18th Annual Student Research Conference
Science
Examining the HIV Rev-RRE Complex Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Amanda S. Turner* and Christina L. Robinson
Dr. Maria Nagan, Faculty Mentor
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) codes for 9 proteins. One of these proteins, Rev, which is translated from spliced mRNA, complexes with unspliced and partially spliced mRNA in the cellular nucleus and serves as a signal to transport it through the nuclear envelope into the cytoplasm of the cell. This unspliced and partially spliced mRNA is used to code for the gag-pol gene and make up the actual HIV genome in new viruses. The primary interaction between Rev and mRNA occurs through the Rev Response Element (RRE) sequence on the intron-containing mRNA. There are sixteen NMR-derived structures of the Rev-RRE complex (Battiste et al., Science, 1996). However, these interactions are not completely understood; our research seeks to understand how Rev-RRE complex forms using molecular dynamics simulations, will allow for a better general understanding of protein-RNA recognition, and may lead to the development of new HIV treatments in the future.
Keywords: HIV, mRNA, computational, protein
Topic(s):Chemistry
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 41-5
Location: VH 1412
Time: 3:15