Viral genomes- more than RNA sequence

There are several known biochemical modifications of nucleotides in RNA strands that impact functioning of cellular rRNAs, tRNAs and mRNAs. These modifications are carried out by cellular proteins and help to regulate gene expression in ever-changing environment. Recently, new methodologies have permitted to discover modifications in viral RNAs, including in the genomes of mosquito-transmitted flaviviruses, like dengue virus and Zika virus. The project's first aim would characterise and compare Zika virus genome modifications in mammalian host and mosquito vector cells. Second aim would be to assess, whether modifications have positive or negative effects on virus replication. And thirdly, would modifications have role in viral RNA recognition by innate immune system. The methodologies and techniques for the project are expandable to other viruses with RNA genome as well.