RNA structure and its influence on the assembly of single-stranded RNA viruses. (360G-Wellcome-083105_Z_07_Z)

Single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses are one of the largest classes of viruses, including many human and animal pathogens: e.g. HIV, HCV, Norwalk virus1, picornaviruses like poliovirus1, rhinovirus1, equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV)2,3 and Foot-and-Mouth Disease virus4, as well as plant viruses such as Tomato Bushy Stunt Virus (TBSV)5 and Turnip Crinkle Virus (TCV)6-9 and bacteriophages like MS210-14. For many of these viruses novel routes towards anti-viral therapy are urgently required10. However, viral assembly and disassembly, both essential processes in the viral life cycle and therefore attractive potential drug targets, are poorly understood. To further the understanding of viral assembly processes, the following specific aims will be pursued in this project: 1) Investigating the degree of order in ssRNA when encapsidated by viral protein shells, and the influence of N-terminal arms on some coat proteins on this order. 2) Examining the role(s) of secondary structure elements in ssRNA molecules in the initiation of viral capsid assembly.