Cryo-EM structure of the Ebola virus nucleoprotein – RNA complex

Ebola virus is an emerging virus that is capable of causing a deadly disease in humans. Replication, transcription and packaging of the viral genome are carried out by the viral nucleocapsid. The nucleocapsid is a complex of the viral nucleoprotein, RNA and several other viral proteins. The nucleoprotein forms large, RNA-bound, helical filaments and acts as a scaffold for additional viral proteins. The 3.1   Å resolution single-particle cryo-electron microscopy structure of the nucleoprotein – RNA helical filament presented here resembles previous structures determined at lower resolution, while providing improved molecular details of protein – protein and protein – RNA interactions. The higher resolution of the structure presented here will facilitate the design and characterization of novel and specific Ebola virus therapeutics targeting the nucleocapsid.

Source: Acta Crystallographica Section F - April 23, 2019 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Kirchdoerfer, R.N. Saphire, E.O. Ward, A.B. Tags: Ebola virus nucleoprotein NP helix cryo-electron microscopy research communications Source Type: research