Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2025

Rapid, Seamless Generation of Recombinant Poxviruses using Host Range and Visual Selection
09:25

Rapid, Seamless Generation of Recombinant Poxviruses using Host Range and Visual Selection

Published on: May 24, 2020

5.3K

Viroporins of Mpox Virus

Kingshuk Basu1, Miriam Krugliak1, Isaiah T Arkin1

  • 1Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|September 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified potential drug targets in the mpox virus (MPXV). Five viral proteins show ion channel activity, offering new avenues for developing antiviral drugs to combat this emerging global threat.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Mpox virus (MPXV), a Poxviridae family member, poses a growing global health concern.
  • Limited antiviral therapies exist, necessitating the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
  • Viral ion channels are recognized as promising targets for antiviral drug development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize potential viral ion channels in MPXV.
  • To explore these channels as targets for novel antiviral drug discovery.
  • To lay the groundwork for developing channel-blocking therapeutics against MPXV.

Main Methods:

  • Bioinformatic analysis to identify potential transmembrane proteins.
  • Bacteria-based assays to confirm ion channel activity.
  • AlphaFold2 and molecular dynamics simulations for structural prediction.

Main Results:

  • Eight transmembrane proteins of MPXV, ≤100 amino acids, were identified.
  • Five of these proteins demonstrated ion channel activity in experimental assays.
  • Tentative structures for four MPXV ion channels were proposed using computational methods.

Conclusions:

  • The study identifies five MPXV proteins with ion channel activity, termed viroporins.
  • These viroporins represent potential targets for developing new antiviral drugs.
  • The findings offer a foundational step towards creating MPXV channel blockers.
Keywords:
Mpox virusion channel assaymolecular dynamic simulationviral ion channels

More Related Videos

In Vitro Transcribed RNA-based Luciferase Reporter Assay to Study Translation Regulation in Poxvirus-infected Cells08:58

In Vitro Transcribed RNA-based Luciferase Reporter Assay to Study Translation Regulation in Poxvirus-infected Cells

Published on: May 1, 2019

15.0K
MicroRNA-based Regulation of Picornavirus Tropism09:05

MicroRNA-based Regulation of Picornavirus Tropism

Published on: February 6, 2017

7.6K

Related Concept Videos

Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

Viruses with RNA Genomes

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...
47
Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
12.4K
Structure of Porins01:21

Structure of Porins

Mitochondria, chloroplasts, and gram-negative bacteria have transmembrane, beta-barrel proteins called porins to mediate the free diffusion of ions and metabolites across the membrane. Mitochondrial porin precursors contain conserved amino acid sequences called beta signals at their C-terminal. Beta signals have a  motif of PoXGXXHyXHy (Po-Polar, X-Any amino acid, G-Glycine, Hy-LargeHydrophobic), which are crucial for precursor recognition to initiate precursor assembly. Beta-barrel...
3.0K
Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the...
46.1K
Subviral Agents01:29

Subviral Agents

Subviral agents are infectious entities that resemble viruses but lack one or more viral components, such as a capsid or essential replication machinery. These agents include viroids, prions, and satellites, each possessing distinct structural and functional characteristics that influence their mode of infection and replication.Viroids are the simplest subviral agents, consisting of circular, single-stranded RNA molecules without a protein coat. They exclusively infect plants, relying entirely...
33
Protein Import into the Peroxisomes01:27

Protein Import into the Peroxisomes

Cells contain membrane-bound organelles called peroxisomes that oxidize organic molecules by transferring hydrogen atoms to oxygen, producing hydrogen peroxide. Peroxisomes enzymatically convert the released hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
Peroxisomal Protein Import:
Peroxisomes lack the genetic machinery required to code for their own proteins. Hence, most peroxisomal membrane, lumenal and transmembrane proteins are synthesized in the cytoplasm or ER and transported to the peroxisome...
3.5K