AI Article Synopsis
- The HIV-1 Tat protein enhances transcriptional elongation by interacting with the TAR RNA structure found in all HIV-1 mRNAs.
- Researchers have developed new RNA binding agents designed to bind specifically to the TAR RNA stem-loop, aiming to block the Tat protein's function.
- These agents, created by modifying nucleobases and amino acids, successfully inhibit the Tat/TAR interaction and reduce viral replication in cells infected with HIV.
Article Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) Tat protein stimulates transcriptional elongation. Tat is involved in the transcription machinery by binding to the transactivation response region (TAR) RNA stem-loop structure, which is encoded by the 5' leader sequence found in all HIV-1 mRNAs. Herein, we report the rational design, synthesis, and in vitro evaluation of new RNA binding agents that were conceived in order to bind strongly and selectively to the stem-loop structure of TAR RNA and, thus, inhibit the Tat/TAR interaction. We have demonstrated that the conjugation of modified nucleobases, able to interact specifically with an RNA base pair, and various amino acids allows these motifs to bind the target RNA selectively and in a cooperative manner that leads to the inhibition of viral replication in HIV-infected cells.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/chem.201303664 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!