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The role of programmed-1 ribosomal frameshifting in coronavirus propagation

Ewan P Plant1, Jonathan D Dinman

  • 1Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. Ewan.Plant@FDA.hhs.gov

Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|May 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Coronaviruses utilize a programmed ribosomal frameshift for replication. Understanding these frameshift signals is key to deciphering coronavirus molecular biology and lifecycle.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Coronaviruses pose significant global health, economic, and agricultural risks.
  • The 2002-2003 SARS outbreak highlighted the potential impact of coronaviruses on human populations.
  • Research has advanced the understanding of coronavirus molecular biology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current knowledge on the programmed -1 ribosomal frameshift signal in coronaviruses.
  • To provide additional insights into the function of this signal in the viral lifecycle.
  • To differentiate coronavirus frameshift signals from those of other viruses.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on coronavirus frameshifting.
  • Analysis of the molecular mechanisms of programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting in coronaviruses.
  • Comparative analysis of viral frameshift signals.

Main Results:

  • A programmed -1 ribosomal frameshift is essential for producing RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, crucial for coronavirus replication.
  • Coronavirus frameshift signals possess features beyond those necessary for frameshifting itself.
  • Differences in frameshift signals may exist between coronaviruses and other viral families.

Conclusions:

  • The programmed -1 ribosomal frameshift is a critical component of the coronavirus lifecycle.
  • Further investigation into the non-essential features of these signals could reveal novel insights.
  • Understanding these signals can contribute to a broader comprehension of viral replication strategies.

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