The role of a metastable RNA secondary structure in hepatitis delta virus genotype III RNA editing.

ABSTRACT: RNA editing plays a critical role in the life cycle of hepatitis delta virus (HDV). The host editing enzyme ADAR1 recognizes specific RNA secondary structure features around the amber/W site in the HDV antigenome and deaminates the amber/W adenosine. A previous report suggested that a branched secondary structure is necessary for editing in HDV genotype III. This branched structure, which is distinct from the characteristic unbranched rod structure required for HDV replication, was only partially characterized, and knowledge concerning its formation and stability was limited. Here, we examine the secondary structures, conformational dynamics, and amber/W site editing of HDV genotype III RNA using a miniaturized HDV genotype III RNA in vitro. Computational analysis of this RNA using the MPG

SUBMITTER: Linnstaedt SD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1524886 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature