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]