Molecular Mechanisms for Norovirus Genome Replication

The genomes of positive strand RNA viruses often contain more than one open reading frame. Some of these viruses have evolved novel mechanisms to regulate the synthesis of the other open reading frames that in some cases involved the production of a subgenomic RNA or RNAs. Very often, the presence of the subgenomic RNA is used as indicator for active viral genome replication. Norovirus, a major cause for gastroenteritis as well as with all other caliciviruses follow a typical positive strand RNA viruses genome replication strategy. In addition, noroviruses also produce a subgenomic RNA during their replication in infected cells. Efficient and adequate synthesis of norovirus subgenomic RNA is crucial for successful viral replication and productive infection leading to the generation of infectious viral progeny. This chapter will dissect the significant findings on mechanisms involved in norovirus genome replication as well as focusing on subgenomic RNA production.