scholarly journals Structural analysis and biochemical characterization of human metapneumovirus L protein

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiong Han Yeo
2009 ◽  
Vol 90 (7) ◽  
pp. 1748-1756 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Gopinath ◽  
M. S. Shaila

Rinderpest virus (RPV) large (L) protein is an integral part of the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex of the virus that is responsible for transcription and replication of the genome. Previously, we have shown that recombinant L protein coexpressed along with P protein (as the L–P complex) catalyses the synthesis of all viral mRNAs in vitro and the abundance of mRNAs follows a gradient of polarity, similar to the occurrence in vivo. In the present work, we demonstrate that the viral mRNAs synthesized in vitro by the recombinant L or purified RNP are capped and methylated at the N7 guanine position. RNP from the purified virions, as well as recombinant L protein, shows RNA triphosphatase (RTPase) and guanylyl transferase (GT) activities. L protein present in the RNP complex catalyses the removal of γ-phosphate from triphosphate-ended 25 nt RNA generated in vitro representing the viral N-terminal mRNA 5′ sequence. The L protein forms a covalent enzyme–guanylate intermediate with the GMP moiety of GTP, whose formation is inhibited by the addition of pyrophosphate; thus, it exhibits characteristics of cellular GTs. The covalent bond between the enzyme and nucleotide is acid labile and alkali stable, indicating the presence of phosphoamide linkage. The C-terminal region (aa 1717–2183) of RPV L protein alone exhibits the first step of GT activity needed to form a covalent complex with GMP, though it lacks the ability to transfer GMP to substrate RNA. Here, we describe the biochemical characterization of the newly found RTPase/GT activity of L protein.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominik Vogel ◽  
Sigurdur Rafn Thorkelsson ◽  
Emmanuelle R. J. Quemin ◽  
Kristina Meier ◽  
Tomas Kouba ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTThe Bunyavirales order contains several emerging viruses with high epidemic potential, including Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). The lack of medical countermeasures, such as vaccines and antivirals, is a limiting factor for the containment of any virus outbreak. To develop such antivirals a profound understanding of the viral replication process is essential. The L protein of bunyaviruses is a multi-functional and multi-domain protein performing both virus transcription and genome replication and, therefore, would be an ideal drug target. We established expression and purification procedures for the full-length L protein of SFTSV. By combining single-particle electron-cryo microscopy and X-ray crystallography, we obtained 3D models covering ∼70% of the SFTSV L protein in the apo-conformation including the polymerase core region, the endonuclease and the cap-binding domain. We compared this first L structure of the Phenuiviridae family to the structures of La Crosse peribunyavirus L protein and influenza orthomyxovirus polymerase. Together with a comprehensive biochemical characterization of the distinct functions of SFTSV L protein, this work provides a solid framework for future structural and functional studies of L protein-RNA interactions and the development of antiviral strategies against this group of emerging human pathogens.


Author(s):  
Robert J. Nichols ◽  
Benjamin LaFrance ◽  
Naiya R. Phillips ◽  
Luke M. Oltrogge ◽  
Luis E. Valentin-Alvarado ◽  
...  

AbstractProkaryotic nanocompartments, also known as encapsulins, are a recently discovered proteinaceous organelle in prokaryotes that compartmentalize cargo enzymes. While initial studies have begun to elucidate the structure and physiological roles of encapsulins, bioinformatic evidence suggests that a great diversity of encapsulin nanocompartments remains unexplored. Here, we describe a novel encapsulin in the freshwater cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. This nanocompartment is upregulated upon sulfate starvation and encapsulates a cysteine desulfurase enzyme via an N-terminal targeting sequence. Using cryoelectron microscopy, we have determined the structure of the nanocompartment complex to 2.2 Å resolution. Lastly, biochemical characterization of the complex demonstrated that the activity of the cysteine desulfurase is enhanced upon encapsulation. Taken together, our discovery, structural analysis, and enzymatic characterization of this prokaryotic nanocompartment provide a foundation for future studies seeking to understand the physiological role of this encapsulin in various bacteria.


