Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2025

13:07
Determining 3'-Termini and Sequences of Nascent Single-Stranded Viral DNA Molecules during HIV-1 Reverse Transcription in Infected Cells
Published on: January 30, 2019
9.4K
Retroviral RNA Processing.
1Biology Department, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
Viruses
|May 28, 2022
Summary
This review explores how retroviruses, including HIV-1, process RNA after transcription. It details gene expression strategies, RNA fate, nuclear export, splicing, and decay avoidance.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Retroviruses utilize complex RNA processing for gene expression.
- A single primary RNA transcript can yield diverse RNA molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review post-transcriptional regulation in various retroviruses.
- To highlight mechanisms of retroviral gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of retroviral RNA processing.
- Comparative analysis of gene expression strategies across different retroviruses.
Main Results:
- Discusses RNA sorting for packaging and translation.
- Explains RNA nuclear export, splicing, and modification.
- Covers mechanisms to avoid nonsense-mediated RNA decay.
Conclusions:
- Post-transcriptional regulation is crucial for retroviral gene expression diversity.
- Understanding these mechanisms offers insights into viral replication and potential therapeutic targets.
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
47.0K
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...
47.0K
Viruses with RNA Genomes
155
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...
155
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
175
Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
175
Retroviruses
12.7K
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’...
12.7K
LTR Retrotransposons
18.0K
LTR retrotransposons are class I transposable elements with long terminal repeats flanking an internal coding region. These elements are less abundant in mammals compared to other class I transposable elements. About 8 percent of human genomic DNA comprises LTR retrotransposons. Some of the common examples of LTR retrotransposons are Ty elements in yeast and Copia elements in Drosophila.
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
18.0K
Non-LTR Retrotransposons
11.9K
As the name suggests, non-LTR retrotransposons lack the long terminal repeats characteristic of the LTR retrotransposons. Additionally, both LTR and non-LTR retrotransposons use distinct mechanisms of mobilization. Non-LTR retrotransposons are further divided into two classes - Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) and short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), both of which occur abundantly in most mammals, including humans. Some of the active non-LTR retrotransposons in humans are L1...
11.9K

