Genetic analysis of sequences in the 3' nontranslated region of hepatitis C virus that are important for RNA replication.

ABSTRACT: The genome of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a plus-strand RNA molecule that carries a single long open reading frame. It is flanked at either end by highly conserved nontranslated regions (NTRs) that mediate crucial steps in the viral life cycle. The 3' NTR of HCV has a tripartite structure composed of an about 40-nucleotide variable region, a poly(U/UC) tract that has a heterogeneous length, and a highly conserved 98-nucleotide 3'-terminal sequence designated the X tail or 3'X. Conflicting data as to the role the sequences in the 3' NTR play in RNA replication have been reported. By using the HCV replicon system, which is based on the self-replication of subgenomic HCV RNAs in human hepatoma cell line Huh-7, we mapped in this study the sequences in the 3' NTR required for RNA replication

SUBMITTER: Friebe P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC137049 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature