Real-time observation of native conformations and molecular behaviors of viral fusion proteins using high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM)

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K16262
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 49060:Virology-related
• Research Institution: Kanazawa University
• Principal Investigator: Lim Kee Siang 金沢大学, ナノ生命科学研究所, 特任助教 (60842987)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: Viral fusion proteins / HS-AFM / Hemagglutinin / Spike protein / SARS-CoV-2 / Influenza A

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The applicant has investigated molecular properties of two viral fusion proteins: influenza A hemagglutinin (HA) and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S protein) using HS-AFM. Native conformation and dynamic behavior of HA, particularly the fusogenic transition, and the interaction between lipid layer and HA have been recorded using HS-AFM. Likewise, structural dynamics of S protein, S protein-ACE2 protein interaction, S protein-exosome interaction, and S protein-neutralizing interaction, have been visualized and analyzed using HS-AFM. The results have been reported in high impact journals.

Free Research Field

ウイルス学関連

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

HS-AFM imaging allows the applicant to study structural dynamics of viral proteins and dynamic viral protein-antibody interactions, in which it is difficult to do using conventional methods such as cryo-EM. The applicant’s studies have been reported in newspapers and on news television channels.