Phase Diagram of Self-assembled Viral Capsid Protein Polymorphs

TitlePhase Diagram of Self-assembled Viral Capsid Protein Polymorphs
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsL. Lavelle, M. Gingery, M. Phillips, W. M. Gelbart, C. M. Knobler, R. D. Cadena-Nava, J. R. Vega-Acosta, L. A. Pinedo-Torres and J. Ruiz-Garcia
Journal TitleJOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
Date Published01/2009
Abstract

We present an experimental study of the self-assembly of capsid proteins of the cowpea chlorotic mosaic virus (CCMV), in the absence of the viral genome, as a function of pH and ionic strength. In accord with previous measurements, a wide range of polymorphs can be identified by electron microscopy, among them single and multiwalled shells and tubes. The images are analyzed with respect to size and shape of aggregates, and evidence is given that equilibrium has been achieved, allowing a phase diagram to be constructed. Some previously unreported structures are also described. The range and stability of the polymorphs can be understood in terms of electrostatic interactions and the way they affect the spontaneous curvature of protein networks and the relative stabilities of pentamers and hexamers.

URLhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jp8079765
DOI10.1021/jp8079765