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Retroviruses

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’...

Retrovirus Life Cycles

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...

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...

Viruses with RNA Genomes

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Arbovirus Infections As Screening Tools for the Identification of Viral Immunomodulators and Host Antiviral Factors

Arbovirus Infections As Screening Tools for the Identification of Viral Immunomodulators and Host Antiviral Factors

Published on: September 13, 2018

Host factors exploited by retroviruses.

Stephen P Goff¹

¹Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute HHSC 1310c, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 701 West 168th Street, New York, New York 10032, USA. goff@cancercenter.columbia.edu

Nature Reviews. Microbiology

|February 28, 2007

Summary

Retroviruses travel extensively within host cells during infection. Researchers are identifying cellular proteins crucial for these viral journeys, revealing potential therapeutic targets.

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Last Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Arbovirus Infections As Screening Tools for the Identification of Viral Immunomodulators and Host Antiviral Factors

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Published on: September 13, 2018

Analysis of Group IV Viral SSHHPS Using In Vitro and In Silico Methods

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Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus

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Published on: October 7, 2011

Area of Science:

Virology
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Retroviruses undergo complex intracellular trafficking during their replication cycle.
Understanding these viral journeys is key to developing antiviral strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify cellular proteins (host factors) that retroviruses utilize during their intracellular transport.
To explore these host factors as potential therapeutic targets for antiviral interventions.

Main Methods:

Ongoing research efforts involve identifying a wide range of cellular proteins involved in viral movement.
Proteomic and genetic screening approaches are likely employed.

Main Results:

An extensive repertoire of host factors has been identified that facilitate retroviral movement.
These identified proteins are critical for various stages of the retroviral life cycle.

Conclusions:

Cellular proteins are indispensable for retroviral intracellular trafficking.
Targeting these host factors presents a promising avenue for novel antiviral therapies.