PMID: 29295939 , Related PDB ids: 6BSG, 6BSH, 6BSI, 6BSJ

Authors:

Tian L, Kim MS, Li H, Wang J, Yang W

Title:

Structure of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase cleaving RNA in an RNA/DNA hybrid.

Journal:

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2018 Jan 16;115(3):507-512. doi:, 10.1073/pnas.1719746115. Epub 2018 Jan 2.

Abstract:

HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) contains both DNA polymerase and RNase H activities to convert the viral genomic RNA to dsDNA in infected host cells. Here we report the 2.65-A resolution structure of HIV-1 RT engaging in cleaving RNA in an RNA/DNA hybrid. A preferred substrate sequence is absolutely required to enable the RNA/DNA hybrid to adopt the distorted conformation needed to interact properly with the RNase H active site in RT. Substituting two nucleotides 4 bp upstream from the cleavage site results in scissile-phosphate displacement by 4 A. We also have determined the structure of HIV-1 RT complexed with an RNase H-resistant polypurine tract sequence, which adopts a rigid structure and is accommodated outside of the nuclease active site. Based on this newly gained structural information and a virtual drug screen, we have identified an inhibitor specific for the viral RNase H but not for its cellular homologs.