Matrin 3 is a co-factor for HIV-1 Rev in regulating post-transcriptional viral gene expression
2011

MATR3 and HIV Rev: Understanding mRNA Regulation

Commentary

Author Information

Author(s): Andrew Dayton

Primary Institution: FDA/CBER/OBRR/DETTD/LMV

Hypothesis

MATR3 acts as a co-factor for HIV-1 Rev in facilitating the export and translation of viral mRNA.

Conclusion

MATR3 is essential for the cytoplasmic accumulation and translation of unspliced HIV mRNA.

Supporting Evidence

  • MATR3 binds intracellularly to HIV mRNA.
  • MATR3 has no direct effect on transcription from the HIV LTR.
  • Rev needs MATR3 to promote the cytoplasmic accumulation of unspliced mRNA.
  • Rev, MATR3, and RRE-containing mRNA form a detectable intracellular complex.

Takeaway

MATR3 helps HIV's Rev protein move its genetic material out of the cell's nucleus so it can make more viruses.

Methodology

The study involved MS2 coat protein recognition sequence tags and MS2 pull down to identify host proteins bound to HIV mRNA.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1742-4690-8-62

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