The 24-angstrom structure of respiratory syncytial virus nucleocapsid protein-RNA decameric rings.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a nonsegmented, negative-sense RNA-containing virus, is a common cause of lower respiratory tract disease. Expression of RSV nucleocapsid protein (N) in insect cells using the baculovirus expression system leads to the formation of N-RNA complexes that are morphologically indistinguishable from viral nucleocapsids. When imaged in an electron microscope, three distinct types of structures were observed: tightly wound short-pitch helices, highly extended helices, and rings. Negative stain images of N-RNA rings were used to calculate a three-dimensional reconstruction at 24 A resolution, revealing features similar to those observed in nucleocapsids from other viruses of the order Mononegavirales. The reconstructed N-RNA rings comprise 10 N monomers and have an external radius of 83 A and an internal radius of 40 A. Comparison of this structure with crystallographic data from rabies virus and vesicular stomatitis virus N-RNA rings reveals striking morphological similarities.
Maclellan
Kirsty
K
Medical Research Council Virology Unit, Institute of Virology, Church Street, Glasgow G11 5JR, United Kingdom.
Loney
Colin
C
Yeo
R Paul
RP
Bhella
David
D
D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008958:Models, Molecular; D019590:Nucleocapsid Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D011820:Rabies virus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014721:Vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus / Q000648:ultrastructure
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D019590:Nucleocapsid Proteins; D012367:RNA, Viral