Transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional consequences of codon usage bias in human cells during heterologous gene expression.

Differences in codon frequency between genomes, genes, or positions along a gene, modulate transcription and translation efficiency, leading to phenotypic and functional differences. Here, we present a multiscale analysis of the effects of synonymous codon recoding during heterologous gene expression in human cells, quantifying the phenotypic consequences of codon usage bias at different molecular and cellular levels, with an emphasis on translation elongation. Six synonymous versions of an antibiotic resistance gene were generated, fused to a fluorescent reporter, and independently expressed in HEK293 cells.

Persistent viremia and presence of hepatitis E virus RNA in pig muscle meat after experimental co-infection with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

Although hepatitis E virus (HEV) transmission has been demonstrated after consumption of products containing infected pig liver, human cases can be also associated with other pig meat products, such as sausages. Data on HEV viremia and dissemination in muscle meat of infected animals are still sparse, especially during long-term infection. Previously, we have shown that experimental co-infection of pigs with HEV and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) lengthens HEV infection up to 49 days and increases the likelihood of the presence of HEV RNA in the liver of the pig at a later stage of infection.

The Amino-Terminal Region of Hepatitis E Virus ORF1 Containing a Methyltransferase (Met) and a Papain-Like Cysteine Protease (PCP) Domain Counteracts Type I Interferon Response.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for large waterborne epidemics of hepatitis in endemic countries and is an emerging zoonotic pathogen worldwide. In endemic regions, HEV-1 or HEV-2 genotypes are frequently associated with fulminant hepatitis in pregnant women, while with zoonotic HEV (HEV-3 and HEV-4), chronic cases of hepatitis and severe neurological disorders are reported. Hence, it is important to characterize the interactions between HEV and its host.

Zoonotic Hepatitis E Virus: Classification, Animal Reservoirs and Transmission Routes.

During the past ten years, several new hepatitis E viruses (HEVs) have been identified in various animal species. In parallel, the number of reports of autochthonous hepatitis E in Western countries has increased as well, raising the question of what role these possible animal reservoirs play in human infections. The aim of this review is to present the recent discoveries of animal HEVs and their classification within the Hepeviridae family, their zoonotic and species barrier crossing potential, and possible use as models to study hepatitis E pathogenesis.