Packaging of viral RNAs in virions of adenoviruses
2009
Packaging of Viral RNAs in Adenoviruses
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Xing Li, Tikoo Suresh K
Primary Institution: University of Saskatchewan
Hypothesis
Are viral RNAs packaged in adenovirus virions during encapsidation of viral genomic DNA?
Conclusion
Viral RNAs are predominantly packaged in mature adenovirus capsids, suggesting a passive packaging mechanism during DNA encapsidation.
Supporting Evidence
- Viral RNAs were detected in mature capsids but not in empty/intermediate capsids.
- The copy number of viral mRNAs in mature capsids was found to be less than one per full capsid.
- The study suggests that RNA packaging may be a common phenomenon in adenoviruses.
Takeaway
This study found that adenoviruses can carry some of their RNA inside them, which might happen when they are making copies of their DNA.
Methodology
The study used Southern blot analysis and real-time RT-PCR to examine the packaging of viral RNAs in adenovirus capsids.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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