miR-122-based therapies select for three distinct resistance mechanisms based on alterations in RNA structure.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a positive-sense RNA virus that interacts with a liver-specific microRNA called miR-122. miR-122 binds to two sites in the 5' untranslated region of the viral genome and promotes HCV RNA accumulation. This interaction is important for viral RNA accumulation in cell culture, and miR-122 inhibitors have been shown to be effective at reducing viral titers in chronic HCV-infected patients.

miR-122 and Ago interactions with the HCV genome alter the structure of the viral 5' terminus.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a positive-sense RNA virus that interacts with the liver-specific microRNA, miR-122. miR-122 binds to two sites in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) and this interaction promotes HCV RNA accumulation, although the precise role of miR-122 in the HCV life cycle remains unclear. Using biophysical analyses and Selective 2' Hydroxyl Acylation analyzed by Primer Extension (SHAPE) we investigated miR-122 interactions with the 5' UTR.

cis-Acting RNA elements in the hepatitis C virus RNA genome.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a rapidly increasing global health problem with an estimated 170 million people infected worldwide. HCV is a hepatotropic, positive-sense RNA virus of the family Flaviviridae. As a positive-sense RNA virus, the HCV genome itself must serve as a template for translation, replication and packaging.