Table 1.

Remaining questions on synthesis and translation of reovirus mRNA

Transcription of reovirus dsRNA genome

•Is there a temporal regulation in the transcription of viral genes upon infection? •Is there involvement of helicase activity of μ2 or λ1 in transcription? •Are each segment of genomic RNA transcribed by a single transcription complex?

Cap structure of reovirus mRNA

•Is μ2 or λ1 acting as the RNA triphosphatase for viral mRNA cap synthesis? •Is cap2 structure present on viral mRNA and what is its role? •Is the capping activity absent, inactive or hidden in progeny cores?

Impact of reovirus infection on cellular mRNA

•Is transcription of cellular mRNA affected by reovirus infection? •What is the exact role of modified alternative splicing during reovirus infection?

Synthesis of viral proteins

•Is a viral protein acting as a surrogate of poly(A)-binding protein? •Is a translational operator present on viral mRNA? •Is protein synthesis modified to favor translation of uncapped viral mRNA? •What is the exact involvement of σ3 in the regulation of protein synthesis? •What is the mechanism allowing σ1s to stimulate synthesis of viral proteins?

PKR, stress, and the regulation of protein synthesis during reovirus infection

•Is PKR involved in inhibition of cellular protein synthesis? •What is the exact role of stress granules formation during reovirus infection?