The HIV Tat protein affects processing of ribosomal RNA precursor
2008
The Effect of HIV Tat Protein on Ribosomal RNA Processing
Sample size: 6
publication
10 minutes
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Ponti Donatella, Troiano Maria, Bellenchi Gian Carlo, Battaglia Piero A, Gigliani Franca
Primary Institution: Università La Sapienza, Roma, Italia
Hypothesis
What is the role of the HIV Tat protein in ribosomal RNA precursor processing?
Conclusion
The HIV Tat protein impairs ribosomal RNA maturation, which may contribute to apoptosis in uninfected cells.
Supporting Evidence
- Tat localizes in the nucleoli of Drosophila oocyte nurse cells.
- Tat expression leads to a significant decrease in cytoplasmic ribosomes.
- Tat interacts with fibrillarin and U3 snoRNA, impairing pre-rRNA maturation.
- Expression of Tat causes increased mortality and delayed development in Drosophila progeny.
Takeaway
The HIV Tat protein can mess up how cells make ribosomes, which are important for making proteins, and this might lead to cell death.
Methodology
The study used Drosophila melanogaster to analyze the effects of HIV Tat on ribosome biogenesis and pre-rRNA processing through heat shock-induced expression.
Participant Demographics
Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies)
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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