Researchers the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have completed and published the first complete genome of HIV using techniques to sequence RNA. This complete genome allows new areas of research and more possibilities for experiments on the virus. This can improve our knowledge of how HIV infects and spreads through out immune system.
The HIV genome is composed of RNA, rather than DNA. DNA works by forming into a simple double helix, while RNA twists and has a complex series of knots. This complicates trying to find an exact sequence, but also shows that the genes are influenced and expressed by the RNA. The Chapel Hill researchers completely reconstructed the genome structure into its finest resolution form.
The researchers have discovered how RNA affects the life cycle for those with HIV and also find HIV through one gene at a time. Experiments that a single gene and are then deactivated are still important to find how HIV works with the immune system.
This is just the beginning to finding a cure for HIV. It will still take time and effort, but having a complete genome for the virus will be one step closer to finding a cure.
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