RNA metabolism of lentiviral vectors

HIV-1 genome encapsidation is mediated by interactions between unique structures on the gRNA and the nucleocapsid domain of Gag. The gRNA elements essential for its packaging have been mapped to the highly conserved and structured 5' UTR, and extends into the 5' open reading frame of gag. Additionally, the RRE plus Rev is also important for efficient gRNA packaging. The role of these elements on encapsidation is not fully understood, hence a minimal packaging signal of HIV-1 has not yet been defined. The aim of this project is to determine the cis-acting elements within gag and the RRE fragment involved in the regulation of genome packaging. Furthermore, this project will also aim to identify cellular trans-acting factors that are involved in gRNA encapsidation.