Molecular Studies involving the Rev Protein of Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus and Visna Virus.

<p>Caprine Arthirtis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV) and Visna Virus are two viruses of the lentivirus family. They encode three structural genes (<em>gag</em>, <em>pol</em>, and <em>env</em>) and two regulatory genes (<em>rev</em> and <em>tat</em>). 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 <em>trans</em>-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 <em>trans</em>-activate RRE-V implicating conservation of Rev/RRE interactions in lentiviruses.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MS (Master of Science)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - unrestricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biomedical Sciences

Year dc:date.issued

2001

Author dc:creator

• Graves, Bridget Michele

• Rev
• Visna Virus
• CAEV
• RRE
• Medical Sciences
• Medicine and Health Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/45

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-1095