1991 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 407-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert H. Williams ◽  
Mashouf Shaykh ◽  
Sarosh Ahmed ◽  
Theodore Musiala ◽  
Nadine Bazilinski ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (10) ◽  
pp. 5749-5765 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominik Vogel ◽  
Sigurdur Rafn Thorkelsson ◽  
Emmanuelle R J Quemin ◽  
Kristina Meier ◽  
Tomas Kouba ◽  
...  

Abstract The Bunyavirales order contains several emerging viruses with high epidemic potential, including Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). The lack of medical countermeasures, such as vaccines and antivirals, is a limiting factor for the containment of any virus outbreak. To develop such antivirals a profound understanding of the viral replication process is essential. The L protein of bunyaviruses is a multi-functional and multi-domain protein performing both virus transcription and genome replication and, therefore, is an ideal drug target. We established expression and purification procedures for the full-length L protein of SFTSV. By combining single-particle electron cryo-microscopy and X-ray crystallography, we obtained 3D models covering ∼70% of the SFTSV L protein in the apo-conformation including the polymerase core region, the endonuclease and the cap-binding domain. We compared this first L structure of the Phenuiviridae family to the structures of La Crosse peribunyavirus L protein and influenza orthomyxovirus polymerase. Together with a comprehensive biochemical characterization of the distinct functions of SFTSV L protein, this work provides a solid framework for future structural and functional studies of L protein–RNA interactions and the development of antiviral strategies against this group of emerging human pathogens.


2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. e1005635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaiza Fernández-García ◽  
Juan Reguera ◽  
Carola Busch ◽  
Gregor Witte ◽  
Oliberto Sánchez-Ramos ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
J. H. Resau ◽  
N. Howell ◽  
S. H. Chang

Spinach grown in Texas developed “yellow spotting” on the peripheral portions of the leaves. The exact cause of the discoloration could not be determined as there was no evidence of viral or parasitic infestation of the plants and biochemical characterization of the plants did not indicate any significant differences between the yellow and green leaf portions of the spinach. The present study was undertaken using electron microscopy (EM) to determine if a micro-nutrient deficiency was the cause for the discoloration.Green leaf spinach was collected from the field and sent by express mail to the EM laboratory. The yellow and equivalent green portions of the leaves were isolated and dried in a Denton evaporator at 10-5 Torr for 24 hrs. The leaf specimens were then examined using a JEOL 100 CX analytical microscope. TEM specimens were prepared according to the methods of Trump et al.


2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 218-225
Author(s):  
R. G. Somkuwar ◽  
M. A. Bhange ◽  
A. K. Upadhyay ◽  
S. D. Ramteke

SauvignonBlanc wine grape was characterized for their various morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters grafted on different rootstocks. Significant differences were recorded for all the parameters studied. The studies on vegetative parameters revealed that the rootstock influences the vegetative growth thereby increasing the photosynthetic activities of a vine. The highest photosynthesis rate was recorded in 140-Ru grafted vine followed by Fercal whereas the lowest in Salt Creek rootstock grafted vines.The rootstock influenced the changes in biochemical constituents in the grafted vine thereby helping the plant to store enough food material. Significant differences were recorded for total carbohydrates, proteins, total phenols and reducing sugar. The vines grafted on1103-Pshowed highest carbohydrates and starch followed by 140-Ru,while the least amount of carbohydrates were recorded in 110-R and Salt Creek grafted vines respectively.Among the different rootstock graft combinations, Fercal showed highest amount of reducing sugar, proteins and phenols, followed by 1103-P and SO4, however, the lowest amount of reducing sugar, proteins and phenols were recorded with 110-R grafted vines.The vines grafted on different rootstocks showed changes in nutrient uptake. Considering this, the physico-biochemical characterization of grafted vine may help to identify particularrootstocks combination that could influence a desired trait in commercial wine grape varieties after grafting.


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