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The concerted conformational changes during human rhinovirus 2 uncoating
Elizabeth A Hewat1, Emmanuelle Neumann, Dieter Blaas
1Institut de Biologie Structurale Jean-Pierre Ebel, 41 rue Jules Horowitz, 38027 Grenoble, France. hewat@ibs.fr
Molecular Cell
|August 23, 2002
Summary
Human rhinovirus 2 (HRV2) releases its RNA genome through a cooperative capsid structural change. Specific protein movements create channels for genome exit during cell entry.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Structural Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Viral capsid structure is crucial for genome delivery into host cells.
- Human rhinovirus serotype 2 (HRV2) requires capsid modification for cytoplasmic RNA release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural mechanisms of HRV2 capsid conformational changes during genome release.
- To elucidate the atomic details of HRV2 capsid opening for RNA exit.
Main Methods:
- Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine the structure of the empty HRV2 capsid at high resolution (<15 Å).
- Analysis of the atomic structure of native HRV2 to observe conformational changes.
Main Results:
- Identified an iris-like movement of proteins around the 5-fold axes, opening a 10 Å channel for RNA genome exit.
- Observed the N-terminus of VP1 protein exiting the capsid at the pseudo 3-fold axis.
- Documented inward bending of the N-terminal loop of VP2 at the 2-fold axes, likely facilitating RNA detachment.
Conclusions:
- HRV2 genome delivery involves coordinated capsid protein rearrangements.
- Specific protein movements, including VP1 and VP2 alterations, are essential for RNA release and viral entry.