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Predicted structure of the adenovirus DNA binding protein

J M Weber1, F Cai, J Horvath

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.

Virus Genes
|January 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

This study determined the DNA sequence of a portion of the MAV1 viral DNA-binding protein (DBP). Analysis revealed conserved C-terminal motifs and variable N-terminal regions, offering insights into viral protein function.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Virology
  • Bioinformatics

Background:

  • Adenoviral DNA-binding protein (DBP) is crucial for viral DNA replication.
  • Understanding DBP sequence conservation provides insights into viral evolution and function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the DNA sequence of the MAV1 DBP C-terminal region.
  • To compare MAV1 DBP with other adenoviral DBPs to identify conserved and variable regions.
  • To map functional domains onto predicted protein structures.

Main Methods:

  • DNA sequencing of the MAV1 SmaI-D fragment.
  • Multiple sequence alignment of MAV1 DBP with homologous proteins from various adenovirus serotypes (Ad.2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 40, 41).
  • Bioinformatic analysis to identify conserved motifs and functional regions.

Main Results:

  • The C-terminal 147 amino acids of MAV1 DBP were sequenced.
  • A high degree of conservation was observed in the C-terminal segment, including potential leucine zipper and zinc finger motifs.
  • The N-terminal segment showed less conservation and contained nuclear localization signals, acidic regions, host range determinants, and phosphorylation sites.

Conclusions:

  • The C-terminal region of adenoviral DBPs is highly conserved, suggesting critical roles in viral replication.
  • Sequence variations in the N-terminal region may contribute to differences in host range and replication strategies among adenovirus serotypes.
  • Mapping conserved features onto predicted secondary structures aids in understanding DBP structure-function relationships.

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