Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
09:08
Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Published on: July 27, 2021
4.2K
Foamy Virus Protein-Nucleic Acid Interactions during Particle Morphogenesis
Martin V Hamann1,2, Dirk Lindemann3,4
1Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany. martin.hamann@tu-dresden.de.
Viruses
|September 3, 2016
Summary
Foamy viruses (FVs) have unique replication mechanisms distinct from other retroviruses. Research suggests the FV Gag C-terminus acts as a broad RNA binding module, revealing a novel viral RNA packaging process.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Retroviral Research
Background:
- Foamy viruses (FVs), a distinct retroviral subfamily, exhibit less understood replication compared to orthoretroviruses.
- Established retroviral replication models are not fully applicable to FVs due to key differences in their life cycle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review protein-nucleic acid interactions during foamy virus (FV) morphogenesis.
- To summarize current knowledge on FV genome structure, RNA packaging signals, and Gag/Pol protein biosynthesis.
- To address open questions regarding FV RNA engagement, binding, and packaging.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on molecular and cellular aspects of FV replication.
- Analysis of existing data on FV genome structure, sequence motifs, and protein biosynthesis.
- Synthesis of recent findings to propose new models for FV RNA packaging.
Main Results:
- The FV replication cycle presents unique challenges to established retroviral models.
- Recent findings suggest the C-terminus of the FV Gag protein functions as a general RNA binding module.
- FV RNA packaging appears to involve a complex assembly of components for infectious particle formation.
Conclusions:
- A paradigm shift is proposed, viewing the FV Gag C-terminus as a key RNA binding module.
- Further investigation into this potentially novel retroviral RNA packaging mechanism is encouraged.
- Understanding these interactions can advance the development of gene therapy vectors.
Keywords:
Gag biosynthesisPol biosynthesisRNA encapsidationcapsid assemblycis-acting sequencefoamy virusgenomic viral RNAMore Related Videos
08:10Production of High-Titer Infectious Influenza Pseudotyped Particles with Envelope Glycoproteins from Highly Pathogenic H5N1 and Avian H7N9 Viruses
Published on: January 15, 2020
9.0K
08:40Production of Pseudotyped Particles to Study Highly Pathogenic Coronaviruses in a Biosafety Level 2 Setting
Published on: March 1, 2019
59.8K
Related Concept Videos
00:56Viral Structure
75.5K
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.
75.5K
02:28Leaky Scanning
5.8K
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...
5.8K
02:41Protein Complex Assembly
17.0K
Proteins can form homomeric complexes with another unit of the same protein or heteromeric complexes with different types. Most protein complexes self-assemble spontaneously via ordered pathways, while some proteins need assembly factors that guide their proper assembly. Despite the crowded intracellular environment, proteins usually interact with their correct partners and form functional complexes.
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
17.0K
01:10Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria
3.8K
Intracellular bacteria and viruses often comprise a group of highly infectious pathogens that can cause several diseases. Bacterial pathogens include those belonging to the genus Rickettsia responsible for conditions such as rocky mountain spotted fever and the Mediterranean spotted fever; Chlamydia, a genus responsible for a sexually transmitted disease; Coxiella burnetii, an agent responsible for Q fever. Viral pathogens include vaccinia—a poxvirus, and herpes simplex virus—a...
3.8K
01:28Introduction to Virus
2.3K
Viruses are unique biological entities that blur the boundary between living and non-living systems. Although they lack cellular structure and metabolic processes, they can exhibit characteristics of life when infecting a host. Their defining feature is a nucleic acid core, composed of either DNA or RNA, encapsulated within a protein coat called a capsid. This simple structure allows them to invade host cells and use their machinery for replication efficiently.Viral Structure and...
2.3K
01:29Viruses with RNA Genomes
1.2K
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...
1.2K