With reference to the DDX39A protein and its role in cellular defense, consider the following statements: 1. Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 are identified as RNA viruses that can trigger Parkinson's-linked molecular changes. 2. The DDX39A protein acts as a defense mechanism to slow the formation of alpha-synuclein clumps. 3. The DDX39A protein moves into the nucleus to unwind viral RNA structures. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

DDX39A Protein Unwinds Viral RNA, Slows Parkinson’s-Linked Clumps

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims· 29 September 2026

Molecular biology and biotechnology: understanding protein-mediated cellular responses to viral infections.

Why in news

Scientists at CSIR-CCMB discovered that the DDX39A protein acts as a defense mechanism by unwinding viral RNA to slow down alpha-synuclein aggregation linked to Parkinson’s disease.

Background

Researchers at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) identified that RNA viruses (influenza and SARS-CoV-2) accelerate alpha-synuclein aggregation. The DDX39A protein moves into the cytoplasm during infection to unwind viral RNA structures and mitigate protein clumping.

Facts for Prelims

S&TDDX39A: A protein that moves into the cytoplasm to unwind viral RNA structures.
FactAlpha-synuclein aggregation: A molecular change linked to Parkinson’s disease triggered by RNA viruses.
BodyCSIR-CCMB: The research was conducted at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology.

Prelims practice question

With reference to the DDX39A protein and its role in cellular defense, consider the following statements:

Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 are identified as RNA viruses that can trigger Parkinson's-linked molecular changes.
The DDX39A protein acts as a defense mechanism to slow the formation of alpha-synuclein clumps.
The DDX39A protein moves into the nucleus to unwind viral RNA structures.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)3 only
(c)1 and 2 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The protein moves into the cytoplasm during infection.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the potential of identifying host-protein interactions, such as DDX39A, in developing novel therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative diseases triggered by viral infections.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Mechanistic insight: Identifying host-protein pathways to mitigate viral-induced protein aggregation
Therapeutic potential: Leveraging DDX39A pathways to treat Parkinson's-linked molecular changes

Keywords: Alpha-synuclein · Neurodegeneration · Viral RNA · Protein Aggregation · Host-Pathogen Interaction

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: The Hindu ↗Also: GS2 · Health policy & public health

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