HIV-1 Contains an Antisense Gene Producing RNA and Proteins
Author Information
Author(s): Ludwig Linda B, Ambrus Julian L Jr, Krawczyk Kristie A, Sharma Sanjay, Brooks Stephen, Hsiao Chiu-Bin, Schwartz Stanley A
Primary Institution: State University of New York at Buffalo
Hypothesis
Does the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) long terminal repeat (LTR) contain an intrinsic gene that produces antisense RNA and protein products?
Conclusion
HIV-1 contains an antisense gene in the U3-R regions of the LTR responsible for both an antisense RNA transcript and proteins.
Supporting Evidence
- Antisense transcripts were generated from the TAR DNA of the HIV-1 LTR.
- Recombinant proteins were produced and isolated using FLAG epitope sequences.
- Affinity-purified antisera identified HIV antisense proteins from HIV+ human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Takeaway
HIV-1 can make a special type of RNA that works in the opposite direction of its usual RNA, and this RNA can also make proteins.
Methodology
The study involved in vitro and in vivo experiments to detect antisense transcripts and proteins produced from the HIV-1 LTR.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website