Identification of an N6-methyladenosine-mediated positive feedback loop that promotes Epstein-Barr virus infection.

ABSTRACT: N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is among the most abundant mRNA modifications, particularly in eukaryotes, and is found in mammals, plants, and even some viruses. Although essential for the regulation of many biological processes, the exact role of m⁶A modification in virus-host interaction remains largely unknown. Here, using m⁶A -immunoprecipitation and sequencing, we find that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection decreases the m⁶A modification of transcriptional factor KLF4 mRNA and subsequently increases its protein level. Mechanistically, EBV immediate-early protein BZLF1 interacts with the promoter of m⁶A methyltransferase METTL3, inhibiting its expression. Subsequently, the decrease of METTL3 reduces the level of KLF4 mRNA m⁶A

SUBMITTER: Dai DL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8063736 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature