Molecular Modeling of Subtype-Specific Tat Protein Signatures to Predict Tat-TAR Interactions That May Be Involved in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders.

ABSTRACT: HIV-1 is responsible for a spectrum of neurocognitive deficits defined as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The HIV transactivator of transcription (Tat) protein plays a key role in the neuropathophysiology of HAND. The Tat protein functions by transactivation of viral genes through its interaction with the transactivation response (TAR) RNA element. Subtype-specific Tat protein signatures including C31S, R57S and Q63E present in Tat subtype C has previously been linked to a lowered neuropathophysiology compared to Tat subtype B. In this study, we attempted to understand the molecular mechanism by which Tat subtype-specific variation, particularly, C31S, R57S, and Q63E influence the Tat-TAR interaction. We performed molecular modeling to generate accurate three-dimensional pr

SUBMITTER: Williams ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9021916 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature