BACKGROUND: Herpesviridae encode a family of protein homologues that function as the 'port of entry' for insertion of the viral DNA into preformed capsids during encapsidation. METHODS: Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of recombinant varicella-zoster virus pORF54 was performed. RESULTS: Results suggest that pORF54 forms higher-order structures with itself. Enriched fractions analyzed by TEM revealed non-axial oriented portals with defined central channels and distinguishable crown, wing and clip regions. CONCLUSION: These morphological features are consistent with those previously reported for other herpesvirus and bacteriophage portal proteins.
BACKGROUND: Herpesviridae encode a family of protein homologues that function as the 'port of entry' for insertion of the viral DNA into preformed capsids during encapsidation. METHODS: Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of recombinant varicella-zoster virus pORF54 was performed. RESULTS: Results suggest that pORF54 forms higher-order structures with itself. Enriched fractions analyzed by TEM revealed non-axial oriented portals with defined central channels and distinguishable crown, wing and clip regions. CONCLUSION: These morphological features are consistent with those previously reported for other herpesvirus and bacteriophage portal proteins.
Authors: Alexander J Howard; Debra M Sherman; Melissa A Visalli; Denise M Burnside; Robert J Visalli Journal: Virus Res Date: 2012-03-28 Impact factor: 3.303
Authors: M van Zeijl; J Fairhurst; T R Jones; S K Vernon; J Morin; J LaRocque; B Feld; B O'Hara; J D Bloom; S V Johann Journal: J Virol Date: 2000-10 Impact factor: 5.103