Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Using Reverse Genetics to Manipulate the NSs Gene of the Rift Valley Fever Virus MP-12 Strain to Improve Vaccine Safety and Efficacy
Published on: November 1, 2011
Conserved vRNA end sequences of Thogoto-orthomyxovirus suggest a new panhandle structure
Abstract:
Panhandles are dsRNA structures formed by conserved sequences at the 5' and 3' ends of the influenza virus genomic RNA. They consist of two stems separated by a flexible bulge and serve as promoter for the viral polymerase. In the outer stem, melting of base pairs is a prerequisite for initiation of transcription. We compared the terminal sequences of Thogoto virus (THOV), a tick-borne orthomyxovirus, with those of influenza virus. Despite their overall similarity, the first U downstream of the 5' end of the panhandle (position 3 in influenza virus) is found at position 8 in the THOV sequence. This shift from position 3 to position 8 results in a radical change of the predicted secondary structure. In the outer stem, intra-strand base pairings are clearly favoured above inter-strand hybridizations. As this secondary structure can explain the functioning of a mutant promoter of influenza virus with twice the activity of the wild-type, we propose a general validity of our "hook-like" panhandle structure.
Related Concept Videos
RNA Structure
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...
Viral Structure
Nucleic Acid Structure
DNA Structure
DNA has a double-helix structure. The...
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
Viruses with RNA Genomes
Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly

