Sandbox WWC8
From Proteopedia
Nucleoprotein of Influenza A
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Introduction
Viruses with anti-sense RNA genomes, such as the influenza virus carry three core polypeptides inside their viral capsids in order to successfully enter a host and initiate the viral replication cycle. Especially important for viral replication and coordination with the host cell's replication machinery is protein able to bind single-strand RNA scripts (ssRNA). These proteins are commonly referred to as nucleoproteins (NP). The NP binds and transports viral RNA scripts to and from the host cell nucleus for transcription and packaging into new virions. Beyond the transport function, NP is an essential mediator between host and virus and coordinates complex processes during viral replication. Due to its important function, NP is intensively studies as a potential drug target for antiviral pharmaceuticals.
Structural Features
The NP is a homo 3-mer - A3 with 499 amino acid residues. Each homomer provides a binding site for the viral RNA script.
