The retroviral RNA dimer linkage: different structures may reflect different roles.
Retroviruses are unique among virus families in having dimeric genomes. The RNA sequences and structures that link the two RNA molecules vary, and these differences provide clues as to the role of this feature in the viral lifecycles. This review draws upon examples from different retroviral families. Differences and similarities in both secondary and tertiary structure are discussed. The implication of varying roles for the dimer linkage in related viruses is considered.
Division of Infectious Diseases, Dept. of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ, UK. jg10018@mole.bio.cam.ac.uk
Jane
J
Greatorex
D000818:Animals; D019281:Dimerization; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D014644:Genetic Variation; D016679:Genome, Viral; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000235:genetics; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D012190:Retroviridae / Q000235:genetics*
D012367:RNA, Viral; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase