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RNA pseudoknots are structural elements found in almost all classes of RNA. First recognized in the genomes of plant viruses, they are now established as a widespread motif with diverse functions in various biological processes. This Review focuses on viral pseudoknots and their role in virus gene expression and genome replication. Although emphasis is placed on those well defined pseudoknots that are involved in unusual mechanisms of viral translational initiation and elongation, the broader roles of pseudoknots are also discussed, including comparisons with relevant cellular counterparts. The relationship between RNA pseudoknot structure and function is also addressed.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/nrmicro1704

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nature reviews. Microbiology

Publication Date

08/2007

Volume

5

Pages

598 - 610

Addresses

Division of Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK. ib 103@mole.bio.cam.ac.uk

Keywords

Animals, Humans, RNA, Messenger, RNA, Viral, Virus Replication, Gene Expression Regulation, Viral, Amino Acid Motifs, Nucleic Acid Conformation, Base Pairing, Structure-Activity Relationship, Models, Molecular