The binding activity is abrogated upon dephosphorylation
of the cytosolic extracts (5), suggesting that phosphorylation
of the host proteins may be necessary for this interaction
with the RV 3' (+)-SL RNA.
Given the importance of the 3' (+)-SL RNA in viral
replication and the specific interaction of this element with a
host protein, this host protein-RNA interaction may be
important for the viral replication process. In this study, we
report the identification of the host protein that interacts
specifically with the cis-acting element of RV RNA in vivo
and in vitro.