How do RNAs regulate oncogenic virus infection?

Our Research

We aim to define functions and mechanisms of non-coding RNAs in virus-host interactions. Our current focus is circular RNAs, a novel regulator of virus infection. They are abundant RNA species in human cells and interact with other RNAs and proteins to regulate cellular physiology. We are among the first to identify virus infection-induced circular RNAs. Using tumour-associated human herpesviruses including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV), we found a human circular RNA, circRELL1, that can suppress viral lytic cycle, a process that produces new virions and spread infection. Still, circRELL1 is one of many host circular RNAs that are commonly induced by multiple herpesviruses and we also discovered virus-encoded circular RNAs of unknown functions.