Identification of the mRNAs associated with HuR (Human antigen R encoded by the Elav1 gene) during CVB3 infection that contribute to pathogenesis

CVB3 is a positive single-stranded, non-enveloped RNA virus of the enterovirus genus within the Picornaviridae family. It relies entirely on the host cell to complete its life cycle and has developed multiple mechanisms to induce target tissue injury, enhancing its pathogenesis. Studies from our laboratory and others have shown that various host factors are modulated—translocated, cleaved, or dysregulated—upon CVB3 infection. Additionally, several host factors play roles in regulating the virus's life cycle at different stages. One such host protein, Human antigen R (HuR; encoded by the Elav1 gene), is an RNA-binding protein that interacts with AU-rich regions in the 3'-untranslated regions of numerous mRNAs, including those involved in inflammation, cell growth, and fibrosis. HuR directly regulates the expression of target mRNAs by modulating their stability and/or translation. Given that HuR binds and regulates several cellular RNAs involved in diverse pathways, we aim to identify the mRNAs associated with HuR during CVB3 infection and understand how they contribute to pathogenesis.