Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Interview: HIV-1 Proviral DNA Excision Using an Evolved Recombinase
Published on: June 17, 2008
Retroviral DNA integration: HIV and the role of LEDGF/p75
Angela Ciuffi1, Frederic D Bushman
1University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, 3610 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6076, USA. aciuffi@mail.med.upenn.edu
Abstract:
To replicate, a retrovirus must integrate a DNA copy of its RNA genome into a chromosome of the host cell. Integration is not random in the host genome but favors particular regions, and preferences differ among retroviruses. Several mechanisms might play a part in this favored integration targeting: (i) open chromatin might be preferentially accessible for viral DNA integration; (ii) DNA replication during cell division might facilitate access of integration complexes to favored sites; and (iii) cellular proteins bound to the host chromosome might tether integration complexes to favored regions. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of retroviral integration, focusing on LEDGF/p75--the first cellular protein shown to have a role in directing HIV DNA integration. Studies on LEDGF/p75 indicate that it directs HIV integration site selection by a tethering interaction, whereas the chromatin accessibility or cell cycle models are less well supported. Understanding viral integration will help improve the safety of retrovirus-based vectors used in gene therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses
LTR Retrotransposons
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

