Z-RNA biology: a central role in the innate immune response? [MINI-REVIEW]

AlexandrosSfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Z-RNA biology: a central role in the innate immune response? [MINI-REVIEW] via RNA current issue Z-RNA is a higher-energy, left-handed conformation of RNA, whose function has remained elusive. A growing body of work alludes to regulatory roles for Z-RNA in the immune response. Here, we review how Z-RNA features present in cellular RNAs—especially containing retroelements—could be recognized by a family of winged helix proteins, with an impact on host defense. We also discuss how mutations to specific Z-contacting amino acids disrupt their ability to stabilize Z-RNA, resulting in functional losses. We end by highlighting knowledge gaps in the field, which, if addressed, would significantly advance this active area of research. View on Web

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