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Structural analysis of herpes simplex virus by optical super-resolution imaging
Romain F Laine1, Anna Albecka2, Sebastian van de Linde3
1Laser Analytics Group, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Cambridge University, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3RA, UK.
Nature Communications
|January 23, 2015
Summary
Researchers used super-resolution microscopy to map protein layers in herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1). This study reveals the precise organization of tegument and envelope proteins within the virus particle.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microscopy
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) is a common human pathogen.
- The detailed arrangement of HSV-1's tegument and envelope proteins is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To precisely determine the spatial organization of protein layers within HSV-1 particles.
- To differentiate between envelope-anchored glycoproteins and tegument proteins.
Main Methods:
- Super-resolution imaging using direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM).
- Multi-colour dSTORM to visualize different protein layers simultaneously.
- Model-based analysis of single-molecule localization data and particle averaging.
Main Results:
- Resolved distinct protein layers within individual HSV-1 particles.
- Discriminated between envelope glycoproteins and tegument proteins in purified and cell-associated virions.
- Determined the radial distribution of key tegument proteins (VP16, VP1/2, pUL37) and envelope protein (gD).
Conclusions:
- Proposed a detailed model for the protein organization within the HSV-1 tegument.
- Advanced understanding of HSV-1 structural biology through advanced imaging techniques.
