Objective
Recent evidence indicates that codon usage bias regulates gene expression, as synonymous codons are not decoded with the same efficiency. Viruses are entirely dependent on the host translation machinery to express their proteins. Puzzlingly, the genomes of diverse viruses synthesize viral proteins at high levels, such as those of the emerging Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), dengue virus (DENV) and the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 are enriched in rare codons that should slow down their translation. How these viruses achieve this high protein expression remains a fundamental question in virology. In Juana Díez's laboratory, recent findings have revealed an unprecedented interplay of the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) with the host tRNA epitranscriptome. CHIKV adapts the host translational machinery toward viral codon usage by overexpressing a tRNA modification enzyme that favors translating a specific set of codons enriched in CHIKV RNA.
The proposed project will combine cellular, and molecular biology approaches with -omics analyses to further develop this novel research area and explore its translatability. First, using SARS-CoV-2 as a model, we will study whether the observed CHIKV-induced codon-specific reprogramming of the host translation machinery represents a common mechanism to optimize viral protein expression. Second, we will characterize the tRNA modifying enzymes involved. Third, we will explore the antiviral therapeutic interest of the identified enzymes. Together, these findings will shed light on a novel layer of virus-host interaction and might provide a rationale to consider the regulation of the host tRNA epitranscriptome as a promising target for the development of broad-spectrum antivirals.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology virology
- medical and health sciences health sciences infectious diseases viral diseases RNA viruses coronaviruses
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy pharmaceutical drugs antivirals
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
08002 Barcelona
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.