Mechanism of intraparticle synthesis of the rotavirus double-stranded RNA genome

J Biol Chem. 2010 Jun 11;285(24):18123-8. doi: 10.1074/jbc.R110.117671. Epub 2010 Mar 29.

Abstract

Rotaviruses perform the remarkable tasks of transcribing and replicating 11 distinct double-stranded RNA genome segments within the confines of a subviral particle. Multiple viral polymerases are tethered to the interior of a particle, each dedicated to a solitary genome segment but acting in synchrony to synthesize RNA. Although the rotavirus polymerase specifically recognizes RNA templates in the absence of other proteins, its enzymatic activity is contingent upon interaction with the viral capsid. This intraparticle strategy of RNA synthesis helps orchestrate the concerted packaging and replication of the viral genome. Here, we review our current understanding of rotavirus RNA synthetic mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Capsid / metabolism
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy / methods
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / metabolism
  • Genome*
  • Genome, Viral
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Genetic
  • Molecular Conformation
  • RNA / chemistry
  • RNA / metabolism
  • RNA, Double-Stranded / genetics*
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase / genetics
  • Rotavirus / metabolism
  • Virus Assembly / genetics
  • Virus Replication / genetics

Substances

  • RNA, Double-Stranded
  • RNA
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases