Guo G, Lin Y, Zhu X, Ding F, Xue X, Zhang Q. Emerging roles of the epitranscriptome in parasitic protozoan biology and pathogenesis.
Trends Parasitol 2024;
40:214-229. [PMID:
38355313 DOI:
10.1016/j.pt.2024.01.006]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
RNA modifications (epitranscriptome) - such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), and pseudouridine (Ψ) - modulate RNA processing, stability, interaction, and translation, thereby playing critical roles in the development, replication, virulence, metabolism, and life cycle adaptations of parasitic protozoa. Here, we summarize potential homologs of the major human RNA modification regulatory factors in parasites, outline current knowledge on how RNA modifications affect parasitic protozoa, highlight the regulation of RNA modifications and their crosstalk, and discuss current progress in exploring RNA modifications as potential drug targets. This review contributes to our understanding of epitranscriptomic regulation of parasitic protozoa biology and pathogenesis and provides new perspectives for the treatment of parasitic diseases.
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