Publication Date:
2013-05-29
Description:
cis -Acting elements in the viral genome RNA (vRNA) are essential for the translation, replication, and/or encapsidation of RNA viruses. In this study, a novel conserved cis -acting element was identified in the capsid-coding region of mosquito-borne flavivirus. The d ownstream of 5' c yclization s equence (5'CS) p seudo k not (DCS-PK) element has a three-stem pseudoknot structure, as demonstrated by structure prediction and biochemical analysis. Using dengue virus as a model, we show that DCS-PK enhances vRNA replication and that its function depends on its secondary structure and specific primary sequence. Mutagenesis revealed that the highly conserved stem 1 and loop 2, which are involved in potential loop-helix interactions, are crucial for DCS-PK function. A predicted loop 1-stem 3 base triple interaction is important for the structural stability and function of DCS-PK. Moreover, the function of DCS-PK depends on its position relative to the 5'CS, and the presence of DCS-PK facilitates the formation of 5'-3' RNA complexes. Taken together, our results reveal that the cis -acting element DCS-PK enhances vRNA replication by regulating genome cyclization, and DCS-PK might interplay with other cis -acting elements to form a functional vRNA cyclization domain, thus playing critical roles during the flavivirus life cycle and evolution.
Print ISSN:
0022-538X
Electronic ISSN:
1098-5514
Topics:
Medicine