Ribozymes as potential anti-HIV-1 therapeutic agents
Article Abstract:
There are several types of RNA (ribonucleic acid) in cells, each with a different function. One type is called the ribozyme and can function like an enzyme, a protein that facilitates (catalyzes) a chemical reaction. RNA ribozymes can also cleave, or separate, themselves by breaking certain kinds of chemical bonds. These features suggest that this kind of RNA could be useful in 'cutting apart' strands of RNA that are joined by such chemical bonds. Such a reaction would be especially useful, since it requires no energy source but is fueled by the products of the reactions it catalyzes. One structure taken on by RNA ribozymes during such self-cleavage reactions is called the hammerhead configuration. Hammerhead ribozymes appear capable of cleaving human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA, thereby destroying it. When tested in a laboratory system that used human cells infected with HIV-1, cleavage of a HIV-1 RNA sequence appeared to occur and HIV-1 replication was reduced. Although much research remains to be done, RNA ribozymes are potentially useful antiviral agents. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1990
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Secondary structure is the major determinant for interaction of HIV rev protein with RNA
Article Abstract:
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the infectious agent that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) has a very complicated genetic structure compared with other members of the retrovirus family. In addition to genes present in all retroviruses, HIV has genes that direct the manufacture of at least seven regulatory proteins. Scientists have discovered that two of the regulatory proteins are vital to the ability of HIV to replicate, or reproduce. A treatment that would inactivate or destroy either of these proteins, or the genes that regulate their production, should be highly effective against HIV. One of the two regulatory proteins is named Rev; the function of Rev in the process of viral replication was studied. It has been established that Rev plays a role in aiding the transport of structural messenger RNA (ribonucleic acid) from the cell nucleus (core) to the cytoplasm (area surrounding the nucleus). The specific function of Rev was investigated with reference to possible ways of interfering with its role in HIV replication. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1990
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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