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Retroviral DNA integration
Author(s) -
Skalka Anna Marie,
Leis Jonathan
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
bioessays
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.175
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1521-1878
pISSN - 0265-9247
DOI - 10.1002/bies.950010506
Subject(s) - biology , genome , dna , computational biology , genetics , sequence (biology) , virology , gene
The synthesis and integration of DNA into the genome of its host cell is a normal step in the replication of the retroviruses. Previous studies have provided details concerning the structure of viral DNA and viral and host integration sites. More recent genetic and biochemical results have expanded our understanding considerably: it should soon be possible to describe the exact viral DNA sequence recognized during the integration reaction for several viruses. In addition, at least one of the viral proteins and enzymatic activities required in the reaction has been identified. Analysis of this apparently efficient and highly specific site‐directed recombination event in eukaryotic cells promises to provide insights of both fundamental and practical interest.