1. [Capping strategies in RNA viruses]
- Author
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Mickaël, Bouvet, François, Ferron, Isabelle, Imbert, Laure, Gluais, Barbara, Selisko, Bruno, Coutard, Bruno, Canard, and Etienne, Decroly
- Subjects
Models, Molecular ,RNA Caps ,Eukaryotic Cells ,Animals ,Humans ,Nucleic Acid Conformation ,RNA Viruses ,RNA, Viral ,RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional ,Protein Structure, Quaternary ,Models, Biological ,Protein Structure, Secondary ,Acid Anhydride Hydrolases - Abstract
Most viruses use the mRNA-cap dependent cellular translation machinery to translate their mRNAs into proteins. The addition of a cap structure at the 5' end of mRNA is therefore an essential step for the replication of many virus families. Additionally, the cap protects the viral RNA from degradation by cellular nucleases and prevents viral RNA recognition by innate immunity mechanisms. Viral RNAs acquire their cap structure either by using cellular capping enzymes, by stealing the cap of cellular mRNA in a process named "cap snatching", or using virus-encoded capping enzymes. Many viral enzymes involved in this process have recently been structurally and functionally characterized. These studies have revealed original cap synthesis mechanisms and pave the way towards the development of specific inhibitors bearing antiviral drug potential.
- Published
- 2012