Reverztranszkriptáz

Reverztranszkriptáz is an enzyme that synthesizes a DNA copy from an RNA template. This process is the reverse of the normal flow of genetic information, which goes from DNA to RNA. The enzyme is also known as RNA-dependent DNA polymerase.

Reverztranszkriptáz is crucial for the life cycle of retroviruses, such as HIV. These viruses carry their genetic material in the form of RNA. Upon infecting a host cell, they use reverztranszkriptáz to convert their RNA genome into double-stranded DNA. This viral DNA is then integrated into the host cell's genome, allowing the virus to replicate.

The discovery of reverztranszkriptáz in the 1970s by Howard Temin and David Baltimore was a significant breakthrough in molecular biology. It provided a mechanism for how retroviruses could integrate their genetic material into host DNA and challenged the central dogma of molecular biology, which at the time stated that genetic information flows only from DNA to RNA.

Beyond its role in viral replication, reverztranszkriptáz has become an indispensable tool in molecular biology research and biotechnology. It is widely used in techniques such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to study gene expression by quantifying RNA levels, and in the synthesis of complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries, which represent the RNA content of a cell or tissue. These applications have revolutionized our understanding of gene regulation, disease mechanisms, and have led to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Inhibitors of reverztranszkriptáz are a cornerstone of antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection.