Research Project
10317524
Project Summary/Abstract The mechanism of DNA packaging for double-stranded DNA viruses will be studied in the Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage f29, the most efficient in vitro viral packaging system known. Using an integrated genetic, biochemical, computational and structural approach, we will characterize protein conformational change and movement in the transiently assembled packaging motor during DNA encapsidation. The mechanism of packaging in f29 will serve as a model for animal virus packaging in the analogous herpesvirus and adenovirus systems, and aid in the search for new antiviral therapies. Due to similarities between the f29 ATPase and other ring translocases, insights gained from the study of f29 packaging will also provide insight into the basic principles of macromolecular motor function in higher organisms. To interrogate the mechanism of DNA packaging we will: 1. determine the molecular basis for force generation of the packaging motor; 2. elucidate the mechanism of nucleotide cycling for a complex multimeric ATPase; and 3. describe the nature of intermolecular communication that coordinates the action of a biological nanomotor.
