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Evidence that the sigma 1 protein of reovirus serotype 3 is a multimer

Journal of Virology
|June 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated the reovirus sigma 1 protein, finding it exists as a multimer. Biochemical evidence suggests this multimer is composed of four sigma 1 subunits.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Protein Chemistry

Background:

  • Reovirus serotype 3 (strain Dearing) is a significant viral pathogen.
  • The sigma 1 protein is a key viral surface protein involved in cell attachment and entry.
  • Understanding the structure of sigma 1 protein is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the oligomeric state of the reovirus sigma 1 protein.
  • To determine the subunit composition of the sigma 1 protein multimer.
  • To investigate the sigma 1 protein from different expression systems.

Main Methods:

  • Purification of sigma 1 protein from Escherichia coli and reovirus-infected mouse L cells.
  • Isolation of sigma 1 protein from purified reovirions.
  • Biochemical assays to analyze protein structure and subunit composition.

Main Results:

  • The sigma 1 protein exists as a multimer in its native, undisrupted form.
  • Biochemical evidence indicates the multimer is composed of four sigma 1 subunits.
  • Consistent multimeric structure observed across different sources of the protein.

Conclusions:

  • The reovirus sigma 1 protein forms a stable tetrameric structure.
  • This multimeric assembly is fundamental to the protein's function.
  • Further studies can explore the functional implications of this tetrameric structure.

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