The 24-angstrom structure of respiratory syncytial virus nucleocapsid protein-RNA decameric rings

MacLellan, K.; Loney, C.; Yeo, R.P.; Bhella, D.

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a nonsegmented, negative-sense RNA-containing virus, is a common cause of lower respiratory tract disease. Expression of RSV nucleocapsid protein (N) in insect cells using the baculovirus expression system leads to the formation of N-RNA complexes that are morphologically indistinguishable from viral nucleocapsids. When imaged in an electron microscope, three distinct types of structures were observed: tightly wound short-pitch helices, highly extended helices, and rings. Negative stain images of N-RNA rings were used to calculate a three-dimensional reconstruction at 24 A resolution, revealing features similar to those observed in nucleocapsids from other viruses of the order Mononegavirales. The reconstructed N-RNA rings comprise 10 N monomers and have an external radius of 83 A and an internal radius of 40 A. Comparison of this structure with crystallographic data from rabies virus and vesicular stomatitis virus N-RNA rings reveals striking morphological similarities.

Citation

MacLellan, K., Loney, C., Yeo, R., & Bhella, D. (2007). The 24-angstrom structure of respiratory syncytial virus nucleocapsid protein-RNA decameric rings. Journal of Virology, 81(17), 9519-9524. https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.00526-07

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2007
• Deposit Date: Jun 19, 2009
• Journal: Journal of Virology
• Print ISSN: 0022-538X
• Electronic ISSN: 1098-5514
• Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 81
• Issue: 17
• Pages: 9519-9524
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.00526-07
• Keywords: Mononegavirales, Nucleocapsid, Structure.
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1526414
• Publisher URL: http://jvi.asm.org/cgi/content/full/81/17/9519?view=long&pmid=17567697