LncRNA-SUSAJ1 Activates the ER Stress Pathway Inhibiting JEV Proliferation by Promoting PK15 Cells Apoptosis

Background: Epidemic encephalitis B is a common zoonosis that threatens both pigs and humans. Effective prevention and control of epidemic encephalitis B is difficult. The cellular defence mechanism is closely related to the body’s resistance to viral invasion. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in regulating various cellular activities. We previously found that lncRNA-SUSAJ1 could inhibit the proliferation of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). However, the mechanism underlying this suppression remains unclear. Methods: We performed Western blotting and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analyses, as well as mitochondrial membrane potential, flow cytometry, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL), RNA pull-down, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Results: JC-1 cationic dye staining showed that lncRNA-SUSAJ1 promoted the depolarisation of mitochondrial membrane potential; H2DCFDA probe staining showed that lncRNA-SUSAJ1 enhanced the level of reactive oxygen species in PK15 porcine kidney cells. qRT-PCR and Western blotting revealed the expression levels of associated mRNAs and proteins, and the TUNEL and flow cytometry assays detected cell apoptosis. Their results showed that lncRNA-SUSAJ1 promoted the expression of pro-apoptotic genes and inhibited the expression of anti-apoptotic genes. RNA pull-down experiments using biotin-labelled lncRNA-SUSAJ1 showed colocalisation between lncRNA-SUSAJ1 and the 70 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp70). lncRNA-SUSAJ1 also activated unfolded protein response-related pathways, regulated protein degradation, and promoted apoptosis via the endoplasmic reticulum stress response, thereby inhibiting viral replication. Conclusions: The findings of this study provide insight into the specific molecular mechanism of lncRNA-SUSAJ1 resistance to viral proliferation by promoting cell apoptosis, clarify the antiviral effect of lncRNA-SUSAJ1 on JEV.