Using functional viral screens to find RNA pieces that control gene activity

A screening of 30,367 viral segments revealed hundreds of regulatory elements affecting RNA behavior.

• Hundreds of elements were identified that influence RNA abundance, translation, and distribution within cells.
• The K5 element, found in kobuviruses, significantly enhances mRNA stability and translation across different platforms.
• A previously uncharacterized protein, ZCCHC2, is identified as essential for the function of K5.
• ZCCHC2 is associated with the recruitment of TENT4, which extends poly(A) tails, potentially affecting RNA lifespan.

Simplified