Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2025
09:08
Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Published on: July 27, 2021
4.0K
Structure and assembly of double-headed Sendai virus nucleocapsids
Na Zhang1,2,3, Hong Shan1, Mingdong Liu1,3
1iHuman Institute, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
Communications Biology
|April 23, 2021
Summary
Researchers visualized a unique double-headed Sendai virus (SeV) nucleocapsid, revealing insights into viral RNA packaging and assembly mechanisms. This structure clarifies helical polymerization and nucleocapsid dimerization, crucial for virus replication.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Structural Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Paramyxoviruses, such as Sendai virus (SeV), possess non-segmented, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genomes.
- These genomes are encapsulated by nucleoproteins into helical nucleocapsids, essential for viral structure and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the structural basis of Sendai virus (SeV) nucleocapsid assembly and dimerization.
- To investigate the mechanism of helical polymerization and the role of nucleoprotein interactions.
Main Methods:
- Cryo-electron microscopy was employed to resolve the structure of the SeV nucleocapsid.
- High-resolution (2.9 and 3.9 Å) structural analysis of helical stems and the clam-shaped joint.
Main Results:
- A novel double-headed SeV nucleocapsid assembled in a tail-to-tail manner was reported.
- Structural insights into helical polymerization via N-terminal nucleoprotein loop interactions were revealed.
- The clam-shaped joint was observed in a hyper-closed state, facilitating nucleocapsid dimerization.
Conclusions:
- The study provides direct visualization of nucleoprotein interactions, including C-terminal tail involvement in nucleocapsid curvature.
- Findings offer critical structural evidence linking nucleocapsid condensation, genome replication, and transcription to different assembly forms.
- The resolved structures advance understanding of paramyxovirus assembly and potential therapeutic targets.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
00:56Viral Structure
69.6K
Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.
69.6K
02:41Protein Complex Assembly
14.9K
Proteins can form homomeric complexes with another unit of the same protein or heteromeric complexes with different types. Most protein complexes self-assemble spontaneously via ordered pathways, while some proteins need assembly factors that guide their proper assembly. Despite the crowded intracellular environment, proteins usually interact with their correct partners and form functional complexes.
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
14.9K
01:26Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
344
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...
344
01:28Introduction to Virus
623
Viruses are unique biological entities that blur the boundary between living and non-living systems. Although they lack cellular structure and metabolic processes, they can exhibit characteristics of life when infecting a host. Their defining feature is a nucleic acid core, composed of either DNA or RNA, encapsulated within a protein coat called a capsid. This simple structure allows them to invade host cells and use their machinery for replication efficiently.Viral Structure and...
623
01:12The Nucleosome Core Particle
1.8K
Nucleosomes are the DNA-histone complex, where the DNA strand is wound around the histone core. The histone core is an octamer containing two copies of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 histone proteins.
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their primary aim is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. On the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access histone-bound DNA during...
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their primary aim is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. On the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access histone-bound DNA during...
1.8K
01:29Viruses with RNA Genomes
328
RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
328