Ever wondered how viruses pull off a molecular heist? 🔬 This week, a team from Israel and the U.S. mapped for the first time how a virus called lambda phage uses tiny RNA ‘Trojan horses’ to control E. coli bacteria, as published on December 18, 2025 in Molecular Cell.
Using an advanced sequencing technique, researchers tracked RNA “conversations” inside infected cells, revealing not just chatter within the bacteria but also cross-talk between the virus and its host. Think of it like eavesdropping on a secret chat room! 💬
The star player? A virus-encoded RNA named PreS. Instead of attacking the cell directly, PreS slips into the bacterial messenger RNA (mRNA) that manages DNA replication. By reshaping this mRNA, PreS tricks the cell into overproducing DNA-copying machinery—then hijacks that machinery to crank out more viral genomes. 🚀
When scientists disabled PreS in lab tests, viral replication dropped dramatically, proving this tiny RNA is a linchpin in the infection game.
What’s more, PreS-like sequences turn up in diverse viruses and bacteria around the globe. From labs in Tel Aviv to petri dishes in Boston, it looks like this stealthy strategy is a widespread microbial move. 🌏
Why it matters: understanding these hidden RNA hijacks could spark new antimicrobial approaches—maybe even phage-based therapies that target PreS or similar RNAs. Imagine precision tools that disarm viruses without harming our beneficial gut bacteria (the same microbes that ferment your idli batter or help make tempeh!). 🍛
For young biotech enthusiasts across South and Southeast Asia, this is your cue to dive into the RNA revolution. Who knows—which next-gen lab in Bengaluru or Jakarta will build on this discovery to design the antiviral breakthroughs of tomorrow? 💡
Reference(s):
Study reveals how viruses hijack host cells using hidden RNA messages
cgtn.com
