Identification of mutations in the genome of rotavirus SA11 temperature-sensitive mutants D, H, I and J by whole genome sequences analysis and assignment of tsI to gene 7 encoding NSP3

At last: a fully tractable, plasmid only based reverse genetics system for rotavirus

Recently, a plasmid only-based reverse genetics system has been developed for species A rotaviruses. The significance of this achievement is discussed, based on background information on rotavirus structure, classification, replication and genetic research procedures.

Challenging the Roles of NSP3 and Untranslated Regions in Rotavirus mRNA Translation

Rotavirus NSP3 is a translational surrogate of the PABP-poly(A) complex for rotavirus mRNAs. To further explore the effects of NSP3 and untranslated regions (UTRs) on rotavirus mRNAs translation, we used a quantitative in vivo assay with simultaneous cytoplasmic NSP3 expression (wild-type or deletion mutant) and electroporated rotavirus-like and standard synthetic mRNAs. This assay shows that the last four GACC nucleotides of viral mRNA are essential for efficient translation and that both the NSP3 eIF4G- and RNA-binding domains are required. We also show efficient translation of rotavirus-like mRNAs even with a 5’UTR as short as 5 nucleotides, while more than eleven nucleotides are required for the 3’UTR. Despite the weak requirement for a long 5’UTR, a good AUG environment remains a requirement for rotavirus mRNAs translation.