The human cytomegalovirus non-coding Beta2.7 RNA as a novel therapeutic for Parkinson's disease--Translational research with no translation

Virus Res. 2016 Jan 2:212:64-9. doi: 10.1016/j.virusres.2015.05.007. Epub 2015 May 21.

Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) encodes abundant numbers of microRNAs (miRNAs) and other non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) whose functions are presently under intense investigation. In this chapter, we discuss the function of one of the more well characterised virus-encoded ncRNAs, derived from the viral major early gene (Beta2.7). This RNA plays an anti-apoptotic role during infection by directly interacting with mitochondrial complex I to help maintain high levels of ATP production and by preventing the stress induced re-localisation of retinoid/interferon-induced mortality-19 protein, GRIM-19. We then go on to describe how an 800 nucleotide sub-domain of the Beta2.7 transcript, p137, has been exploited in the development of a novel therapeutic for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Keywords: Human cytomegalovirus; Parkinson's disease; Viral miRNAs; Viral non-coding RNAs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytomegalovirus / genetics
  • Cytomegalovirus / metabolism*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / virology*
  • Humans
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
  • RNA, Untranslated / genetics
  • RNA, Untranslated / metabolism
  • RNA, Untranslated / therapeutic use*
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • RNA, Viral / metabolism
  • RNA, Viral / therapeutic use*
  • Translational Research, Biomedical

Substances

  • RNA, Untranslated
  • RNA, Viral