Adenovirus major core protein condenses DNA in clusters and bundles, modulating genome release and capsid internal pressure.

ABSTRACT: Some viruses package dsDNA together with large amounts of positively charged proteins, thought to help condense the genome inside the capsid with no evidence. Further, this role is not clear because these viruses have typically lower packing fractions than viruses encapsidating naked dsDNA. In addition, it has recently been shown that the major adenovirus condensing protein (polypeptide VII) is dispensable for genome encapsidation. Here, we study the morphology and mechanics of adenovirus particles with (Ad5-wt) and without (Ad5-VII-) protein VII. Ad5-VII- particles are stiffer than Ad5-wt, but DNA-counterions revert this difference, indicating that VII screens repulsive DNA-DNA interactions. Consequently, its absence results in increased internal pressure. The core is slightly more ordere

SUBMITTER: Martin-Gonzalez N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6755088 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature