Initiation of encapsidation as evidenced by deoxycholate-treated Nucleocapsid protein in the Chandipura virus life cycle

Bhattacharya, Raja ; Basak, Soumen ; Chattopadhyay, D.J. (2006) Initiation of encapsidation as evidenced by deoxycholate-treated Nucleocapsid protein in the Chandipura virus life cycle Virology, 349 (1). pp. 197-211. ISSN 0042-6822

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Official URL: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.virol.2006.01.017

Related URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.virol.2006.01.017

Abstract

Encapsidation of nascent genome RNA into an RNase-resistant form by nucleocapsid protein, N is a necessary step in the rhabdoviral life cycle. However, the precise mechanism for viral RNA specific yet processive encapsidation remains elusive. Using Chandipura virus as a model system, we examined RNA binding specificity of N protein and dissected the biochemical steps involved in the rhabdoviral encapsidation process. Our analysis suggested that N protein in its monomeric form specifically binds to the first half of the leader RNA in a 1:1 complex, whereas, oligomerization imparts a broad RNA binding specificity. We also observed that viral P protein and dissociating detergent deoxycholate, both were able to maintain N in a monomeric form and thus promote specific RNA recognition. Finally, use of a minigenome length RNA in an in vitro encapsidation assay revealed the monomeric N and not its oligomeric counterpart, to be the true encapsidating unit. Based on our observations, we propose a model to explain encapsidation that involves two discrete biochemically separable steps, initiation and elongation.

Item Type:Article
Source:Copyright of this article belongs to Elsevier B.V.
Keywords:Chandipura Virus; Encapsidation; Leader RNA; Nucleocapsid Protein; Initiation.
ID Code:115244
Deposited On:17 Mar 2021 04:26
Last Modified:17 Mar 2021 04:26

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