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The structural protein E of the archaeal virus phiCh1: evidence for processing in Natrialba magadii during virus

R Klein1, B Greineder, U Baranyi

  • 1Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Vienna, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, Vienna, A-1030, Austria.

Virology
|October 21, 2000
PubMed

Insights

The major capsid protein E gene from phiCh1 virus was sequenced and characterized. This study reveals its role as a late gene involved in viral capsid formation in haloalkalophilic archaea.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Archaea Genetics

Background:

  • phiCh1 is a lysogenic virus infecting the haloalkalophilic archaeon Natrialba magadii.
  • Its morphology aligns with Myoviridae family viruses that infect Halobacterium species.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clone and determine the DNA sequence of the major capsid protein E gene (gene E) of phiCh1 virus.
  • To confirm the identity and processing of the gene E product.
  • To investigate the temporal expression of gene E during the viral life cycle.

Main Methods:

  • Gene cloning and DNA sequencing
  • N-terminal amino acid sequencing of purified protein
  • 2D gel electrophoresis with specific antibodies
  • Sequence similarity studies
  • RT-PCR and Western blot analysis

Main Results:

  • Gene E was mapped to the 5'-end of the phiCh1 genome on a 3.2-kbp ClaI fragment.
  • The gene E product is proteolytically cleaved to form mature 305-residue capsid polypeptides.
  • Gene E exhibits 80% sequence identity to the capsid protein Hp32 of the phiH virus.
  • Gene E functions as a late gene, with transcripts and proteins detected before host cell lysis.

Conclusions:

  • The study elucidates the genetic and molecular characteristics of phiCh1's major capsid protein E.
  • Gene E plays a crucial role in viral capsid assembly and is expressed late in the viral replication cycle.
  • This research contributes to understanding virus-host interactions in haloalkalophilic archaea.

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