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Updated: May 1, 2026
08:36
Measuring Dengue Virus RNA in the Culture Supernatant of Infected Cells by Real-time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
Published on: November 1, 2018
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Dengue Virus Capsid Protein Interaction With Nucleic Acids.
Nelly M Silva1,2, Ana S Martins1,2, Nina E Karguth1,2
1GIMM - Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine, Lisbon, Portugal.
Biofactors (Oxford, England)
|April 30, 2026
Summary
Dengue virus (DENV) capsid protein interacts with the viral genome. This interaction involves molecular condensation, potentially through liquid-liquid phase separation, aiding DENV replication.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Dengue virus (DENV) transmission is increasing globally, with expanded mosquito vector ranges.
- DENV outbreaks are occurring in new regions like Europe.
- The DENV capsid (C) protein is crucial for viral replication, binding host lipids and the viral genome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biophysical mechanism of Dengue virus capsid protein association with the viral genome.
- To understand how this interaction contributes to viral encapsidation and replication.
Main Methods:
- Biophysical characterization of Dengue virus C protein interaction with single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) mimicking genomic regions.
- Utilized fluorescence intensity and lifetime measurements.
- Analyzed changes in protein secondary structure.
Main Results:
- Observed a decrease in fluorescence intensity and lifetime upon DENV C protein binding to ssDNA.
- Detected alterations in the protein's secondary structure.
- Results suggest molecular condensation and liquid-liquid phase separation.
Conclusions:
- The Dengue virus capsid protein interacts with the viral genome through a process involving molecular condensation.
- Liquid-liquid phase separation may play a role in forming DENV C-nucleic acid complexes.
- Understanding this interaction is key for developing novel antiviral therapies.
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