title: An AUG codon upstream of rev and env open reading frames ensures optimal translation of the simian immunodeficiency virus Env protein.
abstract: The mRNAs encoding the Rev and Env proteins of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) are unique because upstream translation start codons are present that may modulate the expression of these viral proteins. We previously reported the regulatory effect of a small upstream open reading frame (ORF) on Rev and Env translation. Here we study this mechanism in further detail by modulating the strength of the translation signals upstream of the open reading frames in subgenomic reporters. Furthermore, the effects of these mutations on SIV gene expression and viral replication are analyzed. An intricate regulatory mechanism is disclosed that allows the virus to express a balanced amount of these two proteins.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. g.velden@hubrecht.eu
authors.forename: Gisela J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: van der Velden
authors.forename: Monique A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Vink
authors.forename: Bep
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Klaver
authors.forename: Atze T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Das
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Berkhout
mesh_terms: D002460:Cell Line; D018387:Codon, Initiator; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral; D015686:Gene Products, env / Q000235:genetics*; D015694:Gene Products, rev / Q000235:genetics*; D015752:Genes, env; D015757:Genes, rev; D057809:HEK293 Cells; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D016366:Open Reading Frames; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015302:Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D018387:Codon, Initiator; D015686:Gene Products, env; D015694:Gene Products, rev; D012333:RNA, Messenger