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Adaptation of HIV-1/HIV-2 Chimeras with Defects in Genome Packaging and Viral Replication. mBio 2022; 13:e0222022. [PMID: 36036631 PMCID: PMC9600866 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02220-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Frequent recombination is a hallmark of retrovirus replication. In rare cases, recombination occurs between distantly related retroviruses, generating novel viruses that may significantly impact viral evolution and public health. These recombinants may initially have substantial replication defects due to impaired interactions between proteins and/or nucleic acids from the two parental viruses. However, given the high mutation rates of retroviruses, these recombinants may be able to evolve improved compatibility of these viral elements. To test this hypothesis, we examined the adaptation of chimeras between two distantly related human pathogens: HIV-1 and HIV-2. We constructed HIV-1-based chimeras containing the HIV-2 nucleocapsid (NC) domain of Gag or the two zinc fingers of HIV-2 NC, which are critical for specific recognition of viral RNA. These chimeras exhibited significant defects in RNA genome packaging and replication kinetics in T cells. However, in some experiments, the chimeric viruses replicated with faster kinetics when repassaged, indicating that viral adaptation had occurred. Sequence analysis revealed the acquisition of a single amino acid substitution, S18L, in the first zinc finger of HIV-2 NC. This substitution, which represents a switch from a conserved HIV-2 residue to a conserved HIV-1 residue at this position, partially rescued RNA packaging and replication kinetics. Further analysis revealed that the combination of two substitutions in HIV-2 NC, W10F and S18L, almost completely restored RNA packaging and replication kinetics. Our study demonstrates that chimeras of distantly related retroviruses can adapt and significantly enhance their replication by acquiring a single substitution. IMPORTANCE Novel retroviruses can emerge from recombination between distantly related retroviruses. Most notably, HIV-1 originated from zoonotic transmission of a novel recombinant (SIVcpz) into humans. Newly generated recombinants may initially have significant replication defects due to impaired interactions between viral proteins and/or nucleic acids, such as between cis- and trans-acting elements from the two parental viruses. However, provided that the recombinants retain some ability to replicate, they may be able to adapt and repair the defective interactions. Here, we used HIV-1 and HIV-2 Gag chimeras as a model system for studying the adaptation of recombinant viruses. We found that only two substitutions in the HIV-2 NC domain, W10F and S18L, were required to almost fully restore RNA genome packaging and replication kinetics. These results illustrate the extremely flexible nature of retroviruses and highlight the possible emergence of novel recombinants in the future that could pose a significant threat to public health.
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Laitinen T, Meili T, Koyioni M, Koutentis PA, Poso A, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Asquith CRM. Synthesis and evaluation of 1,2,3-dithiazole inhibitors of the nucleocapsid protein of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) as a model for HIV infection. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 68:116834. [PMID: 35653871 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We disclose a series of potent anti-viral 1,2,3-dithiazoles, accessed through a succinct synthetic approach from 4,5-dichloro-1,2,3-dithiazolium chloride (Appel's salt). A series of small libraries of compounds were screened against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infected cells as a model for HIV. This approach highlighted new structure activity relationship understanding and led to the development of sub-micro molar anti-viral compounds with reduced toxicity. In addition, insight into the mechanistic progress of this system is provided via advanced QM-MM modelling. The 1,2,3-dithiazole represents a versatile scaffold with potential for further development to treat both FIV and HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuomo Laitinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Theres Meili
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Maria Koyioni
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Antti Poso
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Strasse 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Christopher R M Asquith
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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René B, Mauffret O, Fossé P. Retroviral nucleocapsid proteins and DNA strand transfers. BIOCHIMIE OPEN 2018; 7:10-25. [PMID: 30109196 PMCID: PMC6088434 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopen.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
An infectious retroviral particle contains 1000-1500 molecules of the nucleocapsid protein (NC) that cover the diploid RNA genome. NC is a small zinc finger protein that possesses nucleic acid chaperone activity that enables NC to rearrange DNA and RNA molecules into the most thermodynamically stable structures usually those containing the maximum number of base pairs. Thanks to the chaperone activity, NC plays an essential role in reverse transcription of the retroviral genome by facilitating the strand transfer reactions of this process. In addition, these reactions are involved in recombination events that can generate multiple drug resistance mutations in the presence of anti-HIV-1 drugs. The strand transfer reactions rely on base pairing of folded DNA/RNA structures. The molecular mechanisms responsible for NC-mediated strand transfer reactions are presented and discussed in this review. Antiretroviral strategies targeting the NC-mediated strand transfer events are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte René
- LBPA, ENS Paris-Saclay, UMR 8113, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 61 Avenue du Président Wilson, 94235, Cachan, France
| | - Olivier Mauffret
- LBPA, ENS Paris-Saclay, UMR 8113, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 61 Avenue du Président Wilson, 94235, Cachan, France
| | - Philippe Fossé
- LBPA, ENS Paris-Saclay, UMR 8113, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 61 Avenue du Président Wilson, 94235, Cachan, France
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Sancineto L, Iraci N, Tabarrini O, Santi C. NCp7: targeting a multitasking protein for next-generation anti-HIV drug development part 1: covalent inhibitors. Drug Discov Today 2017; 23:260-271. [PMID: 29107765 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The major internal component of the HIV virion core is the nucleocapsid protein 7 (NCp7), a small, highly basic protein that is essential for multiple stages of the viral replicative cycle, and whose structure is preserved in all viral strains, including clinical isolates from therapy-experienced patients. This key protein is recognised as a potential target for an effective next-generation antiretroviral therapy, because it could offer the possibility to develop broad-spectrum agents that are less prone to select for resistant strains. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the covalent NCp7 inhibitors that have emerged over the past 25 years of drug discovery campaigns, emphasising, where possible, their structure-activity relationships (SARs) and pharmacophoric features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Sancineto
- Department of Heterorganic Chemistry, Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Nunzio Iraci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudio Santi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Pachulska-Wieczorek K, Błaszczyk L, Biesiada M, Adamiak RW, Purzycka KJ. The matrix domain contributes to the nucleic acid chaperone activity of HIV-2 Gag. Retrovirology 2016; 13:18. [PMID: 26987314 PMCID: PMC4794849 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-016-0245-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Gag polyprotein is a multifunctional regulator of retroviral replication and major structural component of immature virions. The nucleic acid chaperone (NAC) activity is considered necessary to retroviral Gag functions, but so far, NAC activity has only been confirmed for HIV-1 and RSV Gag polyproteins. The nucleocapsid (NC) domain of Gag is proposed to be crucial for interactions with nucleic acids and NAC activity. The major function of matrix (MA) domain is targeting and binding of Gag to the plasma membrane but MA can also interact with RNA and influence NAC activity of Gag. Here, we characterize RNA binding properties and NAC activity of HIV-2 MA and Gag, lacking p6 domain (GagΔp6) and discuss potential contribution of NC and MA domains to HIV-2 GagΔp6 functions and interactions with RNA. Results We found that HIV-2 GagΔp6 is a robust nucleic acid chaperone. HIV-2 MA protein promotes nucleic acids aggregation and tRNALys3 annealing in vitro. The NAC activity of HIV-2 NC is affected by salt which is in contrast to HIV-2 GagΔp6 and MA. At a physiological NaCl concentration the tRNALys3 annealing activity of HIV-2 GagΔp6 or MA is higher than HIV-2 NC. The HIV-2 NC and GagΔp6 show strong binding to the packaging signal (Ψ) of HIV-2 RNA and preference for the purine-rich sequences, while MA protein binds mainly to G residues without favouring Ψ RNA. Moreover, HIV-2 GagΔp6 and NC promote HIV-2 RNA dimerization while our data do not support MA domain participation in this process in vitro. Conclusions We present that contrary to HIV-1 MA, HIV-2 MA displays NAC activity and we propose that MA domain may enhance the activity of HIV-2 GagΔp6. The role of the MA domain in the NAC activity of Gag may differ significantly between HIV-1 and HIV-2. The HIV-2 NC and MA interactions with RNA are not equivalent. Even though both NC and MA can facilitate tRNALys3 annealing, MA does not participate in RNA dimerization in vitro. Our data on HIV-2 indicate that the role of the MA domain in the NAC activity of Gag differs not only between, but also within, retroviral genera. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12977-016-0245-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leszek Błaszczyk
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marcin Biesiada
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland.,Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ryszard W Adamiak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland.,Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965, Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna J Purzycka
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland.
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Pachulska-Wieczorek K, Stefaniak AK, Purzycka KJ. Similarities and differences in the nucleic acid chaperone activity of HIV-2 and HIV-1 nucleocapsid proteins in vitro. Retrovirology 2014; 11:54. [PMID: 24992971 PMCID: PMC4227088 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-11-54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The nucleocapsid domain of Gag and mature nucleocapsid protein (NC) act as nucleic acid chaperones and facilitate folding of nucleic acids at critical steps of retroviral replication cycle. The basic N-terminus of HIV-1 NC protein was shown most important for the chaperone activity. The HIV-2 NC (NCp8) and HIV-1 NC (NCp7) proteins possess two highly conserved zinc fingers, flanked by basic residues. However, the NCp8 N-terminal domain is significantly shorter and contains less positively charged residues. This study characterizes previously unknown, nucleic acid chaperone activity of the HIV-2 NC protein. Results We have comparatively investigated the in vitro nucleic acid chaperone properties of the HIV-2 and HIV-1 NC proteins. Using substrates derived from the HIV-1 and HIV-2 genomes, we determined the ability of both proteins to chaperone nucleic acid aggregation, annealing and strand exchange in duplex structures. Both NC proteins displayed comparable, high annealing activity of HIV-1 TAR DNA and its complementary nucleic acid. Interesting differences between the two NC proteins were discovered when longer HIV substrates, particularly those derived from the HIV-2 genome, were used in chaperone assays. In contrast to NCp7, NCp8 weakly facilitates annealing of HIV-2 TAR RNA to its complementary TAR (−) DNA. NCp8 is also unable to efficiently stimulate tRNALys3 annealing to its respective HIV-2 PBS motif. Using truncated NCp8 peptide, we demonstrated that despite the fact that the N-terminus of NCp8 differs from that of NCp7, this domain is essential for NCp8 activity. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that the HIV-2 NC protein displays reduced nucleic acid chaperone activity compared to that of HIV-1 NC. We found that NCp8 activity is limited by substrate length and stability to a greater degree than that of NCp7. This is especially interesting in light of the fact that the HIV-2 5′UTR is more structured than that of HIV-1. The reduced chaperone activity observed with NCp8 may influence the efficiency of reverse transcription and other key steps of the HIV-2 replication cycle.
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Smyshlyaev GA, Blinov AG. Evolution and biodiversity of L1 retrotransposons in angiosperm genomes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1134/s2079059712010133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Miyazaki Y, Miyake A, Nomaguchi M, Adachi A. Structural dynamics of retroviral genome and the packaging. Front Microbiol 2011; 2:264. [PMID: 22232618 PMCID: PMC3247676 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2011.00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Retroviruses can cause diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, and tumors, but are also used as vectors for human gene therapy. All retroviruses, except foamy viruses, package two copies of unspliced genomic RNA into their progeny viruses. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of retroviral genome packaging will aid the design of new anti-retroviral drugs targeting the packaging process and improve the efficacy of retroviral vectors. Retroviral genomes have to be specifically recognized by the cognate nucleocapsid domain of the Gag polyprotein from among an excess of cellular and spliced viral mRNA. Extensive virological and structural studies have revealed how retroviral genomic RNA is selectively packaged into the viral particles. The genomic area responsible for the packaging is generally located in the 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR), and contains dimerization site(s). Recent studies have shown that retroviral genome packaging is modulated by structural changes of RNA at the 5′ UTR accompanied by the dimerization. In this review, we focus on three representative retroviruses, Moloney murine leukemia virus, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and 2, and describe the molecular mechanism of retroviral genome packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Miyazaki
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School Tokushima, Japan
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Fogarty KH, Zhang W, Grigsby IF, Johnson JL, Chen Y, Mueller JD, Mansky LM. New insights into HTLV-1 particle structure, assembly, and Gag-Gag interactions in living cells. Viruses 2011; 3:770-93. [PMID: 21994753 PMCID: PMC3185773 DOI: 10.3390/v3060770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2011] [Revised: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has a reputation for being extremely difficult to study in cell culture. The challenges in propagating HTLV-1 has prevented a rigorous analysis of how these viruses replicate in cells, including the detailed steps involved in virus assembly. The details for how retrovirus particle assembly occurs are poorly understood, even for other more tractable retroviral systems. Recent studies on HTLV-1 using state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy and fluorescence-based biophysical approaches explored questions related to HTLV-1 particle size, Gag stoichiometry in virions, and Gag-Gag interactions in living cells. These results provided new and exciting insights into fundamental aspects of HTLV-1 particle assembly-which are distinct from those of other retroviruses, including HIV-1. The application of these and other novel biophysical approaches promise to provide exciting new insights into HTLV-1 replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keir H. Fogarty
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 18-242 Moos Tower, 515 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; E-Mails: (K.H.F.); (W.Z.); (I.F.G.); (Y.C.); (J.D.M.)
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; E-Mail: (J.L.J.)
| | - Wei Zhang
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 18-242 Moos Tower, 515 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; E-Mails: (K.H.F.); (W.Z.); (I.F.G.); (Y.C.); (J.D.M.)
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Iwen F. Grigsby
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 18-242 Moos Tower, 515 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; E-Mails: (K.H.F.); (W.Z.); (I.F.G.); (Y.C.); (J.D.M.)
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jolene L. Johnson
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; E-Mail: (J.L.J.)
| | - Yan Chen
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 18-242 Moos Tower, 515 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; E-Mails: (K.H.F.); (W.Z.); (I.F.G.); (Y.C.); (J.D.M.)
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; E-Mail: (J.L.J.)
| | - Joachim D. Mueller
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 18-242 Moos Tower, 515 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; E-Mails: (K.H.F.); (W.Z.); (I.F.G.); (Y.C.); (J.D.M.)
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; E-Mail: (J.L.J.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Louis M. Mansky
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 18-242 Moos Tower, 515 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; E-Mails: (K.H.F.); (W.Z.); (I.F.G.); (Y.C.); (J.D.M.)
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Purzycka KJ, Pachulska-Wieczorek K, Adamiak RW. The in vitro loose dimer structure and rearrangements of the HIV-2 leader RNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 39:7234-48. [PMID: 21622659 PMCID: PMC3167612 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA dimerization is an essential step in the retroviral life cycle. Dimerization and encapsidation signals, closely linked in HIV-2, are located in the leader RNA region. The SL1 motif and nucleocapsid protein are considered important for both processes. In this study, we show the structure of the HIV-2 leader RNA (+1–560) captured as a loose dimer. Potential structural rearrangements within the leader RNA were studied. In the loose dimer form, the HIV-2 leader RNA strand exists in vitro as a single global fold. Two kissing loop interfaces within the loose dimer were identified: SL1/SL1 and TAR/TAR. Evidence for these findings is provided by RNA probing using SHAPE, chemical reagents, enzymes, non-denaturing PAGE mobility assays, antisense oligonucleotides hybridization and analysis of an RNA mutant. Both TAR and SL1 as isolated domains are bound by recombinant NCp8 protein with high affinity, contrary to the hairpins downstream of SL1. Foot-printing of the SL1/NCp8 complex indicates that the major binding site maps to the SL1 upper stem. Taken together, these data suggest a model in which TAR hairpin III, the segment of SL1 proximal to the loop and the PAL palindromic sequence play specific roles in the initiation of dimerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna J Purzycka
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznań, Poland
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