Gammaretrovirus mRNA expression is mediated by a novel, bipartite post-transcriptional regulatory element.

ABSTRACT: Post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of several complex and simple retroviruses and retroelements have been elucidated, with the exception of the gammaretrovirus family. We found that, similar to the other retroviruses, gag gene expression of MuLV and XMRV depends on post-transcriptional regulation mediated via an RNA sequence overlapping the pro-pol open reading frame, termed the Post-Transcriptional Element (PTE). PTE function can be replaced by heterologous RNA export elements, e.g. CTE of simian type D retroviruses. Alternatively, Gag particle production is achieved using an RNA/codon optimized gag gene. PTE function is transferable and can replace HIV Rev-RRE-regulated expression of HIV gag. Analysis of PTE by SHAPE revealed a highly structured RNA comprising seven stem-loop str

SUBMITTER: Pilkington GR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4176177 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature