May 15, 2025
Journal Article
Multi-platform 'omics' analysis of Nipah virus infection reveals viral glycoprotein modulation of mitochondria
Abstract
The recent global pandemic illustrates the importance of understanding the host cellular infection processes of emerging zoonotic viruses. Nipah virus (NiV) is a deadly zoonotic biosafety level 4 encephalitic and respiratory paramyxovirus. Our knowledge of the molecular cell biology of NiV infection is extremely limited. This study identified changes in cellular components during NiV infection of human cells using a multi-platform high-throughput transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics approach. Remarkably, validation via multidisciplinary approaches implicated viral glycoproteins in enriching mitochondria-associated proteins despite an overall decrease in protein translation. Our approach also allowed mapping of significant fluctuations in metabolism of glucose, lipids, and several amino acids, suggesting periodic changes in glycolysis and a transition to fatty acid oxidation and glutamine anaplerosis to support mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Notably, these analyses provide an atlas of cellular changes during NiV infections, helpful in designing therapeutics against the rapidly growing Henipavirus genus and related viral infections.Published: May 15, 2025