Methods for
Structural and Functional Analysis of an RNA Hexamer of Bacterial Virus phi29
DNA Packaging Motor
GUO Pei-Xuan
( Department of Pathobiology and Purdue
Cancer Center, Purdue University, West
Lafayette, IN 47907, USA )
Abstract During multiplication and
maturation, the lengthy genomic DNA of dsDNA viruses is translocated with
remarkable velocity into a limited space within the procapsid and packaged to
crystalline density. A viral DNA-packaging motor accomplishes this energy
consuming motion task. An RNA molecule of bacterial virus phi29 has been found
to be a vital component of the DNA-packaging motor. Six pRNAs form a hexagonal
complex to gear the DNA translocating machine using a mechanism similar to the
driving of a bolt with a hex nut. Sequential action of six RNA molecules to
drive the motor is similar to the consecutive firing of six cylinders of a car engine.
This article reviews the structure of pRNA to demonstrate that its structure
plays a vital role in its function, and focuses on methods and unique
approaches that lead to the elucidation of pRNA structure.
Key
words phi29; viral DNA packaging; biomotor; molecule motor; RNA 3D structure
Corresponding
author: Tel, 765-4947561;Fax, 765-4961795;email,[email protected]