5'-proximal hot spot for an inducible positive-to-negative-strand template switch by coronavirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

ABSTRACT: Coronaviruses have a positive-strand RNA genome and replicate through the use of a 3' nested set of subgenomic mRNAs each possessing a leader (65 to 90 nucleotides [nt] in length, depending on the viral species) identical to and derived from the genomic leader. One widely supported model for leader acquisition states that a template switch takes place during the generation of negative-strand antileader-containing templates used subsequently for subgenomic mRNA synthesis. In this process, the switch is largely driven by canonical heptameric donor sequences at intergenic sites on the genome that match an acceptor sequence at the 3' end of the genomic leader. With experimentally placed 22-nt-long donor sequences within a bovine coronavirus defective interfering (DI) RNA we have shown that mat

SUBMITTER: Wu HY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1866079 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature