Directional mechanical stability of Bacteriophage φ29 motor's 3WJ-pRNA: Extraordinary robustness along portal axis.

ABSTRACT: The molecular motor exploited by bacteriophage φ29 to pack DNA into its capsid is regarded as one of the most powerful mechanical devices present in viral, bacterial, and eukaryotic systems alike. Acting as a linker element, a prohead RNA (pRNA) effectively joins the connector and ATPase (adenosine triphosphatase) components of the φ29 motor. During DNA packing, this pRNA needs to withstand enormous strain along the capsid's portal axis-how this remarkable stability is achieved remains to be elucidated. We investigate the mechanical properties of the φ29 motor's three-way junction (3WJ)-pRNA using a combined steered molecular dynamics and atomic force spectroscopy approach. The 3WJ exhibits strong resistance to stretching along its coaxial helices, demonstrating its super structural robust

SUBMITTER: Xu Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5446216 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature