Intragenic HIV-1 env sequences that enhance gag expression

Virology. 2003 Apr 25;309(1):1-9. doi: 10.1016/s0042-6822(02)00084-3.

Abstract

Expression of HIV-1 genes is regulated at multiple levels including the complex RNA splicing and transport mechanisms. Multiple cis-acting elements involved in these regulations have been previously identified in various regions of HIV-1 genome. Here we show that another cis-acting element was present in HIV-1 env region. This element enhanced the expression of Gag when inserted together with Rev response element (RRE) into a truncated HIV-1 genome in the presence of Rev. The enhancing activity was mapped to a 263-bp fragment in the gp41 region downstream to RRE. RNA analysis showed that it might function by promoting RNA stability and Rev-dependent RNA export. The enhancement was specific to Rev-dependent expression, since it did not enhance Gag expression driven by Sam68, a cellular protein that has been shown to be able to substitute for Rev in RNA export function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral*
  • Genes, env*
  • Genes, gag / genetics*
  • Genome, Viral*
  • HIV-1 / genetics*
  • Introns
  • Oligonucleotide Probes
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Restriction Mapping

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Viral
  • Oligonucleotide Probes
  • RNA, Viral