Regulation of RNA Virus Processes by Viral Genome Structure ^†

Abstract

The genomes of RNA viruses contain a variety of RNA sequences and structures that regulate different steps in virus reproduction. Events that are controlled by RNA elements include (i) the translation of viral proteins, (ii) the replication of viral RNA genomes, and (iii) the transcription of viral subgenomic mRNAs. Studies of members of the family Tombusviridae, which possess plus-strand RNA genomes, have revealed novel ways in which the RNA genome structure is utilized to control different viral processes. Recent advances in our understanding of RNA-based viral regulation in select tombusvirids will be presented.