HIV-1 uncoating occurs via a series of rapid biomechanical changes in the core related to individual stages of reverse transcription.

ABSTRACT: The HIV core consists of the viral genome and associated proteins encased by a cone-shaped protein shell termed the capsid. Successful infection requires reverse transcription of the viral genome and disassembly of the capsid shell within a cell in a process known as uncoating. The integrity of the viral capsid is critical for reverse transcription, yet the viral capsid must be breached to release the nascent viral DNA prior to integration. We employed atomic force microscopy to study the stiffness changes in HIV-1 cores during reverse transcription in vitro in reactions containing the capsid-stabilizing host metabolite IP6 Cores exhibited a series of stiffness spikes, with up to three spikes typically occurring between 10-30, 40-80, and 120-160 minutes after initiation of reverse transcri

SUBMITTER: Rankovic S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8139671 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature