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Retroviral Antisense Transcripts and Genes: 33 Years after First Predicted, a Silent Retroviral Revolution?
Roger H Miller1, Alexis Zimmer2, Gilles Moutot3
1CyberGenomics LLC, Brookeville, MD 20833, USA.
Viruses
|November 27, 2021
Summary
Scientific history shows resistance to new ideas, like retroviral antisense transcripts and proteins. Evidence suggests these may be crucial for HIV pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Historically, paradigm shifts in microbiology, especially virology, faced skepticism.
- The discovery of viruses and their role in oncogenesis were initially met with resistance.
Observation:
- Retroviruses were initially thought to encode proteins on only one DNA strand.
- A prediction was made in 1988 for antisense proteins in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1).
- The antisense protein HBZ in human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) was confirmed and shown to be vital for replication.
Findings:
- Antisense transcripts and proteins (ASP) in HIV-1 are predicted to exist and play roles in pathogenesis.
- The *asp* gene is highly conserved in HIV-1 group M viruses, correlating with AIDS pandemic subtypes.
- Accumulating theoretical and experimental evidence supports the existence and importance of HIV-1 ASP.
Implications:
- Acceptance and study of HIV-1 ASP have lagged despite evidence.
- Further research into ASP and its transcripts is needed.
- HIV-1 ASP may represent overlooked targets for anti-HIV therapies and vaccine strategies.
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