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Related Concept Videos

Viral Structure00:56

Viral Structure

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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.
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Viral Mutations00:36

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A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material...
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Size and Structure of Viral Genomes01:26

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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...
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Introduction to Virus01:28

Introduction to Virus

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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...
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Structure-Activity Relationships and Drug Design01:28

Structure-Activity Relationships and Drug Design

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Drug design is a dynamic field that involves discovering and developing new medications based on specific biological targets. This process heavily relies on structure-activity relationships (SAR) and quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) to guide the design and optimization of efficient drugs.
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Conservation of Protein Domains Over Different Proteins02:26

Conservation of Protein Domains Over Different Proteins

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Protein domains are small structurally independent units that are part of a single amino acid chain.  Although these domains are often structurally independent, they may rely on synergistic effects to perform their functions as part of a larger protein. Protein domains may be conserved within the same organism, as well as across different organisms.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 11, 2026

Analysis of Group IV Viral SSHHPS Using In Vitro and In Silico Methods
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Viral proteases: Structural basis of function, evolution, and drug design.

Luigi Franklin Di Costanzo1

  • 1Department of Agriculture, Department of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, Palace of Portici, Napoli, Italy.

The Enzymes
|November 14, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Viral proteases are key enzymes for viral maturation and developing antiviral therapies. This chapter explores their structure, function, and how to use structural biology resources for drug discovery.

Keywords:
Evolutionary conservationMechanismsProtein data bank (PDB)Structural biologyViral proteases

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Structural Biology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Viral proteases are crucial enzymes regulating viral polyprotein maturation, a vital step in creating infectious viral particles.
  • Understanding viral protease structure and function is essential for designing effective antiviral treatments.
  • Structural information is available through databases like the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and MEROPS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of viral proteases' role in the viral lifecycle.
  • To discuss their classification, catalytic mechanisms, and structural conservation.
  • To guide researchers in using structural biology resources for drug discovery.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on viral proteases.
  • Analysis of structural data from PDB and MEROPS.
  • Discussion of catalytic mechanisms and evolutionary insights.

Main Results:

  • Viral proteases play a central role in viral replication and maturation.
  • Significant structural conservation exists across diverse viral proteases and with host proteases.
  • Publicly available resources facilitate research into viral protease structure and function.

Conclusions:

  • Viral proteases are critical targets for antiviral drug development.
  • Leveraging structural biology resources can accelerate research and discovery efforts.
  • Exploring structural conservation offers insights into viral evolution and potential therapeutic strategies.