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. 1991 Nov;65(11):5732–5743. doi: 10.1128/jvi.65.11.5732-5743.1991

Identification of posttranscriptionally active inhibitory sequences in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA: novel level of gene regulation.

F Maldarelli 1, M A Martin 1, K Strebel 1
PMCID: PMC250233  PMID: 1656066

Abstract

cis-acting inhibitory region (IR) sequences were identified within the gag/pol gene of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) by using a novel feedback-stimulated, rev-independent tat reporter gene to screen HIV-1 sequences in transient expression assays. Two regions, a 1,295-nucleotide segment in the gag gene (IR-1) and a 1,932-nucleotide segment of the pol gene (IR-2), each inhibited reporter gene expression 10- to 20-fold. IR-1 and IR-2 both contained subsequences which inhibited reporter gene expression. Introduction of IR sequences into a heterologous reporter plasmid, pCMV-CAT, resulted in decreased chloramphenicol acetyltransferase expression, suggesting that the inhibitory effect was not restricted to a reporter gene under the control of the HIV-1 promoter. The presence of HIV IR sequences in cis did not alter relative levels of reporter gene RNA; however, fractionation studies revealed IR-containing RNA accumulated in the nucleus. These findings demonstrate that IR sequences within the gag/pol region affect gene expression by altering the cellular distribution of viral RNA.

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