Adenovirus late gene expression does not require a Rev-like nuclear RNA export pathway

C Rabino1, A Aspegren, K Corbin-Lickfett

  • 1Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.

Journal of Virology
|June 23, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Adenovirus late mRNA export relies on viral proteins. However, a proposed pathway involving a specific protein

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Virology
  • Cellular biology

Background:

  • Adenovirus late mRNA export is crucial for viral replication.
  • Viral early proteins, including a 34-kDa protein, are known to facilitate this process.
  • The 34-kDa protein possesses a leucine-rich nuclear export signal (NES), analogous to the HIV Rev protein.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of NES-mediated RNA export in adenovirus infection.
  • To determine if the proposed Rev-like NES-mediated pathway is essential for adenovirus late gene expression.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental analysis of adenovirus-infected cells.
  • Focus on the function of the 34-kDa viral protein and its NES.

Main Results:

  • The study found that NES-mediated RNA export is not essential for adenovirus late gene expression.
  • This challenges the proposed model of a Rev-like NES-mediated export pathway being critical.

Conclusions:

  • The Rev-like NES-mediated export pathway is not a critical mechanism for adenovirus late mRNA export.
  • Adenovirus likely utilizes alternative pathways for efficient late gene expression.

Related Concept Videos

Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
Nuclear Export of mRNA02:31

Nuclear Export of mRNA

Before mRNAs are exported to the cytoplasm, it is crucial to check each mRNA for structural and functional integrity. Eukaryotic cells use several different mechanisms, collectively known as mRNA surveillance, to look for irregularities in mRNAs. Irregular or aberrant mRNA are rapidly degraded by various enzymes. If a defective mRNA escapes the surveillance, it would be translated into a protein which would either be non-functional or not function properly. One of the primary irregularities in...
Nuclear Export01:42

Nuclear Export

The nucleus restricts several proteins within and allows others to pass. The restricted proteins possess a nuclear retention sequence or NRS, anchoring them to the nuclear lamins and preventing their transport to the cytosol. The non-restricted proteins, after their synthesis, are transported to their site of action, such as the cytosol or other organelles, with the help of nuclear export signals or NES.
NES are of three types- the canonical 10-residue long leucine-rich signal and other...
Nuclear Export of mRNA02:31

Nuclear Export of mRNA

Before mRNAs are exported to the cytoplasm, it is crucial to check each mRNA for structural and functional integrity. Eukaryotic cells use several different mechanisms, collectively known as mRNA surveillance, to look for irregularities in mRNAs. Irregular or aberrant mRNA are rapidly degraded by various enzymes. If a defective mRNA escapes the surveillance, it would be translated into a protein which would either be non-functional or not function properly. One of the primary irregularities in...
Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

Viruses with RNA Genomes

RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...