Long terminal repeats (LTRs) are sequences of DNA that repeat hundreds or thousands of times. They are found in retroviral DNA, flanking functional genes. They are used by viruses to insert their genetic sequences into the host genomes.
Example
For example, a retrovirus genome might contain the following features:
LTR -- PBS -- PSI -- gag -- pol -- env -- LTR
LTR = U3RU5
- LTR - Long terminal repeats
- PBS - Primer binding site
- PSI - packaging site
- gag, pol, env - proteins used in viral infection and reproduction
Transcription
The LTRs are partially transcribed into an RNA intermediate, followed by reverse transcription into complementary DNA (cDNA) and ultimately dsDNA (double-stranded DNA) with full LTRs. The LTRs then mediate integration of the retroviral DNA via an LTR specific integrase into another region of the host chromosome.
Retroviruses such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) use this basic mechanism.
External links
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