How HIV Hijacks Genetic Code

Scientists have discovered how HIV hijacks the human genetic code and forces it to replicate the virus in new cells. Oxford and Cambridge scientists published their work in Nature, the BBC reports.

The process which the viruses employ is known as ribosomal frameshifting. The ribosome is the structure within the cell where protein synthesis takes place.

The genetic code contained in the DNA is read by ribosomes in chunks of three individual components.

The researchers have shown that viruses such as HIV have signals that force the ribosome to back up by just one component.

This is enough to produce a completely different sequence of genetic chunks - and results in the cell beginning to produce proteins that the virus can use to reproduce itself.

The researchers were able to capture images of frameshifting in action using electron microscopy.

If researchers can find a way to block this frameshifting, they might discover a new treatment for HIV and other viruses that might employ the same mechanism.

Buried in a quote towards the end of the story is the fact that the work was actually done on the SARS virus, not HIV. Perhaps the mechanism in question is identical in both viruses, but it seems an important point nevertheless. The scientist who points this out also says a treatment stemming from this research is likely a long way off:

Christopher Gadd, of the HIV information service NAM, said the latest research had been carried out not on HIV, but on the virus that causes the respiratory condition Sars.

He said: "This process may eventually become a target for research into new HIV drugs.

"But after over 20 years of the epidemic, the 20 anti-HIV drugs currently licensed only target three different sites in the virus's life cycle.

"Although drugs targeting other parts of HIV's life cycle may be only a few years away, very many years of further research would be needed before this research finding will benefit HIV-positive patients, if at all."