Ebola and Marburg virus matrix layers are locally ordered assemblies of VP40 dimers

Wan, W., Clarke, M. , Norris, M. J., Kolesnikova, L., Koehler, A., Bornholdt, Z. A., Becker, S., Ollmann Saphire, E. and Briggs, J. A.G. (2020) Ebola and Marburg virus matrix layers are locally ordered assemblies of VP40 dimers. eLife, 9, e59225. (doi: 10.7554/eLife.59225) (PMID:33016878) (PMCID:PMC7588233)

Abstract

Filoviruses such as Ebola and Marburg virus bud from the host membrane as enveloped virions. This process is achieved by the matrix protein VP40. When expressed alone, VP40 induces budding of filamentous virus-like particles, suggesting that localization to the plasma membrane, oligomerization into a matrix layer, and generation of membrane curvature are intrinsic properties of VP40. There has been no direct information on the structure of VP40 matrix layers within viruses or virus-like particles. We present structures of Ebola and Marburg VP40 matrix layers in intact virus-like particles, and within intact Marburg viruses. VP40 dimers assemble extended chains via C-terminal domain interactions. These chains stack to form 2D matrix lattices below the membrane surface. These lattices form a patchwork assembly across the membrane and suggesting that assembly may begin at multiple points. Our observations define the structure and arrangement of the matrix protein layer that mediates formation of filovirus particles.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Clarke, Dr Mairi

Creator Roles

Clarke, M.: Investigation

• Authors: Wan, W., Clarke, M., Norris, M. J., Kolesnikova, L., Koehler, A., Bornholdt, Z. A., Becker, S., Ollmann Saphire, E., and Briggs, J. A.G.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
• Journal Name: eLife
• Publisher: eLife Sciences Publications
• ISSN: 2050-084X
• ISSN (Online): 2050-084X
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 Wan et al.
• First Published: First published in eLife 9: e59225
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License