranscriptomic modification for viral replication.

Automated summary

Viral RNAs (vRNAs) can be modified by methylation, which affects the biological functions of RNA related to sequence, structure, and protein interactions. 2'-O-methylation was initially found to target the cap structure of mRNA, and recently, it was also reported in vRNA. The consequences of these methylations are still unclear, as they have been associated with both pro-viral and anti-viral effects. This article focuses on the mechanisms and potential roles of vRNA 2'-O-methylation in viral replication.