The hepatitis delta virus RNA genome interacts with the human RNA polymerases I and III

Virology. 2009 Mar 30;386(1):12-5. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2009.02.007. Epub 2009 Feb 25.

Abstract

The hepatitis delta virus (HDV) relies on human transcriptional machinery for its replication and transcription. Although the involvement of RNA polymerase II in HDV RNA biosynthesis is established, the contribution of additional polymerases remains uncertain. Here, we demonstrate the interaction of both RNA polymerase I and III with HDV RNA, both in vitro and in human cells. Binding of these polymerases occurs near the terminal stem-loop domains of both polarities of the HDV RNA genome. Based on interactions of HDV RNA with numerous host polymerases, our results suggest a higher level of complexity of HDV biology than previously envisioned.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • HeLa Cells
  • Hepatitis Delta Virus / physiology*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Protein Binding
  • RNA Polymerase I / metabolism*
  • RNA Polymerase III / metabolism*
  • RNA, Viral / metabolism*
  • Virus Replication*

Substances

  • RNA, Viral
  • RNA Polymerase I
  • RNA Polymerase III