The fraction of RNA that folds into the correct branched secondary structure determines hepatitis delta virus type 3 RNA editing levels

Model depicting factors that control amber/W site editing in HDV-3. The unbranched rod structure is indicated by an elongated rounded rectangle; branched structures are labeled B_EDIT and B_ALT. The first control point occurs following the synthesis of the antigenome, which folds into different structures. Ecuadorian HDV-3 preferentially forms the B_EDIT structure. In comparison, HDV-3 Peru forms the unbranched rod, as well as additional branched structure(s) (B_ALT) not likely to be edited. The second control point is the activity of ADAR1 on the amber/W site in the B_EDIT structure. B_EDIT of HDV-3 Peru is edited more efficiently than B_EDIT of HDV-3 Ecuador.