Why the study?
HCV translation is directed by an IRES whose activity depends on downstream RNA sequence, but the structural basis and regulatory role of this region were unclear.
Population
HCV RNA genome and mutant nearly genome-length RNAs
Comparison
Stem-loop IV stabilizing mutations vs destabilizing mutations and controls
Design
In vitro and in vivo translational study
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HCV AUG resides in stem-loop IV; extends IRES mapping but leaves open functional and therapeutic validation.
The stability of stem-loop IV in the HCV RNA genome inversely correlates with the efficiency of internal initiation of translation, suggesting a potential mechanism for viral feedback regulation.
A 2020 study studied this question.