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A stuttering model for paramyxovirus P mRNA editing
S Vidal1, J Curran, D Kolakofsky
1Department of Microbiology, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Switzerland.
The EMBO Journal
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Paramyxovirus P genes produce two mRNAs, differing by G insertions, coding for P or V proteins. A stuttering model explains these G insertions during mRNA synthesis and their varying ratios.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Paramyxovirus P genes generate two distinct messenger RNAs (mRNAs).
- These mRNAs encode either the P or V proteins.
- The mRNAs differ by one or two guanine (G) insertions within a short run of Gs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of G insertions during paramyxovirus mRNA synthesis.
- To propose a stuttering model explaining the generation and ratio of inserted/uninserted mRNAs.
- To understand variations in G insertions among different paramyxoviruses.
Main Methods:
- In vitro synthesis of Sendai virus mRNA under varied reaction conditions.
- Analysis of mRNA transcripts to identify G insertions.
- Development of a stuttering model based on experimental observations.
Main Results:
- Experimental conditions influenced the ratio of inserted to uninserted mRNAs during Sendai virus synthesis.
- Support was found for a stuttering mechanism involving reiterative copying of template cytosine (C) residues.
- The proposed model accounts for one vs. two G insertions in different paramyxoviruses.
Conclusions:
- A stuttering mechanism is proposed for paramyxovirus mRNA G insertions.
- This mechanism explains the control of mRNA ratios and variations in G insertion numbers.
- The findings provide insight into paramyxovirus gene expression and evolution.