RNA-Dependent Oligomerization of APOBEC3G Is Required for Restriction of HIV-1
2009

How APOBEC3G Helps Fight HIV-1

publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Huthoff Hendrik, Autore Flavia, Gallois-Montbrun Sarah, Fraternali Franca, Malim Michael H.

Primary Institution: King's College London

Hypothesis

Does the oligomerization of APOBEC3G play a crucial role in its ability to restrict HIV-1?

Conclusion

APOBEC3G's ability to oligomerize is essential for its antiviral function against HIV-1.

Supporting Evidence

  • APOBEC3G is a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 and is incorporated into progeny virions.
  • Mutations in specific residues of APOBEC3G affect its ability to oligomerize and inhibit HIV-1.
  • RNA is required for stable oligomerization of APOBEC3G.

Takeaway

APOBEC3G is a protein that helps stop HIV from making copies of itself, and it needs to stick together with other APOBEC3G proteins to do this job well.

Methodology

The study used yeast two-hybrid assays, co-immunoprecipitation, and chemical crosslinking to investigate the oligomerization of APOBEC3G.

Limitations

The study did not formally demonstrate dimerization of APOBEC3G due to solubility issues at high concentrations.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.ppat.1000330

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication