4lp7

Publication Abstract from PubMed

The matrix protein (M) of paramyxoviruses plays a key role in determining virion morphology by directing viral assembly and budding. Here, we report the crystal structure of the human metapneumovirus M at 2.8 A resolution in its native dimeric state. The structure reveals the presence of a high-affinity Ca2+ binding site. Molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) predict a secondary lower-affinity site that correlates well with data from fluorescence-based thermal shift assays. By combining small-angle X-ray scattering with MDS and ensemble analysis, we captured the structure and dynamics of M in solution. Our analysis reveals a large positively charged patch on the protein surface that is involved in membrane interaction. Structural analysis of DOPC-induced polymerization of M into helical filaments using electron microscopy leads to a model of M self-assembly. The conservation of the Ca2+ binding sites suggests a role for calcium in the replication and morphogenesis of pneumoviruses.

Structure and Self-Assembly of the Calcium Binding Matrix Protein of Human Metapneumovirus.,Leyrat C, Renner M, Harlos K, Huiskonen JT, Grimes JM Structure. 2013 Dec 3. pii: S0969-2126(13)00425-5. doi:, 10.1016/j.str.2013.10.013. PMID:24316400^[1]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.