Mechanism of Ebola viral transcription and replication

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26892028
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Veterinary medical science
• Research Institution: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University
• Principal Investigator: Yukihiko Sugita (杉田征彦) 沖縄科学技術大学院大学, その他の研究科, 研究員 (00734469)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-08-29 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: エボラウイルス / クライオ電子顕微鏡

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we aimed to further understanding of structural basis of Ebola viral transcription and replication by an cryo-electron microscopic analysis of the viral nucleocapsid core, nucleoprotein-RNA complex (NP helix). The reconstructed three-dimensional structure of the NP helix shows that it is formed by a helical assembly of a band of tightly packed NP units. The clearly resolved alpha-helical structures of NP C-terminus are located at the seam between the axial boundaries of the protein band. The structure suggests both a mechanism of self-assembly and reversible structural change of the NP helix during the Ebola viral life cycle.

Free Research Field

ウイルス学