Structural highlights
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Function
[NCAP_RABVE] Encapsidates the genome in a ratio of one protein N per nine ribonucleotides, protecting it from nucleases. If expressed without protein P it binds non-specifically RNA and therefore can bind it's own mRNA. Interaction with protein P abolishes any non-specific RNA binding, and prevents phosphorylation. The soluble N-P complex encapsidates specifically the genomic RNA, with protein N protecting the genome like a pearl necklace. The encapsidated genomic RNA is termed the nucleocapsid (NC) and serves as template for viral transcription and replication. Protein N binds protein P in the NC through a different interaction, and can be phosphorylated. Subsequent viral replication is dependent on intracellular concentration of newly synthesized protein N. During replication, encapsidation by protein N is coupled to RNA synthesis and all replicative products are resistant to nucleases (By similarity).
Publication Abstract from PubMed
Negative-strand RNA viruses condense their genome into a helical nucleoprotein-RNA complex, the nucleocapsid, which is packed into virions and serves as a template for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complex. The crystal structure of a recombinant rabies virus nucleoprotein-RNA complex, organized in an undecameric ring, has been determined at 3.5 angstrom resolution. Polymerization of the nucleoprotein is achieved by domain exchange between protomers, with flexible hinges allowing nucleocapsid formation. The two core domains of the nucleoprotein clamp around the RNA at their interface and shield it from the environment. RNA sequestering by nucleoproteins is likely a common mechanism used by negative-strand RNA viruses to protect their genomes from the innate immune response directed against viral RNA in human host cells at certain stages of an infectious cycle.
Crystal structure of the rabies virus nucleoprotein-RNA complex.,Albertini AA, Wernimont AK, Muziol T, Ravelli RB, Clapier CR, Schoehn G, Weissenhorn W, Ruigrok RW Science. 2006 Jul 21;313(5785):360-3. Epub 2006 Jun 15. PMID:16778023[1]
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
References
- ↑ Albertini AA, Wernimont AK, Muziol T, Ravelli RB, Clapier CR, Schoehn G, Weissenhorn W, Ruigrok RW. Crystal structure of the rabies virus nucleoprotein-RNA complex. Science. 2006 Jul 21;313(5785):360-3. Epub 2006 Jun 15. PMID:16778023 doi:1125280
