Reverse Transcriptase (HIV) (RT)

Reverse transcriptase (RT) is a viral enzyme essential for the replication of HIV. It catalyzes the conversion of the single-stranded RNA genome of HIV into double-stranded DNA, a process known as reverse transcription. This enzyme is a heterodimer composed of p66 and p51 subunits and possesses RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, Ribonuclease H (RNase H), and DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities. Translocation, a key step in the reverse transcription process, involves the movement of RT along the nucleic acid substrate during nucleotide incorporation. RT is a major target for antiretroviral therapy, with drugs like NRTIs, NNRTIs, and NRTTIs designed to inhibit its function. Drug resistance is a significant concern due to the emergence of mutations in RT.

Other names

HIV-1 reverse transcriptaseReverse transcriptaseRT

Inhibition of reverse transcriptase activity, leading to chain termination or conformational changes that disrupt enzyme function.