Tag

Capsid

All articles tagged with #capsid

science2 years ago•45 min saved

"Mimicking Karyopherin Engagement: HIV Capsids and Nuclear Pores"

Researchers have discovered that the HIV-1 capsid, composed of capsid protein (CA) molecules, can autonomously target and enter nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) without the assistance of host nuclear transport receptors (NTRs). The capsid's interaction with specialized FG motifs in nuclear pore proteins allows it to effectively traverse the NPC barrier and enter the nucleus, challenging previous assumptions about its uncoating in the cytoplasm. This finding sheds light on the mechanism of HIV-1 infection in non-dividing cells and provides insights into the interplay between retroviruses and the host cell's nuclear transport machinery.

via Nature.com|

#capsid #fg-phase #hiv-1

science2 years ago•52 min saved

"Mimicking Karyopherin Engagement: HIV Capsids and Nuclear Pore Transport"

The HIV capsid, crucial for viral infection, has been found to interact with FG-nucleoporins (FG-Nups) of the nuclear pore complex (NPC) through weak but specific interactions, similar to karyopherins. The capsid's ability to bind to FG-Nups, which form the selectivity barrier of the NPC, allows it to overcome the size restriction and enter the nucleus. This interaction is mediated by an FG-binding pocket on the capsid, and mutations affecting this pocket disrupt the binding. Additionally, the capsid can enter phase-separated FG-Nup condensates, demonstrating its ability to engage with the NPC autonomously. These findings shed light on the mechanism of HIV nuclear entry and provide insights into potential targets for antiviral therapies.

via Nature.com|

#capsid #hiv #karyopherins