Work

Genome packaging in multi-segmented dsRNA viruses: distinct mechanisms with similar outcomes

Year: 2018

Type: review

Abstract: Segmented double-stranded (ds)RNA viruses share remarkable similarities in their replication strategy and capsid structure. During virus replication, positive-sense single-stranded (+)RNAs are packaged into procapsids, where they serve as templates for dsRNA synthesis, forming progeny particles containing a complete equimolar set of genome segments. How the +RNAs are recognized and stoichiometrically packaged remains uncertain. Whereas bacteriophages of the Cystoviridae family rely on specific RNA-protein interactions to select appropriate +RNAs for packaging, viruses of the Reoviridae instead rely on specific inter-molecular interactions between +RNAs that guide multi-segmented genome assembly. While these families use distinct mechanisms to direct +RNA packaging, both yield progeny particles with a complete set of genomic dsRNAs.

Source: Current Opinion in Virology

DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2018.08.001

Authors: Alexander Borodavka, Ulrich Desselberger, John T Patton

Institutions: University of Leeds, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana University

Language: English

Topic: Bacteriophages and microbial interactions

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,823

Funders: Wellcome Trust, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases