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Shtykova EV, Dubrovin EV, Ksenofontov AL, Gifer PK, Petoukhov MV, Tokhtar VK, Sapozhnikova IM, Stavrianidi AN, Kordyukova LV, Batishchev OV. Structural Insights into Plant Viruses Revealed by Small-Angle X-ray Scattering and Atomic Force Microscopy. Viruses 2024; 16:427. [PMID: 38543792 PMCID: PMC10975137 DOI: 10.3390/v16030427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The structural study of plant viruses is of great importance to reduce the damage caused by these agricultural pathogens and to support their biotechnological applications. Nowadays, X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy and cryo-electron microscopy are well accepted methods to obtain the 3D protein structure with the best resolution. However, for large and complex supramolecular structures such as plant viruses, especially flexible filamentous ones, there are a number of technical limitations to resolving their native structure in solution. In addition, they do not allow us to obtain structural information about dynamics and interactions with physiological partners. For these purposes, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are well established. In this review, we have outlined the main principles of these two methods and demonstrated their advantages for structural studies of plant viruses of different shapes with relatively high spatial resolution. In addition, we have demonstrated the ability of AFM to obtain information on the mechanical properties of the virus particles that are inaccessible to other experimental techniques. We believe that these under-appreciated approaches, especially when used in combination, are valuable tools for studying a wide variety of helical plant viruses, many of which cannot be resolved by classical structural methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora V. Shtykova
- National Research Centre, “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow 123098, Russia; (E.V.S.)
- Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia; (E.V.D.); (P.K.G.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Evgeniy V. Dubrovin
- Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia; (E.V.D.); (P.K.G.); (A.N.S.)
- Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Alexander L. Ksenofontov
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia;
| | - Polina K. Gifer
- Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia; (E.V.D.); (P.K.G.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Maxim V. Petoukhov
- National Research Centre, “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow 123098, Russia; (E.V.S.)
- Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia; (E.V.D.); (P.K.G.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Valeriy K. Tokhtar
- Scientific and Educational Center, Botanical Garden of the National Research University “BelSU”, Belgorod 308033, Russia;
| | - Irina M. Sapozhnikova
- Institute of Chemical Engineering, Ural Federal University Named after the First President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Ekaterinburg 620002, Russia;
| | - Andrey N. Stavrianidi
- Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia; (E.V.D.); (P.K.G.); (A.N.S.)
- Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Larisa V. Kordyukova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia;
| | - Oleg V. Batishchev
- Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia; (E.V.D.); (P.K.G.); (A.N.S.)
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2
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Valbuena A, Strobl K, Gil-Redondo JC, Valiente L, de Pablo PJ, Mateu MG. Single-Molecule Analysis of Genome Uncoating from Individual Human Rhinovirus Particles, and Modulation by Antiviral Drugs. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2304722. [PMID: 37806749 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Infection of humans by many viruses is typically initiated by the internalization of a single virion in each of a few susceptible cells. Thus, the outcome of the infection process may depend on stochastic single-molecule events. A crucial process for viral infection, and thus a target for developing antiviral drugs, is the uncoating of the viral genome. Here a force spectroscopy procedure using an atomic force microscope is implemented to study uncoating for individual human rhinovirus particles. Application of an increasing mechanical force on a virion led to a high force-induced structural transition that facilitated extrusion of the viral RNA molecule without loss of capsid integrity. Application of force to virions that h ad previously extruded the RNA, or to RNA-free capsids, led to a lower force-induced event associated with capsid disruption. The kinetic parameters are determined for each reaction. The high-force event is a stochastic process governed by a moderate free energy barrier (≈20 kcal mol-1 ), which results in a heterogeneous population of structurally weakened virions in which different fractions of the RNA molecule are externalized. The effects of antiviral compounds or capsid mutation on the kinetics of this reaction reveal a correlation between the reaction rate and virus infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Valbuena
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Klara Strobl
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Gil-Redondo
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Valiente
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro J de Pablo
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Física de la Materia Condensada (IFIMAC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mauricio G Mateu
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
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3
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Rodríguez-Espinosa MJ, Rodríguez JM, Castón JR, de Pablo PJ. Mechanical disassembly of human picobirnavirus like particles indicates that cargo retention is tuned by the RNA-coat protein interaction. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2023; 8:1665-1676. [PMID: 37842804 DOI: 10.1039/d3nh00195d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Here we investigate the cargo retention of individual human picobirnavirus (hPBV) virus-like particles (VLPs) which differ in the N-terminal of their capsid protein (CP): (i) hPBV CP contains the full-length CP sequence; (ii) hPBV Δ45-CP lacks the first 45 N-terminal residues; and (iii) hPBV Ht-CP is the full-length CP with a N-terminal 36-residue tag that includes a 6-His segment. Consequently, each VLP variant holds a different interaction with the ssRNA cargo. We used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to induce and monitor the mechanical disassembly of individual hPBV particles. First, while Δ45-CP particles that lack ssRNA allowed a fast tip indentation after breakage, CP and Ht-CP particles that pack heterologous ssRNA showed a slower tip penetration after being fractured. Second, mechanical fatigue experiments revealed that the increased length in 8% of the N-terminal (Ht-CP) makes the virus particles to crumble ∼10 times slower than the wild type N-terminal CP, indicating enhanced RNA cargo retention. Our results show that the three differentiated N-terminal topologies of the capsid result in distinct cargo release dynamics during mechanical disassembly experiments because of the different interaction with RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- María J Rodríguez-Espinosa
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Macromolecular Structures, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier M Rodríguez
- Department of Macromolecular Structures, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - José R Castón
- Department of Macromolecular Structures, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain.
