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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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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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Subviral agents are infectious entities that resemble viruses but lack one or more viral components, such as a capsid or essential replication machinery. These agents include viroids, prions, and satellites, each possessing distinct structural and functional characteristics that influence their mode of infection and replication.Viroids are the simplest subviral agents, consisting of circular, single-stranded RNA molecules without a protein coat. They exclusively infect plants, relying entirely...
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Viruses are unique biological entities that blur the boundary between living and non-living systems. Although they lack cellular structure and metabolic processes, they can exhibit characteristics of life when infecting a host. Their defining feature is a nucleic acid core, composed of either DNA or RNA, encapsulated within a protein coat called a capsid. This simple structure allows them to invade host cells and use their machinery for replication efficiently.Viral Structure 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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Packaging of Single-Stranded RNA in Viruses and Virus-Like Particles.

Rees F Garmann1,2, William M Gelbart3,4

  • 1Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA;

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Single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses achieve high-density genome packaging through spontaneous co-self-assembly with viral capsid proteins. This review explores ssRNA packaging mechanisms and compares in vitro reconstituted virus-like particles (VLPs) with cellular viral particles.

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RNA packagingSindbis virusbacteriophage MS2brome mosaic viruscowpea chlorotic mottle virustobacco mosaic virusvirus-like particle

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Virology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Cellular genomes, like double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), are compacted within nuclei.
  • Single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) constitutes the most common viral genome type, packaged at high densities within viral protein shells.
  • Understanding ssRNA packaging is crucial for virology and biotechnology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the unique properties of ssRNA enabling spontaneous packaging by viral capsid proteins (CPs).
  • To examine viruses where ssRNA genomes and CPs can reconstitute nucleocapsids in vitro.
  • To compare these reconstituted systems with in vivo viral particles and engineered systems.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on ssRNA viral packaging mechanisms.
  • Analysis of viruses with reconstitutable nucleocapsids from purified ssRNA and CP.
  • Comparative analysis of virus-like particles (VLPs), lentivirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, and engineered nucleocapsids.

Main Results:

  • ssRNA's properties facilitate co-self-assembly with CPs for efficient packaging.
  • Certain viral CPs can spontaneously package heterologous RNA into VLPs.
  • Reconstituted VLPs share similarities but also exhibit differences compared to native viral particles and engineered systems.

Conclusions:

  • Spontaneous ssRNA packaging by viral CPs is a key feature of many viruses.
  • Reconstitutable systems offer valuable models for studying viral assembly.
  • Engineered systems demonstrate potential for novel RNA packaging and delivery strategies.