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Related Concept Videos

Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

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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’...
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Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

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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...
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The Nucleosome Core Particle02:10

The Nucleosome Core Particle

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Nucleosomes are the DNA-histone complex, where the DNA strand is wound around the histone core. The histone core is an octamer containing two copies of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 histone proteins.
The paradox
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their main responsibility is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. While on the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access DNA...
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The Nucleosome Core Particle01:12

The Nucleosome Core Particle

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Nucleosomes are the DNA-histone complex, where the DNA strand is wound around the histone core. The histone core is an octamer containing two copies of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 histone proteins.
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their primary aim is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. On the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access histone-bound DNA during...
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Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers01:51

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

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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...
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Viral Structure00:56

Viral Structure

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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.
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In Vitro Disassembly of Influenza A Virus Capsids by Gradient Centrifugation
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In Vitro Disassembly of Influenza A Virus Capsids by Gradient Centrifugation

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The Retrovirus Capsid Core.

Wei Zhang1, Luiza M Mendonça2, Louis M Mansky2

  • 1Institute for Molecular Virology, Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA. zhangwei@umn.edu.

Sub-Cellular Biochemistry
|June 15, 2018
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The retrovirus capsid core is a metastable structure crucial for viral replication. Its stability impacts infectivity, making it a key target for antiviral therapies.

Keywords:
CapsidCapsomerComparativeMaturationRestriction factorRetrovirusVirus-host interaction

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Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Structural Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Retrovirus capsid core is a metastable structure.
  • It disassembles during viral infection after membrane fusion.
  • The core is intact and permeable to nucleotides during reverse transcription but disassembles for nuclear entry.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe structural elements fundamental to capsid core formation and stability.
  • To highlight physical and chemical properties critical to the capsid core's function.
  • To emphasize areas of current research on retrovirus capsid cores.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes existing research on retrovirus capsid core structure and function.
  • It focuses on structural elements, stability, and interactions with host factors.
  • No new experimental data were generated; this is a review article.

Main Results:

  • Capsid core stability is critical for retrovirus infectivity.
  • Altering core stability negatively impacts viral replication.
  • The core interacts with host cellular factors that modulate viral replication.

Conclusions:

  • The retrovirus capsid core is an attractive antiviral target due to its essential role and sensitivity to stability changes.
  • Understanding the core's structure and properties is key to developing new antiviral strategies.
  • Further research into host-pathogen interactions involving the capsid core is warranted.