Asymmetric analysis reveals novel virus capsid features

Conley, M.J. and Bhella, D. (2019) Asymmetric analysis reveals novel virus capsid features. Biophysical Reviews, 11(4), pp. 603-609. (doi: 10.1007/s12551-019-00572-9) (PMID:31342264) (PMCID:PMC6682188)

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Abstract

Cryo-electron microscopy and single-particle image analysis are frequently used methods for macromolecular structure determination. Conventional single-particle analysis, however, usually takes advantage of inherent sample symmetries which assist in the calculation of the structure of interest (such as viruses). Many viruses assemble an icosahedral capsid and often icosahedral symmetry is applied during structure determination. Symmetry imposition, however, results in the loss of asymmetric features of the virus. Here, we provide a brief overview of the methods used to investigate non-symmetric capsid features. These include the recently developed focussed classification as well as more conventional methods which simply do not impose any symmetry. Asymmetric single-particle image analysis can reveal novel aspects of virus structure. For example, the VP4 capsid spike of rotavirus is only present at partial occupancy, the bacteriophage MS2 capsid contains a single copy of a maturation protein and some viruses also encode portals or portal-like assemblies for the packaging and/or release of their genome upon infection. Advances in single-particle image reconstruction methods now permit novel discoveries from previous single-particle data sets which are expanding our understanding of fundamental aspects of virus biology such as viral entry and egress.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Conley, Dr Michaela and Bhella, Professor David
Authors: Conley, M.J., and Bhella, D.
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:Biophysical Reviews
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:1867-2450
ISSN (Online):1867-2469
Published Online:24 July 2019
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2019 The Authors
First Published:First published in Biophysical Reviews 11(4): 603-609
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
656541Structural studies of human viruses and host interactionsDavid BhellaMedical Research Council (MRC)MC_UU_12014/7MVLS III - CENTRE FOR VIRUS RESEARCH
5887510BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership 2012George BaillieBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)BB/J013854/1MVLS COLLEGE SENIOR MANAGEMENT
639451A structure analysis of the intact virion and replicative complexes of human respiratory syncytial virusDavid BhellaMedical Research Council (MRC)MR/M000451/1III - CENTRE FOR VIRUS RESEARCH