Hepatitis Delta Antigen and RNA Polymerase II

摘要: Replication and transcription of HDV proceed via RNA-dependent RNA synthesis. These reactions are thought to be catalyzed at least in part by host polymerase II (RNAPII). Hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg), which is critical for these processes, was recently proposed function as a elongation factor RNAPII. The involvement DNA-dependent synthesis itself intriguing poses fundamental questions how initiates, elongates, terminates on an unusual template. In addition, the presence ‘Viral’ unprecedented eukaryotes, whereas few known exist prokaryotes. Thus, study replication should provide tremendous insight into basic mechanism underlying RNAPII transcription.