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Related Concept Videos

Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

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...
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes01:26

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...
Viral Structure00:56

Viral Structure

Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.
Leaky Scanning02:28

Leaky Scanning

During most eukaryotic translation processes, the small 40S ribosome subunit scans an mRNA from its 5' end until it encounters the first start AUG codon. The large 60S ribosomal subunit then joins the smaller one to initiate protein synthesis. The location of the translation initiation is largely determined by the nucleotides near the start codon as there may be multiple translation initiation sites present on the mRNA.  Marilyn Kozak discovered that the sequence RCCAUGG (where R stands for...
Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

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...
Pre-mRNA Processing: Modification of pre-mRNA Ends01:35

Pre-mRNA Processing: Modification of pre-mRNA Ends

In eukaryotic cells, transcripts made by RNA polymerase are modified and processed before exiting the nucleus. Unprocessed RNA is called precursor mRNA or pre-mRNA to distinguish it from mature mRNA.
Once about 20-40 ribonucleotides have been joined together by RNA polymerase, a group of enzymes adds a cap to the 5' end of the growing transcript. In this process, a 5' phosphate is replaced by modified guanosine that has a methyl group attached (7-methyl guanosine). This 5' cap helps the cell...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

In vitro Transcription and Capping of Gaussia Luciferase mRNA Followed by HeLa Cell Transfection
08:55

In vitro Transcription and Capping of Gaussia Luciferase mRNA Followed by HeLa Cell Transfection

Published on: March 26, 2012

[Capping strategies in RNA viruses].

Mickaël Bouvet1, François Ferron, Isabelle Imbert

  • 1Laboratoire CNRS - Architecture et fonction des macromolécules biologiques (AFMB), UMR 7257, groupe réplication virale, structures, mécanismes et drug-design, école supérieure d'ingénieurs de Luminy (ESIL) - Case 925, 163, avenue de Luminy, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France.

Medecine Sciences : M/S
|May 3, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Viruses rely on mRNA capping for replication and protection. Recent studies reveal novel viral capping mechanisms, offering potential for new antiviral drugs targeting these essential viral enzymes.

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Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Context:

  • Most viruses utilize the host cell's messenger RNA (mRNA) translation machinery.
  • mRNA capping is crucial for viral replication, RNA protection from nucleases, and immune evasion.
  • Viruses obtain mRNA caps via cellular enzymes, cap "snatching", or virus-encoded enzymes.

Purpose:

  • To review the structural and functional characterization of viral enzymes involved in mRNA capping.
  • To highlight novel mechanisms of viral mRNA cap synthesis.
  • To explore the potential for developing antiviral drugs targeting these viral enzymes.

Summary:

  • Viral replication heavily depends on mRNA capping, a process essential for protein synthesis and RNA stability.
  • Viruses employ diverse strategies, including "cap snatching" and unique viral enzymes, to acquire their mRNA caps.
  • Recent structural and functional studies of viral capping enzymes have uncovered innovative synthesis pathways.

Impact:

  • Understanding viral capping mechanisms provides insights into viral replication strategies.
  • Characterization of viral capping enzymes opens avenues for designing specific antiviral inhibitors.
  • This research holds promise for developing novel therapeutics against a wide range of viral infections.