Fate of HIV-1 cDNA intermediates during reverse transcription is dictated by transcription initiation site of virus genomic RNA.

ABSTRACT: Retroviral reverse transcription is accomplished by sequential strand-transfers of partial cDNA intermediates copied from viral genomic RNA. Here, we revealed an unprecedented role of 5'-end guanosine (G) of HIV-1 genomic RNA for reverse transcription. Based on current consensus for HIV-1 transcription initiation site, HIV-1 transcripts possess a single G at 5'-ends (G1-form). However, we found that HIV-1 transcripts with additional Gs at 5'-ends (G2- and G3-forms) were abundantly expressed in infected cells by using alternative transcription initiation sites. The G2- and G3-forms were also detected in the virus particle, although the G1-form predominated. To address biological impact of the 5'-G number, we generated HIV clone DNA to express the G1-form exclusively by deleting the alternat

SUBMITTER: Masuda T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4668388 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature