Related Experiment Videos
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 rev protein as a negative trans-regulator
M R Sadaie1, Z N Benaissa, B R Cullen
1Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892.
DNA (Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.)
|November 1, 1989
Summary
High levels of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) rev protein, essential for replication, paradoxically downregulate viral gene expression. This suggests a novel transcriptional control mechanism within the virus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- The rev gene is critical for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication.
- High concentrations of the rev protein can inhibit viral gene expression, a phenomenon not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism by which high levels of HIV-1 rev protein downregulate viral gene expression.
- To identify the regulatory sequences involved in rev-mediated transcriptional downregulation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of viral mRNA synthesis at varying levels of rev protein expression.
- Mapping of the target sequence for rev-mediated downregulation within the viral genome.
Main Results:
- A gradient of decreasing viral mRNA synthesis was observed as rev protein expression increased beyond wild-type levels.
- The downregulation target sequence was located outside the trans-activating region (TAR) and upstream of the enhancer sequences in the long terminal repeat (LTR).
Conclusions:
- High rev protein levels exert a negative regulatory effect on HIV-1 gene expression.
- The findings suggest a transcriptional level of control mediated by rev, acting on sequences within the LTR but distinct from TAR.