Structural similarities in DNA packaging and delivery apparatuses in Herpesvirus and dsDNA bacteriophages

Rixon, F. J. and Schmid, M. F. (2014) Structural similarities in DNA packaging and delivery apparatuses in Herpesvirus and dsDNA bacteriophages. Current Opinion in Virology, 5, pp. 105-110. (doi: 10.1016/j.coviro.2014.02.003)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.coviro.2014.02.003

Abstract

Structural information can inform our understanding of virus origins and evolution. The herpesviruses and tailed bacteriophages constitute two large families of dsDNA viruses which infect vertebrates and prokaryotes respectively. A relationship between these disparate groups was initially suggested by similarities in their capsid assembly and DNA packaging strategies. This relationship has now been confirmed by a range of studies that have revealed common structural features in their capsid proteins, and similar organizations and sequence conservation in their DNA packaging machinery and maturational proteases. This concentration of conserved traits in proteins involved in essential and primordial capsid/packaging functions is evidence that these structures are derived from an ancient, common ancestor and is in sharp contrast to the lack of such evidence for other virus functions.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Rixon, Dr Frazer
Authors: Rixon, F. J., and Schmid, M. F.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Current Opinion in Virology
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:1879-6257
ISSN (Online):1879-6265
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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
656531Structural studies on human virusesFrazer RixonMedical Research Council (MRC)MC_UU_12014/6MVLS III - CENTRE FOR VIRUS RESEARCH