Cryo-electron microscopy reveals the functional organization of an enveloped virus, Semliki Forest virus

Mancini, E. J., Clarke, M. , Gowen, B. E., Rutten, T. and Fuller, S. D. (2000) Cryo-electron microscopy reveals the functional organization of an enveloped virus, Semliki Forest virus. Molecular Cell, 5(2), pp. 255-266. (doi: 10.1016/s1097-2765(00)80421-9) (PMID:10882067)

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Abstract

Semliki Forest virus serves as a paradigm for membrane fusion and assembly. Our icosahedral reconstruction combined 5276 particle images from 48 cryo-electron micrographs and determined the virion structure to 9 Å resolution. The improved resolution of this map reveals an N-terminal arm linking capsid subunits and defines the spike–capsid interaction sites. It illustrates the paired helical nature of the transmembrane segments and the elongated structures connecting them to the spike projecting domains. A 10 Å diameter density in the fusion protein lines the cavity at the center of the spike. These clearly visible features combine with the variation in order between the layers to provide a framework for understanding the structural changes during the life cycle of an enveloped virus.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Clarke, Dr Mairi
Authors: Mancini, E. J., Clarke, M., Gowen, B. E., Rutten, T., and Fuller, S. 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:Molecular Cell
Publisher:Elsevier (Cell Press)
ISSN:1097-2765
ISSN (Online):1097-4164
Published Online:11 April 2001

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