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The poly(A) tail of influenza virus mRNA is synthesized by reiterative copying of a U track near the 5' end of the virion RNA (vRNA) template by the viral RNA polymerase. We have engineered a novel influenza A/WSN/33 virus which contains a neuraminidase (NA) vRNA with its U track mutated into an A track. Instead of synthesizing poly(A)-tailed NA mRNA, this novel virus synthesizes poly(U)-tailed NA mRNA. In infected cells, most poly(U)-tailed NA mRNA was retained in the nucleus, while most control polyadenylated NA mRNA was transported to the cytoplasm. These results suggest that the poly(A) tail is important for efficient nuclear export of NA mRNA. The mutant virus produced a reduced amount of NA and showed an attenuated phenotype, suggesting that poly(A) signal mutants of this type might be useful as potential live attenuated virus vaccines. In addition, this virus mutant might provide a useful model to further elucidate the basic mechanisms of mRNA nuclear export.

Original publication

DOI

10.1128/jvi.74.1.418-427.2000

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Virol

Publication Date

01/2000

Volume

74

Pages

418 - 427

Keywords

Animals, Base Sequence, Biological Transport, Cell Nucleus, Chick Embryo, DNA Primers, Influenza A virus, Mutation, Neuraminidase, Nucleic Acid Conformation, Poly U, RNA, Messenger, Recombination, Genetic