Structural and phenotypic analysis of Chikungunya virus RNA replication elements.

ABSTRACT: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging, pathogenic Alphavirus transmitted to humans by Aedes spp. mosquitoes. We have mapped the RNA structure of the 5' region of the CHIKV genome using selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analysed by primer extension (SHAPE) to investigate intramolecular base-pairing at single-nucleotide resolution. Taking a structure-led reverse genetic approach, in both infectious virus and sub-genomic replicon systems, we identified six RNA replication elements essential to efficient CHIKV genome replication - including novel elements, either not previously analysed in other alphaviruses or specific to CHIKV. Importantly, through a reverse genetic approach we demonstrate that the replication elements function within the positive-strand genomic copy of the virus genome,

SUBMITTER: Kendall C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6753490 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature