Ok so my research for L234F has been futile thus far. I have only found one article on it. It is about capravirine, a novel NNRTI which has failed in clinical trials. Sato et al. (antiviral reseach, 2006) report that this NNRTI selects for the usual NNRTI resistant mutations. But in addition it also selects for L234I. this mutation has not been associated with any other NNRTIs. Interestingly, the presence of this mutation, along with a few other NNRTI mutations, has an antagonistinc effect on T215Y (AZT resistance) and vice versa. This point is of interest to me. It is also important to note that this is the only mutation that relates to my research which is not an NRTI associated mutation.
I also know from conversations that L234 is in the linking area between p66 and p51.
So what remains to be addressed:
1. where is L234F in RT exactly?
2. is it an NRTI associated mutation as well?
3. Leucine is converted to phenylalanine. what's the difference between these amino acids?
