Characterization of an HIV-targeted transcriptional gene-silencing RNA in primary cells.

ABSTRACT: Small antisense RNAs targeted to the HIV-1 promoter have been shown to remodel the surrounding chromatin to a state unfavorable for transcriptional activation, yet transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) of HIV-1 has, to date, not been shown in primary human cells. We demonstrate here that TGS can reduce viral transcription in primary human CD4(+) T cells; however, increasing viral burden results in the loss of this antiviral effect. This observation suggests a critical level at which viral RNA can dilute out effective targeting by TGS-based RNAs. Furthermore, studies into off-target effects have identified a potential interaction between the small nucleolar RNA pathway and the TGS-based antisense RNA, resulting in activation of p53. Although not overtly toxic to primary cells, this represent

SUBMITTER: Turner AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3360501 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature