Revealing in real-time a multistep assembly mechanism for SV40 virus-like particles.

ABSTRACT: Many viruses use their genome as template for self-assembly into an infectious particle. However, this reaction remains elusive because of the transient nature of intermediate structures. To elucidate this process, optical tweezers and acoustic force spectroscopy are used to follow viral assembly in real time. Using Simian virus 40 (SV40) virus-like particles as model system, we reveal a multistep assembly mechanism. Initially, binding of VP1 pentamers to DNA leads to a significantly decreased persistence length. Moreover, the pentamers seem able to stabilize DNA loops. Next, formation of interpentamer interactions results in intermediate structures with reduced contour length. These structures stabilize into objects that permanently decrease the contour length to a degree consistent with

SUBMITTER: van Rosmalen MGM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7159915 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature