Chapter 1 - Rabies Virus Transcription and Replication

• Published in: Advances in virus research Vol. 79; pp. 1 - 22
• Main Authors: Albertini, Aurelie AV, Ruigrok, Rob WH, Blondel, Danielle
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2011
• Subjects: Cofactors; Data processing; DNA-directed RNA polymerase; Genomes; Inclusion bodies; Nucleoproteins; Phosphoproteins; Rabies; Rabies virus; Replication; Reviews; RNA viruses; RNA-directed RNA polymerase; Transcription
• DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-387040-7.00001-9
• ISSN: 0065-3527

Rabies virus (RABV) is a negative-stranded RNA virus. Its genome is tightly encapsidated by the viral nucleoprotein (N) and this RNAaN complex is the template for transcription and replication by the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L) and its cofactor, the phosphoprotein (P). We present molecular, structural, and cellular aspects of RABV transcription and replication. We first summarize the characteristics and molecular biology of both RNA synthesis processes. We then discuss biochemical and structural data on the viral proteins (N, P, and L) and their interactions with regard to their role in viral transcription and replication. Finally, we review evidence that rabies viral transcription and replication take place in cytoplasmic inclusion bodies formed in RABV-infected cells and discuss the role of this cellular compartmentalization.