Effect of siRNAs on HSV-1 plaque formation and relative expression levels of RR mRNA

Virol Sin. 2011 Feb;26(1):40-6. doi: 10.1007/s12250-011-3162-9. Epub 2011 Feb 18.

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) is a process by which introduced small interfering RNA (siRNA) can cause the specific degradation of mRNA with identical sequences. The human herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) RR is composed of two distinct homodimeric subunits encoded by UL39 and UL40, respectively. In this study, we applied siRNAs targeting the UL39 and UL40 genes of HSV-1. We showed that synthetic siRNA silenced effectively and specifically UL39 and UL40 mRNA expression and inhibited HSV-1 replication. Our work offers new possibilities for RNAi as a genetic tool for inhibition of HSV-1 replication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Herpesvirus 1, Human / genetics*
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering / physiology*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Ribonucleotide Reductases / genetics
  • Viral Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Viral Proteins
  • Ribonucleotide Reductases