Work

Identification of conserved RNA secondary structures in human respiratory syncytial virus A (hRSV A)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Respiratory Syncytial Virus Type A (RSV A), a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in vulnerable populations, is a nonsegmented, negative-sense RNA virus with a 15-kilobase genome encoding eleven proteins. RNA secondary structures may be critical for RSV processes like transcription, translation, and genome packaging. This study used a variety of computational tools, including ScanFold and RNAfold, to identify 123 thermodynamically stable RNA structures in the positive-sense antigenome and 113 in the negative-sense genome. Of these 103 and 98 showing structural conservation, respectively. Analysis revealed differential ti/tv ratios between stems and loops, suggesting RNA structural constraints on RSV evolution. Key structures were found in the L (RdRp), Fusion (F), Nonstructural 1 and 2, Matrix 2 (M2), Matrix (M) genes, and the 3′ UTR (155 nt Trailer sequence). These findings highlight potentially functional RNA structures that may regulate viral replication, offering novel targets for antiviral drug development.

Source: NAR Genomics and Bioinformatics

DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqaf193

Authors: Damilare K Dabiri, Warren B Rouse, Walter N Moss

Institution: Iowa State University

Language: English

Topic: RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,766