Phylogenetic and physical analysis of the 5' leader RNA sequences of avian retroviruses

Nucleic Acids Res. 1991 Dec 25;19(24):6929-34. doi: 10.1093/nar/19.24.6929.

Abstract

A study of the secondary structures of the 5'-leader RNA sequences of avian leukosis/sarcoma viruses was conducted using phylogenetic sequence alignment, theoretical structures calculated from base-pairing interactions involving the calculated minimal delta G values, and RNaseT1 sensitivity. The results suggest that all of the avian retroviral RNA leaders may be able to adopt similar conformations. Open reading frames in the leader RNAs may be positioned to facilitate viral activities such as translation and packaging of the genomic RNA into virus particles.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Avian Leukosis Virus / classification
  • Avian Leukosis Virus / genetics*
  • Avian Sarcoma Viruses / classification
  • Avian Sarcoma Viruses / genetics*
  • Base Composition
  • Base Sequence
  • Exoribonucleases / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral / genetics
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Open Reading Frames / genetics
  • Phylogeny
  • Protein Biosynthesis / genetics
  • RNA, Viral / chemistry*
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • RNA, Viral / metabolism
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Virus Replication / genetics

Substances

  • RNA, Viral
  • Exoribonucleases
  • exoribonuclease T