HIV-1 Pr55^Gag binds genomic and spliced RNAs with different affinity and stoichiometry.

ABSTRACT: The HIV-1 Pr55^Gag precursor specifically selects genomic RNA (gRNA) from a large variety of cellular and spliced viral RNAs (svRNAs), however the molecular mechanisms of this selective recognition remains poorly understood. To gain better understanding of this process, we analyzed the interactions between Pr55^Gag and a large panel of viral RNA (vRNA) fragments encompassing the main packaging signal (Psi) and its flanking regions by fluorescence spectroscopy. We showed that the gRNA harbors a high affinity binding site which is absent from svRNA species, suggesting that this site might be crucial for selecting the HIV-1 genome. Our stoichiometry analysis of protein/RNA complexes revealed that few copies of Pr55^Gag specifically associate with the 5' region of

SUBMITTER: Bernacchi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5270550 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature