Non-template functions of viral RNA in picornavirus replication

Abstract

The genomic RNA of poliovirus and closely related picornaviruses perform templated and non-templated functions during viral RNA replication. The non-templated functions are mediated by cis-active RNA sequences that bind viral and cellular proteins to form RNP complexes. The RNP complexes mediate temporally dynamic, long-range interactions in the viral genome and ensure the specificity of replication. The 5’ cloverleaf (5’ CL)-RNP complex serves as a key cis-active element in all of the non-templated functions of viral RNA. The 5’CL-RNP complex is proposed to interact with the cre-RNP complex during VPgpUpU synthesis, the 3’NTR-poly(A) RNP complex during negative-strand initiation and the 3’ end negative-strand-RNP complex during positive-strand initiation. Coordinating these long-range interactions is important in regulating each step in the replication cycle