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Related Concept Videos

Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

Viruses with RNA Genomes

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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...
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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...
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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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Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
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Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle01:16

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The lysogenic cycle is a crucial viral replication strategy that allows bacteriophages to persist within host cells without immediately destroying them. This process is primarily observed in temperate phages, such as bacteriophage lambda (λ), which infects Escherichia coli. The cycle allows the viral genome to persist across bacterial generations while keeping host cells viable.Integration of the Viral GenomeUpon infection, bacteriophage lambda attaches to the bacterial surface and injects...
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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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Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
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mGem: Deciphering how polyomaviruses coexist with their hosts for a lifetime.

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Polyomaviruses establish lifelong infections by manipulating host cells and using viral elements for persistence. Understanding these strategies is key to managing infections in immunocompromised individuals.

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Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Polyomaviruses are small DNA tumor viruses known for causing persistent, lifelong infections.
  • These viruses persist despite host immune responses and limited genomic capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms polyomaviruses use for persistence and shedding.
  • To highlight viral strategies for establishing and maintaining chronic infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review synthesizing historical and recent research.
  • Analysis of viral non-coding control region modulation.
  • Examination of viral microRNA-mediated repression and host cell cycle regulation.

Main Results:

  • Polyomaviruses utilize dynamic host cell cycle regulation for persistence.
  • Viral non-coding control regions and microRNAs play crucial roles in infection.
  • Shedding modes include concurrent latent/lytic and smoldering infections, with evidence of reversible latency.

Conclusions:

  • Polyomavirus persistence strategies demonstrate remarkable evolutionary success.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is vital for managing viral reactivation and disease in immunocompromised patients.