- Nanobiotechnology Associated Unit CNB-CSIC-IMDEA, Campus Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro J de Pablo
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Física de la Materia Condensada (IFIMAC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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4
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Cantero M, Cvirkaite-Krupovic V, Krupovic M, de Pablo PJ. Mechanical tomography of an archaeal lemon-shaped virus reveals membrane-like fluidity of the capsid and liquid nucleoprotein cargo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2307717120. [PMID: 37824526 PMCID: PMC10589707 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307717120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Archaeal lemon-shaped viruses have unique helical capsids composed of highly hydrophobic protein strands which can slide past each other resulting in remarkable morphological reorganization. Here, using atomic force microscopy, we explore the biomechanical properties of the lemon-shaped virions of Sulfolobus monocaudavirus 1 (SMV1), a double-stranded DNA virus which infects hyperthermophilic (~80 °C) and acidophilic (pH ~ 2) archaea. Our results reveal that SMV1 virions are extremely soft and withstand repeated extensive deformations, reaching remarkable strains of 80% during multiple cycles of consecutive mechanical assaults, yet showing scarce traces of disruption. SMV1 virions can reversibly collapse wall-to-wall, reducing their volume by ~90%. Beyond revealing the exceptional malleability of the SMV1 protein shell, our data also suggest a fluid-like nucleoprotein cargo which can flow inside the capsid, resisting and accommodating mechanical deformations without further alteration. Our experiments suggest a packing fraction of the virus core to be as low as 11%, with the amount of the accessory proteins almost four times exceeding that of the viral genome. Our findings indicate that SMV1 protein capsid displays biomechanical properties of lipid membranes, which is not found among protein capsids of other viruses. The remarkable malleability and fluidity of the SMV1 virions are likely necessary for the structural transformations during the infection and adaptation to extreme environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Cantero
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada C03, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid28049, Spain
| | | | - Mart Krupovic
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Archaeal Virology Unit, Paris75015, France
| | - Pedro J. de Pablo
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada C03, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid28049, Spain
- Instituto de Física de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid28049, Spain
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5
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Cardoso-Lima R, Santos-Oliveira R, Souza PFN, Barbosa LRS, Wuite GJL, Alencar LMR. Physical virology: how physics is enabling a better understanding of recent viral invaders. Biophys Rev 2023; 15:611-623. [PMID: 37681101 PMCID: PMC10480132 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01075-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The world is frequently afflicted by several viral outbreaks that bring diseases and health crises. It is vital to comprehend how viral assemblies' fundamental components work to counteract them. Determining the ultrastructure and nanomechanical characteristics of viruses from a physical standpoint helps categorize their mechanical characteristics, offers insight into new treatment options, and/or shows weak spots that can clarify methods for medication targeting. This study compiles the findings from studies on the ultrastructure and nanomechanical behavior of SARS-CoV-2, ZIKV (Zika virus), and CHIKV (Chikungunya virus) viral particles. With results that uncovered aspects of the organization and the spatial distribution of the proteins on the surface of the viral particle as well as the deformation response of the particles when applied a recurring loading force, this review aims to provide further discussion on the mechanical properties of viral particles at the nanoscale, offering new prospects that could be employed for designing strategies for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12551-023-01075-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruana Cardoso-Lima
- Physics Department, Laboratory of Biophysics and Nanosystems, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA Brazil
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ralph Santos-Oliveira
- Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Nuclear Engineering Institute, Rio de Janeiro, 21941906 Brazil
- Laboratory of Nanoradiopharmacy, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, 23070200 Brazil
| | - Pedro Filho Noronha Souza
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE Brazil
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE Brazil
| | - Leandro R. S. Barbosa
- Department of General Physics, Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000 Brazil
- Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, SP 13083-100 Brazil
| | - Gijs J. L. Wuite
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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Strobl K, Mateu MG, de Pablo PJ. Exploring nucleic acid condensation and release from individual parvovirus particles with different physicochemical cues. Virology 2023; 581:1-7. [PMID: 36842268 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
In the infection cycle, viruses release their genome in the host cell during uncoating. Here we use a variety of physicochemical procedures to induce and monitor the in vitro uncoating of ssDNA from individual Minute Virus of Mice (MVM) particles. Our experiments revealed two pathways of genome release: i) filamentous ssDNA appearing around intact virus particles when using gradual mechanical fatigue and heating at moderate temperature (50 °C). ii) thick structures of condensed ssDNA appearing when the virus particle is disrupted by mechanical nanoindentations, denaturing agent guanidinium chloride and high temperature (70 °C). We propose that in the case of filamentous ssDNA, when the capsid integrity is conserved, the genome is externalized through one channel of the capsid pores. However, the disruption of virus particles revealed a native structure of condensed genome. The mechanical analysis of intact particles after DNA strands ejection confirm the stabilization role of ssDNA in MVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Strobl
