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Geminivirus structure and assembly.
Antonette Bennett1, Mavis Agbandje-McKenna1
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
Advances in Virus Research
|April 10, 2021
Summary
Geminivirus capsid architecture relies on coat protein (CP) assembly for genome protection and plant infection. Understanding CP interactions and assembly conditions aids in developing crop protection strategies against geminivirus diseases.
Area of Science:
- Plant virology
- Structural biology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Geminiviruses possess a unique capsid structure built from 110 coat protein (CP) copies.
- The CP is crucial for geminivirus infection, genome encapsulation, and transport in insect vectors and plant hosts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review geminivirus capsid architecture and coat protein functions.
- To explore CP:CP and CP:DNA interactions and assembly conditions.
- To discuss current and novel strategies for controlling geminivirus crop infections.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of available three-dimensional structures of geminiviruses.
- Review of molecular biology data for various geminivirus members.
- Synthesis of existing research on geminivirus capsid assembly and function.
Main Results:
- The geminivirus capsid is formed by twinned pseudo T=1 icosahedrons composed of CP pentameric intermediates.
- CP facilitates genome encapsulation, protection, and transport, essential for nuclear replication and progeny production.
- New structural and molecular data enhance understanding of geminivirus assembly.
Conclusions:
- Detailed knowledge of geminivirus capsid assembly and CP interactions is vital for understanding infection cycles.
- Insights gained can inform the development of effective strategies to combat devastating plant crop infections.
- This review highlights the importance of CP in geminivirus biology and disease management.
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