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Original link:Metaorganisms - Retroviruses
Retrovirus, also known as retrovirus, is an RNA virus with long terminal repeat sequences (LTRs) at both ends. The virus is spherical, has a capsule, and has spikes on the surface. The particle diameter is about 100nm. The retroviral genome consists of three genes: Gag - the core protein of the virus; Pol - encodes reverse transcriptase; Env - Encodes the envelope glycoprotein of the virus.
Retroviral packaging and cell infection process
Retrovirus packaging uses a three plasmid or four plasmid system for packaging, collects cell culture supernatant, and concentrates, purifies, and collects the virus through high-speed centrifugation.
Titer detection method：Quantitative PCR detection of the copy number of exogenous DNA in the cell genome after interference.
Principle of titer detection：Retroviruses mediate the integration of exogenous genes into the target cell genome through reverse transcription.
When expressing retroviral genes, RNA needs to be first reverse transcribed into DNA under the action of reverse transcriptase, forming a DNA pre integration complex, which then enters the nucleus and randomly integrates into the host cell DNA. After transcription and translation, the gene expression is completed.
Retroviral packaging and infection mechanism
Retroviral characteristics
The biggest characteristic of retroviruses is their specific infection of dividing cells, because only when the infected cells are in the process of cell division can the retroviral DNA genome come into contact with the genetic material of the host cell.
Comparison of Biological Characteristics of Different Viruses
Based on the above characteristics, retroviruses are suitable for a large number of studies related to stem cells, such as neural stem cell research and hematopoietic stem cell research. When used in vivo, retroviruses are suitable for studying the work of adult newborn neurons or glial precursor cells.
Application Cases of Retroviruses
1、Customers publish articles：Scientific Reports. (IF=4.122). Xiong Y S,et.al. (2015). Early treatment of minocycline alle-viates white matter and cognitive impairments after chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. [Retrovirus, Stroke]
Injection site: SVZ area of the lateral ventricle in mice
carrier：pROV-EF1a-GFP
Virus vector: Retrovirus
Virus titer：1E+8cfu/mL
Injection volume：1ul
2、应用案例：Nature.(IF=41.577).Yu YC,et.al. (2009).Specific synapses develop preferentially among sister excitatory neurons in the neocortex. [Retrovirus, Developmental]
Injection site: E12-E13 mouse embryo
Virus vector: Retrovirus
Injection volume：1ul
