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Enterovirus particles expel capsid pentamers to enable genome release
David Buchta1, Tibor Füzik1, Dominik Hrebík1
1Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic.
Nature Communications
|March 10, 2019
Summary
Enteroviruses release their RNA genome by shedding capsid protein pentamers, creating a large opening. This discovery reveals a novel enterovirus uncoating mechanism potentially useful for antiviral drug development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Structural Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Enteroviruses are significant human pathogens.
- Genome release from enteroviruses requires particle activation via receptor binding or acidic pH.
- The precise mechanism of enterovirus uncoating remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism of enterovirus genome release.
- To visualize the structural changes during enterovirus uncoating.
Main Methods:
- Cryo-electron microscopy was employed to study human echovirus 18 (Echovirus 18) virions.
- Structural analysis focused on visualizing the process of RNA genome exit from the viral capsid.
Main Results:
- Echino virus 18 genome release involves the loss of one to three adjacent capsid-protein pentamers.
- A large opening (over 120 Å) is formed in the capsid, facilitating RNA exit without unwinding.
- Similar pentamer loss was observed in echovirus 30 during genome release.
Conclusions:
- A novel mechanism for enterovirus genome release involving capsid disassembly has been identified.
- This mechanism allows for direct RNA exit through a large pore.
- The findings provide a potential target for developing new antiviral therapies against enteroviruses.
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