Determinants for membrane association of the hepatitis C virus NS2 protease domain

J Virol. 2014 Jun;88(11):6519-23. doi: 10.1128/JVI.00224-14. Epub 2014 Mar 19.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 2 (NS2) is required for HCV polyprotein processing and particle assembly. It comprises an N-terminal membrane domain and a C-terminal, cytosolically oriented protease domain. Here, we demonstrate that the NS2 protease domain itself associates with cellular membranes. A single charged residue in the second α-helix of the NS2 protease domain is required for proper membrane association, NS2 protein stability, and efficient HCV polyprotein processing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Hepacivirus / enzymology*
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary / genetics
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / chemistry
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / genetics*
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / metabolism*
  • Virus Assembly / genetics
  • Virus Assembly / physiology*

Substances

  • NS2 protein, Hepatitis C virus
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins