Structural and functional analysis of RNA packaging in the lentivirus FIV. (360G-Wellcome-078007_Z_05_Z)

Lentivirus genomic RNA encapsidation involves specific recognition of the low abundance genomic RNA in the infected cell by the viral Gag protein. It is dependent on RNA structures in the viral leader. Studies on these have elucidated several novel RNA motifs and RNA/protein capture mechanisms with relevance to both viral and cellular processes. Preliminary studies on FIV suggest that the packaging mechanism is very distinctive compared to that of HIV in that in FIV the process is dependent on two discrete regions in the leader separated by a redundant sequence. The aim is to map by mutagenesis and two and three dimensional structural analysis the extent and conformation of the packaging signal region of FIV. We predict that this will lead to novel data on RNA structures and on RNA/RNA and RNA/protein interactions of direct importance to normal cell function. It will also lead to an improved understanding of the packaging process in FIV. This will improve the efficiency and safety of the promising lentiviral vector system based on this virus.