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - M G Mateu
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro J de Pablo
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Física de la Materia Condensada (IFIMAC) Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
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7
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Ma Q, Lei H, Cao Y. Intramolecular covalent bonds in Gram-positive bacterial surface proteins. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200316. [PMID: 35801833 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Gram-positive bacteria experience considerable mechanical perturbation when adhering to host surfaces during colonization and infection. They have evolved various adhesion proteins that are mechanically robust to ensure strong surface adhesion. Recently, it was discovered that these adhesion proteins contain rare, extra intramolecular covalent bonds that stabilize protein structures and participate in surface bonding. These intramolecular covalent bonds include isopeptides, thioesters, and ester bonds, which often form spontaneously without the need for additional enzymes. With the development of single-molecule force spectroscopy techniques, the detailed mechanical roles of these intramolecular covalent bonds have been revealed. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in this area of research, focusing on the link between the mechanical stability and function of these covalent bonds in Gram-positive bacterial surface proteins. We also highlight the potential impact of these discoveries on the development of novel antibiotics and chemical biology tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Ma
- Nanjing University, Department of Physics, CHINA
| | - Hai Lei
- Nanjing University, Department of Physics, CHINA
| | - Yi Cao
- Nanjing University, Department of Physics, 22 Hankou Road, 210093, Nanjing, CHINA
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8
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Strobl K, Selivanovitch E, Ibáñez-Freire P, Moreno-Madrid F, Schaap IAT, Delgado-Buscalioni R, Douglas T, de Pablo PJ. Electromechanical Photophysics of GFP Packed Inside Viral Protein Cages Probed by Force-Fluorescence Hybrid Single-Molecule Microscopy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2200059. [PMID: 35718881 PMCID: PMC9528512 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202200059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Packing biomolecules inside virus capsids has opened new avenues for the study of molecular function in confined environments. These systems not only mimic the highly crowded conditions in nature, but also allow their manipulation at the nanoscale for technological applications. Here, green fluorescent proteins are packed in virus-like particles derived from P22 bacteriophage procapsids. The authors explore individual virus cages to monitor their emission signal with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy while simultaneously changing the microenvironment with the stylus of atomic force microscopy. The mechanical and electronic quenching can be decoupled by ≈10% each using insulator and conductive tips, respectively. While with conductive tips the fluorescence quenches and recovers regardless of the structural integrity of the capsid, with the insulator tips quenching only occurs if the green fluorescent proteins remain organized inside the capsid. The electronic quenching is associated with the coupling of the protein fluorescence emission with the tip surface plasmon resonance. In turn, the mechanical quenching is a consequence of the unfolding of the aggregated proteins during the mechanical disruption of the capsid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Strobl
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | | | - Pablo Ibáñez-Freire
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Francisco Moreno-Madrid
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | | | - Rafael Delgado-Buscalioni
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
- Institute of Condensed Matter Physics (IFIMAC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Trevor Douglas
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Pedro J de Pablo
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
- Institute of Condensed Matter Physics (IFIMAC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
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9
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Domínguez-Zotes S, Valbuena A, Mateu MG. Antiviral compounds modulate elasticity, strength and material fatigue of a virus capsid framework. Biophys J 2022; 121:919-931. [PMID: 35151634 PMCID: PMC8943814 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates whether the biochemical and antiviral effects of organic compounds that bind different sites in the mature human immunodeficiency virus capsid may be related to the modulation of different mechanical properties of the protein lattice from which the capsid is built. Mechanical force was used as a probe to quantify, in atomic force microscopy experiments at physiological pH and ionic strength, ligand-mediated changes in capsid lattice elasticity, breathing, strength against local dislocation by mechanical stress, and resistance to material fatigue. The results indicate that the effects of the tested compounds on assembly or biochemical stability can be linked, from a physics-based perspective, to their interference with the mechanical behavior of the viral capsid framework. The antivirals CAP-1 and CAI-55 increased the intrinsic elasticity and breathing of the capsid protein lattice and may entropically decrease the probability of the capsid protein to assemble into a functionally competent conformation. Antiviral PF74 increased the resistance of the capsid protein lattice to disruption by mechanical stress and material fatigue and may enthalpically strengthen the basal capsid lattice against breakage and disintegration. This study provides proof of concept that the interrogation of the mechanical properties of the nanostructured protein material that makes a virus capsid may provide fundamental insights into the biophysical action of capsid-binding antiviral agents. The implications for drug design by specifically targeting the biomechanics of viruses are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santos Domínguez-Zotes
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Valbuena
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mauricio G Mateu
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain.
