late viral transcription

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The transcription of the final group of viral genes of the viral life cycle, following middle transcription, or where middle transcription doesn't occur, following early transcription. Involves the transcription of genes encoding structural proteins. [GOC:bf, GOC:jh2, GOC:jl]

Late viral transcription is a crucial stage in the replication cycle of many viruses, particularly DNA viruses like herpesviruses, adenoviruses, and poxviruses. It occurs after the initial phase of early viral transcription and is characterized by the production of viral proteins necessary for the assembly and release of progeny virions.

Late viral transcription is typically triggered by the accumulation of viral proteins synthesized during early transcription. These proteins can act as transcription factors, activating specific promoters on the viral genome that drive late gene expression.

The late viral genes encode structural proteins, such as capsid proteins, tegument proteins, and envelope proteins. These proteins are essential for the formation of new viral particles. Additionally, late genes can encode enzymes involved in viral DNA packaging, maturation, and release.

The process of late viral transcription often involves the recruitment of cellular factors that are modified or hijacked by the virus to facilitate transcription. For instance, viral proteins can interact with host cell transcription machinery, such as RNA polymerase II, to promote the transcription of late genes.

Late viral transcription is tightly regulated to ensure the correct timing and expression levels of viral proteins. Viral proteins can also regulate the expression of late genes through feedback mechanisms, ensuring that the production of structural proteins is synchronized with other stages of the viral replication cycle.

In summary, late viral transcription is a critical step in viral replication that involves the synthesis of proteins essential for the assembly and release of new virions. This process is carefully controlled by viral proteins and cellular factors to ensure the efficient production of progeny viruses.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)