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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 22, 2025

Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Published on: July 27, 2021

Crowning Touches in Positive-Strand RNA Virus Genome Replication Complex Structure and Function.

Masaki Nishikiori^1,2, Johan A den Boon^1,2, Nuruddin Unchwaniwala^1,2,3

¹John and Jeanne Rowe Center for Research in Virology, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, USA;

Annual Review of Virology

|May 24, 2022

Summary

Positive-strand RNA viruses utilize membrane vesicles for genome replication. Key viral RNA replication factors form multimeric rings, acting as channels for progeny genome release and aiding in assembly and encapsidation.

Keywords:

RNA replication complex alphavirus coronavirus crown complex cryo-EM tomography nodavirus positive-strand RNA virus

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Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus

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Area of Science:

Virology
Molecular Biology
Structural Biology

Background:

Positive-strand RNA viruses are a major class of eukaryotic viruses, including significant human pathogens.
Viral genome replication occurs within virus-induced membrane vesicles, protecting RNA and organizing processes.
Understanding viral replication mechanisms is crucial for controlling viral diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the structural organization of viral RNA replication complexes.
To investigate the function of multimeric rings formed by viral RNA replication factors.
To explore the role of these structures in genome release and downstream processes.

Main Methods:

Cryo-electron microscope tomography was employed to visualize viral replication complexes.
Structural analysis focused on identifying and characterizing multimeric ring structures.
Comparative studies across diverse viruses were conducted.

Main Results:

Multimeric rings/crowns of viral RNA replication factors were identified in various viruses.
These structures function as exit channels for progeny genome release.
Emerging evidence indicates additional roles in replication complex assembly and encapsidation.

Conclusions:

Viral replication factor crowns are conserved structures with essential roles in genome replication and release.
These findings offer insights into viral evolution and provide targets for antiviral strategies.
Understanding these structures aids in controlling and engineering positive-strand RNA viruses.