Impact of Tat Genetic Variation on HIV-1 Disease

• Main Authors: Luna Li, Satinder Dahiya, Sandhya Kortagere, Benjamas Aiamkitsumrit, David Cunningham, Vanessa Pirrone, Michael R. Nonnemacher, Brian Wigdahl
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi Limited 2012-01-01
• Series: Advances in Virology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/123605

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) promoter or long-terminal repeat (LTR) regulates viral gene expression by interacting with multiple viral and host factors. The viral transactivator protein Tat plays an important role in transcriptional activation of HIV-1 gene expression. Functional domains of Tat and its interaction with transactivation response element RNA and cellular transcription factors have been examined. Genetic variation within tat of different HIV-1 subtypes has been shown to affect the interaction of the viral transactivator with cellular and/or viral proteins, influencing the overall level of transcriptional activation as well as its action as a neurotoxic protein. Consequently, the genetic variability within tat may impact the molecular architecture of functional domains of the Tat protein that may impact HIV pathogenesis and disease. Tat as a therapeutic target for anti-HIV drugs has also been discussed.