[Functions of the segment-specific noncoding regions of influenza virus genome RNA]

The genome of influenza A viruses consists of eight negative-strand RNA segments. These segments contain the untranslated regions (UTRs), ranging from 20 to 61 nucleotides, at their 3' and 5' ends. The UTRs are composed of the highly conserved terminal nucleotides and the segment-specific nonconserved nucleotides located adjacent the open reading frame of the viral RNAs. Utilizing the virus-like model RNAs, whose nonconserved UTRs were mutated, deleted or replaced with those of other segments, the unique features of the nonconserved UTRs have been elucidated in the steps of transcription, translation, replication and RNA packaging into virus particles. Here I summarize current understanding of the functions of the segment-specific nonconserved UTRs of virus RNA.