Silent mutations are selected in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and affect enzymatic efficiency.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Missense mutations in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase are frequently selected in response to therapy; we examined whether silent mutations were also selected for by HIV therapy.

Design

Retrospective, observational analysis. Biochemical assays.

Methods

A comparison of the reverse transcriptase gene, from antiretroviral- naive (N = 812) and experienced individuals (N = 2212), reveals two silent mutations (K65K and K66K) that are strongly associated with treatment experience. To assess reverse transcription efficiency, steady-state kinetic assays were carried out using recombinant purified HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and a series of synthetic RNA/DNA template/primer substrates. The RNA templates spanned codons 60-77 in the reverse transcriptase and included differe

SUBMITTER: Harrigan PR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4829083 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature