Long Terminal Repeat

Long terminal repeat (LTR) is a sequence of nucleotides present in the DNA of retroviruses. It consists of two identical copies of the same nucleotide sequence, located at the two ends of the viral genome. LTRs act as the promoter sequences of the viral genes, enabling the transcription of the viral genome in the host cell. They also play a role in the integration of the viral genome into the host cell, as well as its replication and expressions. LTRs are of critical importance for many research applications, such as the discovery of ancient viruses, the designing of viral vectors, and the development of gene therapy against viral infections.