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Replication-competent picornaviruses with complete genomic RNA 3' noncoding region deletions
S Todd1, J S Towner, D M Brown
1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of California, Irvine 92697, USA.
Journal of Virology
|October 29, 1997
Summary
Picornavirus RNA replication does not strictly require the 3' noncoding region. Viral replication proteins near the RNA 3' end initiate synthesis within complexes, suggesting flexibility in replication mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The 3' noncoding region of genomic RNA is considered crucial for picornavirus negative-strand RNA synthesis.
- This region is thought to regulate replication by promoting recognition of replication complexes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the necessity of the genomic RNA 3' noncoding region for picornavirus replication.
- To explore the fundamental mechanisms of picornavirus negative-strand RNA synthesis initiation.
Main Methods:
- Replication of picornavirus RNAs with complete deletions of the 3' noncoding regions was performed.
- Analysis of viral RNA synthesis in the absence of the 3' noncoding region.
Main Results:
- Picornavirus RNAs lacking the 3' noncoding region were successfully replicated.
- Demonstrated that specific 3'-terminal sequences/structures may enhance, but are not essential for, replication initiation.
Conclusions:
- The basic mechanism of picornavirus replication initiation is not strictly template-dependent.
- Replication initiation likely relies on the proximity of viral replication proteins to the RNA 3' terminus within replication complexes.