In Vitro Double-Stranded RNA Synthesis by Rotavirus Polymerase Mutants with Lesions at Core Shell Contact Sites.

ABSTRACT: The rotavirus polymerase VP1 mediates all stages of viral RNA synthesis within the confines of subviral particles and while associated with the core shell protein VP2. Transcription (positive-strand RNA [+RNA] synthesis) by VP1 occurs within double-layered particles (DLPs), while genome replication (double-stranded RNA [dsRNA] synthesis) by VP1 occurs within assembly intermediates. VP2 is critical for VP1 enzymatic activity; yet, the mechanism by which the core shell protein triggers polymerase function remains poorly understood. Structural analyses of transcriptionally competent DLPs show that VP1 is located beneath the VP2 core shell and sits slightly off-center from each of the icosahedral 5-fold axes. In this position, the polymerase is contacted by the core shell at 5 distinct surface

SUBMITTER: Steger CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6798093 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature