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Related Concept Videos

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...
Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers01:51

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers01:51

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
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...
LTR Retrotransposons03:08

LTR Retrotransposons

LTR retrotransposons are class I transposable elements with long terminal repeats flanking an internal coding region. These elements are less abundant in mammals compared to other class I transposable elements. About 8 percent of human genomic DNA comprises LTR retrotransposons. Some of the common examples of LTR retrotransposons are Ty elements in yeast and Copia elements in Drosophila.
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

Amplification, Next-generation Sequencing, and Genomic DNA Mapping of Retroviral Integration Sites
09:31

Amplification, Next-generation Sequencing, and Genomic DNA Mapping of Retroviral Integration Sites

Published on: March 22, 2016

Cellular entry of retroviruses.

Dirk Lindemann1, Imke Steffen, Stefan Pöhlmann

  • 1Institute for Virology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|July 26, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Retroviruses, like HIV, enter cells via specific receptor interactions, informing the development of entry inhibitors for treating AIDS. Understanding viral entry mechanisms is crucial for therapy and vaccine design.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Retroviruses are significant human and animal pathogens, including HIV, the cause of AIDS.
  • Retroviral entry studies have advanced general understanding of enveloped virus cellular entry.
  • Alpharetrovirus research identified receptor engagement, not low pH, as a trigger for membrane fusion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize key concepts of avian sarcoma and leukosis virus (ASLV) entry.
  • To review cellular entry mechanisms of foamy virus and HIV.
  • To explore how viral and cellular factors in entry impact tropism, pathogenesis, and therapeutic/vaccine strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of established retroviral entry research.
  • Comparative analysis of ASLV, foamy virus, and HIV entry pathways.

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Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
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Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds

Published on: October 29, 2015

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Last Updated: May 9, 2026

Amplification, Next-generation Sequencing, and Genomic DNA Mapping of Retroviral Integration Sites
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Amplification, Next-generation Sequencing, and Genomic DNA Mapping of Retroviral Integration Sites

Published on: March 22, 2016

Production of Pseudotyped Particles to Study Highly Pathogenic Coronaviruses in a Biosafety Level 2 Setting
08:40

Production of Pseudotyped Particles to Study Highly Pathogenic Coronaviruses in a Biosafety Level 2 Setting

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Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
09:29

Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds

Published on: October 29, 2015

  • Examination of viral and cellular factor interactions during entry.

    • Main Results:

    • Retroviral entry insights have led to the development of entry inhibitors for HIV/AIDS treatment.
    • Specific receptor engagement is a key trigger for retroviral membrane fusion.
    • Understanding entry mechanisms is vital for predicting viral tropism and pathogenesis.

    Conclusions:

    • Insights from retroviral entry studies have direct therapeutic applications, particularly for HIV/AIDS.
    • Further research into foamy virus and HIV entry can inform novel treatment and vaccine development.
    • The interaction of viral and cellular factors during entry is a critical determinant of viral disease and control strategies.