Molecular Studies involving the Rev Protein of Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus and Visna Virus.
Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Biomedical Sciences
Date of Award
12-2001
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Robert V. Schoborg
Committee Members
John J. Laffan, W. Scott Champney
Abstract
Caprine Arthirtis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV) and Visna Virus are two viruses of the lentivirus family. They encode three structural genes (gag, pol, and env) and two regulatory genes (rev and tat). The Rev protein regulates Gag, Pol and Env expression by transporting their mRNAs to the cytoplasm by binding to the RRE (Rev Response Element) found on their mRNAs. Previous studies have indicated that Rev may be toxic to transfected cells, overexpression of exogenous RREs or a better binding RRE can inhibit Rev activity and Rev-C (CAEV Rev) can trans-activate RRE-V (Visna Virus RRE). To test these possibilities FACS analysis, RNA binding assays, cotransfections, and SELEX were done. The results indicated that Rev is not acutely toxic to cells, inhibition of Rev activity could not be achieved by making a better binder or through expression of exogenous RREs, and Rev-C can trans-activate RRE-V implicating conservation of Rev/RRE interactions in lentiviruses.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Graves, Bridget Michele, "Molecular Studies involving the Rev Protein of Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus and Visna Virus." (2001). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 45. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/45
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.