A C-terminal hydrophobic region is required for homo-oligomerization of the hepatitis E virus capsid (ORF2) protein

Xiaofang, Li ; Zafrullah, Mohammad ; Ahmad, Faizan ; Jameel, Shahid (2001) A C-terminal hydrophobic region is required for homo-oligomerization of the hepatitis E virus capsid (ORF2) protein Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 1 (3). pp. 122-128. ISSN 1110-7243

[img]
Preview
PDF - Publisher Version
628kB

Official URL: http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jbb/2001/804896/ab...

Related URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/S1110724301000262

Abstract

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of hepatitis E, an acute form of viral hepatitis. The open reading frame 2 (ORF2) of HEV encodes the viral capsid protein, which can self-oligomerize into virus-like particles. To understand the domains within this protein important for capsid biogenesis, we have carried out in vitro analyses of association and folding patterns of wild type and mutant ORF2 proteins. When expressed in vitro or in transfected cells, the ORF2 protein assembled as dimers, trimers and higher order forms. While N-terminal deletions upto 111 amino acids had no effect, the deletion of amino acids 585-610 led to reduced homo-oligomerization. This deletion also resulted in aberrant folding of the protein, as determined by its sensitivity to trypsin. This study suggests that a C-terminal hydrophobic region encompassing amino acids 585-610 of the ORF2 protein might be critical for capsid biogenesis.

Item Type:Article
Source:Copyright of this article belongs to Hindawi Publishing Corporation.
ID Code:81908
Deposited On:08 Feb 2012 15:26
Last Modified:18 May 2016 23:17

Repository Staff Only: item control page