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Maturation of phage T7 involves structural modification of both shell and inner core components.
Xabier Agirrezabala1, Jaime Martín-Benito, José R Castón
1Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Campus de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain.
The EMBO Journal
|October 8, 2005
Summary
Structural analysis of bacteriophage T7 reveals key molecular changes during virus assembly and DNA packaging. Cryo-EM determined structures of the prohead and mature virion, detailing internal components and shell transformations.
Area of Science:
- Structural biology
- Molecular virology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Bacteriophages, like T7, are vital models for studying DNA packaging and viral assembly.
- Understanding macromolecular interactions is crucial for deciphering viral morphogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the structures of key bacteriophage T7 assemblies during its morphogenetic process.
- To elucidate the structural changes occurring during DNA packaging and virion maturation.
Main Methods:
- Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM)
- Single-particle analysis methodology
Main Results:
- Determined structures of the DNA-free prohead and the mature T7 virion.
- Identified a complex internal assembly in the prohead involving scaffolding and a core complex.
- Observed significant changes in the mature virion shell (larger, thinner) and core complex rearrangements, likely due to internal DNA pressure.
Conclusions:
- The study provides high-resolution structural insights into bacteriophage T7 assembly and DNA packaging.
- Structural rearrangements in the T7 virion are critical for its maturation and function.
- Internal DNA pressure plays a significant role in shaping the mature virion structure.