Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Retroviral Scanning: Mapping MLV Integration Sites to Define Cell-specific Regulatory Regions
10:10

Retroviral Scanning: Mapping MLV Integration Sites to Define Cell-specific Regulatory Regions

Published on: May 28, 2017

Atomic resolution structure of Moloney murine leukemia virus matrix protein and its relationship to other retroviral

Nico Riffel1, Karl Harlos, Oleg Iourin

  • 1Division of Structural Biology, The Henry Wellcome Building for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom.

Structure (London, England : 1993)
|December 7, 2002
PubMed

Insights

The Moloney murine leukemia virus matrix protein structure reveals conserved features for viral particle formation and maturation. This finding aids in understanding retroviral protein interactions and identifying distant protein similarities.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Structural Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Matrix proteins are crucial for viral particle assembly and maturation in retroviruses.
  • Understanding retroviral matrix protein structure is key to deciphering viral replication mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the crystal structure of the Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) matrix protein at 1.0 Å resolution.
  • To compare the M-MuLV matrix protein structure with other known retroviral matrix proteins.

Main Methods:

  • X-ray crystallography was used to obtain the 1.0 Å crystal structure of the M-MuLV matrix protein.
  • Bioinformatic analysis was performed to compare sequence and structural similarities with other retroviral proteins.

Main Results:

  • The M-MuLV matrix protein exhibits a conserved topology despite low sequence similarity to other retroviral matrix proteins.
  • The N-terminal region, important for membrane binding, is exposed and near a basic surface patch.
  • The M-MuLV structure represents an intermediate form between lentiviruses and other gammaretroviruses.
  • Conserved side chain packing maintains the protein fold, suggesting a method for identifying distant protein similarities.

Conclusions:

  • The determined structure provides insights into the role of M-MuLV matrix protein in viral assembly and maturation.
  • The findings highlight conserved structural features across different retroviral matrix proteins.
  • The study suggests a novel approach for detecting weak evolutionary relationships between proteins based on conserved packing.

More Related Videos

Amplification, Next-generation Sequencing, and Genomic DNA Mapping of Retroviral Integration Sites09:31

Amplification, Next-generation Sequencing, and Genomic DNA Mapping of Retroviral Integration Sites

Published on: March 22, 2016

Identification of Nucleolar Factors During HIV-1 Replication Through Rev Immunoprecipitation and Mass Spectrometry09:38

Identification of Nucleolar Factors During HIV-1 Replication Through Rev Immunoprecipitation and Mass Spectrometry

Published on: June 26, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
Leaky Scanning02:28

Leaky Scanning

During most eukaryotic translation processes, the small 40S ribosome subunit scans an mRNA from its 5' end until it encounters the first start AUG codon. The large 60S ribosomal subunit then joins the smaller one to initiate protein synthesis. The location of the translation initiation is largely determined by the nucleotides near the start codon as there may be multiple translation initiation sites present on the mRNA.  Marilyn Kozak discovered that the sequence RCCAUGG (where R stands for...
Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly01:19

Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly

As part of their replication cycle, certain viruses synthesize long precursor proteins called polyproteins within infected host cells. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), two major polyproteins are produced: Gag and Gag-Pol. The Gag polyprotein supplies the structural components of the virus, while Gag-Pol includes essential viral enzymes such as reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease. After synthesis, these polyproteins move to the host cell membrane, where they assemble into an...
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes01:26

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers01:51

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...