Evidence for the existence of the loop E motif of Potato spindle tuber viroid in vivo

J Virol. 2007 Feb;81(4):2074-7. doi: 10.1128/JVI.01781-06. Epub 2006 Nov 29.

Abstract

RNA motifs comprising nucleotides that interact through non-Watson-Crick base pairing play critical roles in RNA functions, often by serving as the sites for RNA-RNA, RNA-protein, or RNA small ligand interactions. The structures of viral and viroid RNA motifs are studied commonly by in vitro, computational, and mutagenesis approaches. Demonstration of the in vivo existence of a motif will help establish its biological significance and promote mechanistic studies on its functions. By using UV cross-linking and primer extension, we have obtained direct evidence for the in vivo existence of the loop E motif of Potato spindle tuber viroid. We present our findings and discuss their biological implications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • DNA Primers
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Plant Leaves / metabolism
  • RNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • RNA, Viral / metabolism*
  • RNA, Viral / radiation effects
  • Solanum tuberosum / metabolism*
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • Viroids / chemistry*

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • RNA, Viral