Long Terminal Repeat

An LTR ( long terminal repeat ) is a 200 - 600bp long DNA repeat unit that flank certain genes and these enable ( transposition) into the genome after excision for reintegration. They are important in the so-called LTR elements.

Construction

LTRs contain all signal sequences which are necessary to control the expression of 5 'to 3':

  • Section U3 (unique 3 ') with GRE ( characteristic base sequence TGTTA ), enhancers ( TGTGCTAAG ) and promoter ( TATA box )
  • The R (redundant) with a polyadenylation signal ( AATAAA ) for the formation of a poly (A ) tail for stabilizing the mRNA (refer to transcription and gene)
  • Section U5 (unique 5 ')

Functions

LTRs can initiate, amplify and control the transcription. They provide binding sites for transcription factors which are responsible for tissue specificity. But you can also terminate transcription.

  • Gene expression
  • Virology
Base pair Enhancer (genetics) Promoter (genetics) TATA-Box
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