Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
08:55
In vitro Transcription and Capping of Gaussia Luciferase mRNA Followed by HeLa Cell Transfection
Published on: March 26, 2012
Decapitation: poxvirus makes RNA lose its head
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK. agmclen@liv.ac.uk
Trends in Biochemical Sciences
|May 15, 2007
Summary
Vaccinia virus infection degrades viral and host mRNAs. A viral enzyme, Nudix hydrolase (D10 gene), decaps these mRNAs, targeting them for destruction and impacting virus evolution.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- RNA Metabolism
Background:
- Vaccinia virus infection involves regulated mRNA degradation.
- Both viral and host mRNAs are affected during infection.
- The mechanisms controlling mRNA turnover are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key mediators of mRNA degradation during vaccinia virus infection.
- To elucidate the role of viral factors in RNA processing.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of viral gene products.
- Biochemical assays to study enzyme activity.
- RNA decapping assays.
Main Results:
- A Nudix hydrolase, encoded by the viral D10 gene, was identified as a key mediator.
- This viral enzyme directly decaps viral mRNAs (early, intermediate, and late).
- Decapping occurs independently of cellular RNA degradation machinery.
Conclusions:
- The viral D10 Nudix hydrolase is crucial for targeting viral mRNAs for destruction.
- This viral mechanism allows for controlled regulation of gene expression during infection.
- Findings provide insights into virus evolution and RNA decapping regulation.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Viruses 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...
01:29Subviral Agents
Subviral agents are infectious entities that resemble viruses but lack one or more viral components, such as a capsid or essential replication machinery. These agents include viroids, prions, and satellites, each possessing distinct structural and functional characteristics that influence their mode of infection and replication.Viroids are the simplest subviral agents, consisting of circular, single-stranded RNA molecules without a protein coat. They exclusively infect plants, relying entirely...
01:10Retrovirus 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...
01:28Rabies
Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease caused by a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus of the Lyssavirus genus, within the family Rhabdoviridae. Its primary mode of transmission to humans is through bites or saliva-contaminated scratches from infected mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, or foxes. Transmission can also occur if infectious saliva contacts abraded skin or intact mucous membranes, including the conjunctiva.Viral Entry and Early ReplicationOnce introduced at the bite or scratch...
01:26Size 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...
02:27Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay
The Upf proteins that carry out nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) are found in all eukaryotic organisms, including humans. Each protein has an individual role, but they need to work in collaboration. Upf1 is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase that unwinds the RNA helix. Because Upf1 can unwind any RNA, Upf2 and Upf3 are required to help Upf1 discriminate between nonsense and normal mRNAs.
Usually, Upf3 binds to an Exon Junction Complex (EJC) at mRNA splice sites. If a ribosome fully translates the mRNA,...
Usually, Upf3 binds to an Exon Junction Complex (EJC) at mRNA splice sites. If a ribosome fully translates the mRNA,...