Characterization of the interactions between the nucleoprotein and the phosphoprotein of Henipavirus

J Biol Chem. 2011 Apr 15;286(15):13583-602. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M111.219857. Epub 2011 Feb 11.

Abstract

The Henipavirus genome is encapsidated by the nucleoprotein (N) within a helical nucleocapsid that recruits the polymerase complex via the phosphoprotein (P). In a previous study, we reported that in henipaviruses, the N-terminal domain of the phosphoprotein and the C-terminal domain of the nucleoprotein (N(TAIL)) are both intrinsically disordered. Here we show that Henipavirus N(TAIL) domains are also disordered in the context of full-length nucleoproteins. We also report the cloning, purification, and characterization of the C-terminal X domains (P(XD)) of Henipavirus phosphoproteins. Using isothermal titration calorimetry, we show that N(TAIL) and P(XD) form a 1:1 stoichiometric complex that is stable under NaCl concentrations as high as 1 M and has a K(D) in the μM range. Using far-UV circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance, we show that P(XD) triggers an increase in the α-helical content of N(TAIL). Using fluorescence spectroscopy, we show that P(XD) has no impact on the chemical environment of a Trp residue introduced at position 527 of the Henipavirus N(TAIL) domain, thus arguing for the lack of stable contacts between the C termini of N(TAIL) and P(XD). Finally, we present a tentative structural model of the N(TAIL)-P(XD) interaction in which a short, order-prone region of N(TAIL) (α-MoRE; amino acids 473-493) adopts an α-helical conformation and is embedded between helices α2 and α3 of P(XD), leading to a relatively small interface dominated by hydrophobic contacts. The present results provide the first detailed experimental characterization of the N-P interaction in henipaviruses and designate the N(TAIL)-P(XD) interaction as a valuable target for rational antiviral approaches.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Henipavirus / chemistry*
  • Henipavirus / genetics
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Nucleoproteins / chemistry*
  • Nucleoproteins / genetics
  • Phosphoproteins / chemistry*
  • Phosphoproteins / genetics
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry*
  • Viral Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Nucleoproteins
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Viral Proteins