Identification and characterization of mosquito factors interacting with the untranslated terminal regions (UTRs) of the RNA genome of Dengue and Zika viruses – DeZincRNA

Dengue (DENV) and Zika (ZIKV) flaviviruses infect millions of people worldwide. Circulating between both human and mosquito hosts, their RNA genomes harbor multifunctional untranslated regions (UTRs) that are essential for pathogenesis. While some functions of flaviviral UTRs have been described in mammals, their role in mosquitoes is poorly understood. Using innovative biochemical and biophysical approaches, relying on RNA precipitation and DNA biochips coupled to mass spectrometry, we propose to identify factors associated with viral RNA 5’- and 3’-Untranslated Regions (UTRs) in mosquitoes. We will then functionally characterize their involvement in viral infection in adult mosquitoes. Finally, using structural biology and biophysical approaches, we will examine the interaction and the mechanism of action of selected host proteins with viral UTRs. On the fundamental level, our study will shed light on the role of viral UTRs in the mosquito host. This could be leveraged for the development of novel antiviral strategies.