The Subviral RNA Database: a toolbox for viroids, the hepatitis delta virus and satellite RNAs research

The Subviral RNA database is a web-based environment that facilitates the research and analysis of viroids, satellite RNAs, satellites viruses, the human hepatitis delta virus, and related RNA sequences. It integrates a large number of Subviral RNA sequences, their respective RNA motifs, analysis tools, related publication links and additional pertinent information (ex. links, conferences, announcements), allowing users to efficiently retrieve and analyze relevant information about these small RNA agents.With its design, the Subviral RNA Database could be considered as a fundamental building block for the study of these related RNAs. It is freely available via a web browser at the URL: http://subviral.med.uottawa.ca webcite.Viroids, satellite RNAs, satellites viruses and the human hepatitis delta virus (HDV) are the smallest known infectious RNA agents, identified as the Subviral RNAs. The HDV genome consists of a small single-stranded, circular negative sense RNA genome (~1,700 nucleotides, nt) containing self-cleaving motifs (i.e. delta ribozymes), and a single open reading frame (ORF) encoding two viral proteins (HDAgs) [1]. HDV requires the hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen for virion assembly and dissemination. Viroids are small non-coding single-stranded circular RNAs (~400 nt) which are unencapsidated and replicate autonomously into host plants [2]. Viroids are grouped into two families based on the presence or not of conserved regions, hammerhead ribozymes and on their subcellular localization (nucleus or chloroplast). Satellites do not possess genes encoding proteins needed for their replication and depend on helper viruses for their multiplication. Satellites include both satellite viruses and satellite nucleic acids. Satellite viruses consist of single-stranded RNA genomes encapsidated by satellite-encoded proteins. Satellite RNAs are a sub-group of satellite nucleic acids and include double-stranded satellite RNAs, and single-stranded satellite RNA