New findings on transcription regulation across different HIV-1 subtypes.
Transcriptional activation of gene expression in HIV-1 is controlled by the interaction of sequence-specific transcription factors with the long terminal repeat (LTR) of the provirus. The identification and characterization of cellular proteins involved in the process has provided a basic understanding about both general eukaryotic and HIV-1 proviral transcription regulation. The HIV-1 epidemic is expanding worldwide with an increasing number of distinct viral subtypes as well as intersubtype recombinant viruses. LTR-specific sequence variability among different HIV-1 variants could affect LTR binding to cellular and/or viral factors, influencing the extent of transcription. In vitro assays have demonstrated subtype-specific functional differences between the LTR regions of distinct HIV-1 subtypes. This observation could have consequences on the biology of the different HIV-1 clades and influence HIV-1 disease progression. Finally, the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of transcription regulation events could help in the search for new compounds targeting the critical steps of viral transcription.
Ramírez de Arellano
Eva
E
Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
Soriano
Vincent
V
Alcamil
José
J
Holguín
Africa
A
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral; D016322:HIV Enhancer / Q000502:physiology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D020079:Terminal Repeat Sequences / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents