# Role of PCIF1 in Regulating Host-HIV interactions

> **NIH NIH R56** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2024 · $502,861

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
RNA modification is an emerging concept because a diverse set of modified nucleotides are found in mRNA
sequences. The m6A modification is catalyzed by RNA methyltransferase complex containing METTL3 that
catalyzes the addition of a methyl group at N6 position of adenosine which affects gene expression via
regulation of RNA metabolism, function, and localization. N6,2’-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am) is an abundant
RNA modification located adjacent to the 5’-end of mRNA 7-methylguanosine (m7G) cap structure. Since
m6Am is found at the first transcribed nucleotide in ~30% of the cellular mRNAs, m6Am can have a major
influence on gene expression of the transcriptome. Human Phosphorylated CTD Interacting Factor 1 (PCIF1)
as cap-specific adenosine-N6-MTase (CAPAM), that catalyzes cap-specific m6A methylation on 2’-O-
methylated A at the 5’-ends of mRNAs. So far, the role of m6Am RNA modification and the catalytic function of
PCIF1 in biological and disease processes, especially in regulating viral infections and host-pathogens
interactions have not be determined. Despite remarkable success in treating HIV/AIDS, we do not have a
functional or complete cure for the disease. The molecular networks of host cell regulating HIV-1 transcription,
replication, and latency are not completely understood. The overall objective of this proposal is to delineate the
molecular and cellular mechanisms by which HIV-1 (HIV) infection alters host transcriptional and translational
programs. Our project has three specific aims: Aim 1: Define the dynamics and mapping of human m6Am RNA
methylome by HIV infection and methamphetamine (MA) exposure. Aim 2: Determine how HIV alters m6Am
methylome of host cell. Aim 3: Determine how RNA modifications influences HIV pathogenesis. Successful
completion of these aims will reveal function of PCIF1, and a new regulatory mechanism involved in HIV gene
expression and latency.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11113394
- **Project number:** 1R56AI187411-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** TARIQ M RANA
- **Activity code:** R56 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $502,861
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-24 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11113394

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11113394, Role of PCIF1 in Regulating Host-HIV interactions (1R56AI187411-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11113394. Licensed CC0.

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