Sequence-specific RNA binding by the HIV-1 Rev protein

Nature. 1989 Dec 7;342(6250):714-6. doi: 10.1038/342714a0.

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Rev protein acts post-transcriptionally to increase the amounts of the viral gag-pol and env messenger RNAs in the cytoplasm of infected cells. The mechanism of Rev action is uncertain. Possibilities include an accelerating effect on the rate of export of its mRNA targets from the nucleus and/or modulation of the splicing of pre-mRNAs. Both the gag-pol and env mRNAs contain a sequence that is required for responsiveness to Rev--the Rev responsive element, RRE. Here we show that Rev is a sequence-specific binding protein, whose binding site is the RRE. This information should help to clarify the mechanism by which Rev acts.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Binding Sites
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA Restriction Enzymes
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Gene Products, rev / genetics
  • Gene Products, rev / metabolism*
  • HIV-1*
  • Immunoblotting
  • Immunologic Techniques
  • Isopropyl Thiogalactoside / pharmacology
  • Plasmids
  • RNA, Viral / metabolism*
  • Ribonucleases / metabolism
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism*
  • rev Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Substances

  • Gene Products, rev
  • RNA, Viral
  • Trans-Activators
  • rev Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  • Isopropyl Thiogalactoside
  • Ribonucleases
  • DNA Restriction Enzymes