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RNA recombination in hepatitis delta virus: Implications regarding the abilities of mammalian RNA polymerases
- Source :
-
Virus Research . Aug2007, Vol. 127 Issue 2, p208-215. 8p. - Publication Year :
- 2007
-
Abstract
- Abstract: Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) requires the surface antigens of hepatitis B virus (HBV) for packaging and transmission, but replicates its RNA in an HBV-independent fashion. HDV contains a 1.7-kb circular RNA genome that is folded into an unbranched rod-like structure via intramolecular base-pairing, and possesses ribozyme activity. The HDV genome does not encode an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), but is instead replicated by host RNA polymerase(s) via a rolling-circle mechanism. As such, HDV is similar to the viroid plant pathogens. Recent findings suggest that HDV can also undergo template-switching recombination, a well-documented process that has been found in a large number of RdRp-encoding RNA viruses and is thought to affect viral evolution and pathogenesis. This mini-review examines HDV RNA recombination and how it may improve our understanding of the capacities of host RNA polymerases beyond typical DNA-directed transcription, and speculates on the role of host RNA polymerase-directed RNA template-switching in the origin of HDV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Subjects :
- *HEPATITIS D virus
*HEPATITIS B virus
*GENETIC recombination
*RNA polymerases
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01681702
- Volume :
- 127
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Virus Research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 25825925
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virusres.2007.01.003