Researchers at the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine have made a significant discovery about the Zika virus. Their study reveals that a type of RNA within the virus can “freeze” itself to enhance replication and spread in the body. This finding, published in Nature Chemical Biology, could lead to new treatments targeting similar mosquito-borne RNA viruses.
Helen Lazear, PhD, an associate professor of microbiology and immunology, and Qi Zhang, PhD, a professor of biochemistry and biophysics, led the multidisciplinary research team. They discovered that this stable RNA structure acts as a protective barrier against degradation by host cells. “We know that Zika virus and related viruses rely on these very stable RNA structures to replicate,” said Lazear. By altering this stability in laboratory settings, researchers showed it is possible to shorten the lifespan of the virus’s RNA, potentially hindering its growth.
The discovery was initially made in 2017 during routine imaging experiments using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. Researchers found that Zika virus RNA remained in its configuration much longer than other types of RNA. Further analysis revealed this stability plays a crucial role in viral replication.
Understanding how this RNA maintains its strong defense could help develop therapies to disrupt its interaction with host cells. The research also has implications for other flaviviruses like West Nile virus. Lazear emphasized the importance of preparing for potential outbreaks: “While some flaviviruses are important causes of disease globally, some… don’t currently cause large outbreaks but have the potential to do so.”
The findings add a new dimension to understanding RNA molecules beyond their shape—considering their longevity is now crucial. Zhang stated, “This paper really changed the paradigm of the field… Perhaps in the future we could use AI-based technologies that can not only predict space but also predict lifetime.”
Zhang leads an initiative called RIDE (RNA-targeted Innovation in Drug Exploration) at UNC’s Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and co-directs UNC’s RNA Discovery Center alongside Lazear.
The study involved contributions from various experts across institutions including Duke University and the University of Michigan. Funding was provided by several sources such as UNC’s Emerging Challenges in Biomedical Research pilot award program and grants from national health organizations.
Researchers acknowledged support from UNC’s Biomolecular NMR Laboratory funded by NIH’s National Cancer Institute for spectrometer maintenance.
