Hacking the ribosome to map virus-host associations

Introduction

High throughput sequencing and metagenomics have deepened our understanding of viruses in nature, yet linking viruses to their hosts remains a challenge, hindering our knowledge and applications.

Project Aim

The VirHoX project aims to overcome this by "hacking" the ribosome to map virus-host associations. Leveraging a critical moment in the infection cycle of all viruses, the translation of viral genes into proteins by the host cell, we will uncover concealed relationships between viruses and their hosts, providing a universal tool for virus-host pairing.

Methodology

This novel approach, VirHo-seq, involves:

1. Ligating host ribosomal RNA with viral mRNA during translation in infected cells using engineered enzymes.
2. Following this with high throughput sequencing to reveal virus-host pairings.

Consortium

Our interdisciplinary consortium consists of academic and industrial experts in:

• Microbiology
• Protein engineering
• Gene editing
• Viral genomics/transcriptomics
• Law

We will develop and then prepare the commercialization of VirHo-seq, envisioning legislative and analytical frameworks to maximize its impact.

Impact

This technology will significantly help tackle current challenges, such as those posed by:

• Emerging pathogens
• Ecological disruptions
• Climate change

Alignment with Objectives

Our approach aligns with the EIC Work Programme objectives, demonstrating feasibility on model organisms before validating on relevant samples, addressing the "engineered living materials" challenge.