Back-Priming Mode of Phi6 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase
Laurila, M.R.L., Salgado, P.S., Stuart, D.I., Grimes, J.M., Bamford, D.H.(2005) J Gen Virol 86: 521
- PubMed: 15659773
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1099/vir.0.80492-0
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
1WAC - PubMed Abstract:
The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of the double-stranded RNA bacteriophage phi6 is capable of primer-independent initiation, as are many RNA polymerases. The structure of this polymerase revealed an initiation platform, composed of a loop in the C-terminal domain (QYKW, aa 629-632), that was essential for de novo initiation. A similar element has been identified in hepatitis C virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Biochemical studies have addressed the role of this platform, revealing that a mutant version can utilize a back-priming initiation mechanism, where the 3' terminus of the template adopts a hairpin-like conformation. Here, the mechanism of back-primed initiation is studied further by biochemical and structural methods.
Organizational Affiliation:
Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Viikki Biocenter, PO Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5), 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland.