Targeting frameshifting in the human immunodeficiency virus.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

HIV-1 uses a programmed –1 ribosomal frameshift to generate Gag-Pol, the precursor of its enzymes, when its full-length mRNA is translated by the ribosomes of the infected cells. This change in the reading frame occurs at a so-called slippery sequence that is followed by a specific secondary structure, the frameshift stimulatory signal. This signal controls the frameshift efficiency. The synthesis of HIV-1 enzymes is critical for virus replication and therefore, the –1 ribosomal frameshift could be the target of novel antiviral drugs.

Areas covered

Various approaches were used to select drugs interfering with the –1 frameshift of HIV-1. These include the selection and modification of chemical compounds that specifically bind to the frameshift stimulatory signal,

SUBMITTER: Brakier-Gingras L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3328590 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature