Potyviruses recruit host eIF4A3 to block m6A-mediated RNA decay by steric hindrance of viral RNA methylation in plants.

ABSTRACT: N 6-methyladenosine (m6A), a critical epitranscriptomic modification, regulates RNA metabolism and antiviral defenses. However, how pathogens evade m6A-mediated RNA decay in plants remains poorly understood. Here, we uncover a dynamic m6A modification arms race during infection of sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), a prevalent potyvirus that infects maize and causes 20%-80% yield loss. We demonstrate that maize m6A methyltransferase (ZmMTA) specifically deposits m6A at A6556 of the SCMV genomic RNA, enabling recognition by the m6A reader EVOLUTIONARILY CONSERVED C-TERMINAL REGION 23 (ZmECT23). ZmECT23 directly recruits the ZmCCR4-NOT (carbon catabolite repressor 4-negative on TATA) complex to facilitate viral RNA decay. Strikingly, SCMV counters the defense via its nuclear inclusion protein a

SUBMITTER: Peng D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12781882 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature