Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Determining 3'-Termini and Sequences of Nascent Single-Stranded Viral DNA Molecules during HIV-1 Reverse Transcription in Infected Cells
Published on: January 30, 2019
Reverse Transcriptase and Cellular Factors: Regulators of HIV-1 Reverse Transcription
Kylie Warren1, David Warrilow, Luke Meredith
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; E-Mails: kylieW@qimr.edu.au (K.W.); davidW@qimr.edu.au (D.W.); lukeMe@qimr.edu.au (L.M.).
Host factors are essential for HIV-1 proviral DNA synthesis during reverse transcription. This review details cellular proteins interacting with reverse transcriptase (RT) and influencing this critical viral process.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Reverse transcription of HIV-1 RNA to DNA requires host factors.
- Few cellular proteins interacting with reverse transcriptase (RT) are well-characterized.
- HIV-1 integrase and other binding proteins influence reverse transcription.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review interactions between the HIV-1 reverse transcription complex and viral/cellular factors.
- To elucidate how these interactions affect the reverse transcription process.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on HIV-1 reverse transcription.
- Analysis of interactions between viral proteins (RT, integrase) and host cellular factors.
- Examination of the functional impact of these interactions on viral DNA synthesis.
Main Results:
- Several cellular proteins, including INI1, Sin3a complex components, Gemin2, HuR, AKAP149, and DNA topoisomerase I, interact with RT or integrase.
- These interactions modulate the efficiency and outcome of HIV-1 reverse transcription.
- Understanding these host-pathogen interactions is key to deciphering viral replication.
Conclusions:
- Host cellular proteins play a significant, multifaceted role in HIV-1 reverse transcription.
- Targeting these interactions could offer novel therapeutic strategies against HIV-1.
- Further research is needed to fully map the complex interplay of factors governing viral DNA synthesis.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Viruses with RNA Genomes
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses
Transcription Factors
RNA Polymerase II Accessory Proteins

