Nucleolar Relocalization of RBM14 by Influenza A Virus NS1 Protein

Abstract

ABSTRACT Viruses utilize a number of host factors in order to carry out their replication cycles. Influenza A virus (IAV) and human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) both infect the tissues of the respiratory tract, and as such we hypothesize that they might require similar host factors. Several published genome-wide screens have identified putative IAV host factors; however, there is significant discordance between their hits. In order to build on this work, we integrated a variety of “OMICS” data sources using two complementary network analyses, yielding 51 genes enriched for both IAV and RSV replication. We designed a targeted small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based assay to screen these genes against IAV under robust conditions and identified 13 genes supported by two IAV subtypes in both primary and transformed human lung cells. One of these hits, RNA binding motif 14 (RBM14), was validated as a required host factor and furthermore was shown to relocalize to the nucleolus upon IAV infection but not with other viruses. Additionally, the IAV NS1 protein is both necessary and sufficient for RBM14 relocalization, and relocalization also requires the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) binding capacity of NS1. This work reports the discovery of a new host requirement for IAV replication and exposes a novel example of interplay between IAV NS1 and the host protein, RBM14. IMPORTANCE Influenza A virus (IAV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) present major global disease burdens. There are high economic costs associated with morbidity as well as significant mortality rates, especially in developing countries, in children, and in the elderly. There are currently limited therapeutic options for these viruses, which underscores the need for novel research into virus biology that may lead to the discovery of new therapeutic approaches. This work extends existing research into host factors involved in virus replication and explores the interaction between IAV and one such host factor, RBM14. Further study to fully characterize this interaction may elucidate novel mechanisms used by the virus during its replication cycle and open new avenues for understanding virus biology.

Keywords

• NS1 protein
• RNA interference
• influenza virus
• systems biology
• virus-host interactions