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Trans-Acting RNA-RNA Interactions in Segmented RNA Viruses
Laura R Newburn1, K Andrew White2
1Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada.
Viruses
|August 17, 2019
Summary
Segmented RNA viruses use trans-acting RNA-RNA interactions (tRRIs) to package their genomes. This study explores tRRIs in viruses like Bluetongue virus, Red clover necrotic mosaic virus, and Influenza A virus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Segmented RNA viruses possess genomes divided into multiple RNA molecules.
- These viruses infect diverse hosts including animals, plants, and humans.
- Examples include Orbivirus, Dianthovirus, and Alphainfluenzavirus genera.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of trans-acting RNA-RNA interactions (tRRIs) in segmented RNA viruses.
- To explore the role of tRRIs in the co-packaging of viral genomes.
- To examine other functions of tRRIs in viral biology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on tRRIs.
- Analysis of genomic structures and packaging mechanisms in selected viral genera.
- Comparative study of tRRI mechanisms across different segmented RNA viruses.
Main Results:
- tRRIs are crucial for the selective co-packaging of segmented viral genomes.
- These interactions occur between different RNA segments to ensure a complete genome complement.
- tRRIs are conserved across diverse segmented RNA viruses despite genomic and host variations.
Conclusions:
- tRRIs are a fundamental mechanism for genome packaging in segmented RNA viruses.
- Further research into tRRIs may reveal novel antiviral targets.
- Understanding tRRIs can shed light on viral evolution and host-pathogen interactions.
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