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10
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Boyton I, Goodchild SC, Diaz D, Elbourne A, Collins-Praino LE, Care A. Characterizing the Dynamic Disassembly/Reassembly Mechanisms of Encapsulin Protein Nanocages. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:823-836. [PMID: 35036749 PMCID: PMC8757444 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c05472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Encapsulins, self-assembling icosahedral protein nanocages derived from prokaryotes, represent a versatile set of tools for nanobiotechnology. However, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying encapsulin self-assembly, disassembly, and reassembly is lacking. Here, we characterize the disassembly/reassembly properties of three encapsulin nanocages that possess different structural architectures: T = 1 (24 nm), T = 3 (32 nm), and T = 4 (42 nm). Using spectroscopic techniques and electron microscopy, encapsulin architectures were found to exhibit varying sensitivities to the denaturant guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl), extreme pH, and elevated temperature. While all three encapsulins showed the capacity to reassemble following GuHCl-induced disassembly (within 75 min), only the smallest T = 1 nanocage reassembled after disassembly in basic pH (within 15 min). Furthermore, atomic force microscopy revealed that all encapsulins showed a significant loss of structural integrity after undergoing sequential disassembly/reassembly steps. These findings provide insights into encapsulins' disassembly/reassembly dynamics, thus informing their future design, modification, and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- India Boyton
- School
of Life Sciences, University of Technology
Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales 2007, Australia
- ARC
Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Macquarie University, Macquarie
Park, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Sophia C. Goodchild
- Department
of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, New South
Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Dennis Diaz
- Department
of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, New South
Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Aaron Elbourne
- School
of Science, College of Science, Engineering and Health, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Lyndsey E. Collins-Praino
- Adelaide
Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- ARC
Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Macquarie University, Macquarie
Park, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Andrew Care
- School
of Life Sciences, University of Technology
Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales 2007, Australia
- ARC
Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Macquarie University, Macquarie
Park, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre
of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie
University, Macquarie Park, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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11
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Maksudov F, Kononova O, Llauró A, Ortega-Esteban A, Douglas T, Condezo GN, Martín CS, Marx KA, Wuite GJL, Roos WH, de Pablo PJ, Barsegov V. Fluctuating nonlinear spring theory: Strength, deformability, and toughness of biological nanoparticles from theoretical reconstruction of force-deformation spectra. Acta Biomater 2021; 122:263-277. [PMID: 33359294 PMCID: PMC7897321 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We developed the Fluctuating Nonlinear Spring (FNS) model to describe the dynamics of mechanical deformation of biological particles, such as virus capsids. The theory interprets the force-deformation spectra in terms of the "Hertzian stiffness" (non-linear regime of a particle's small-amplitude deformations), elastic constant (large-amplitude elastic deformations), and force range in which the particle's fracture occurs. The FNS theory enables one to quantify the particles' elasticity (Young's moduli for Hertzian and bending deformations), and the limits of their strength (critical forces, fracture toughness) and deformability (critical deformations) as well as the probability distributions of these properties, and to calculate the free energy changes for the particle's Hertzian, elastic, and plastic deformations, and eventual fracture. We applied the FNS theory to describe the protein capsids of bacteriophage P22, Human Adenovirus, and Herpes Simplex virus characterized by deformations before fracture that did not exceed 10-19% of their size. These nanoshells are soft (~1-10-GPa elastic modulus), with low ~50-480-kPa toughness - a regime of material behavior that is not well understood, and with the strength increasing while toughness decreases with their size. The particles' fracture is stochastic, with the average values of critical forces, critical deformations, and fracture toughness comparable with their standard deviations. The FNS theory predicts 0.7-MJ/mol free energy for P22 capsid maturation, and it could be extended to describe uniaxial deformation of cylindrical microtubules and ellipsoidal cellular organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farkhad Maksudov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, United States
| | - Olga Kononova
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, United States
| | - Aida Llauró
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics and Condensed Matter Physics Center, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Ortega-Esteban
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics and Condensed Matter Physics Center, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Trevor Douglas
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - Gabriela N Condezo
- Department of Macromolecular Structures and NanoBioMedicine Initiative, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CIC), Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen San Martín
- Department of Macromolecular Structures and NanoBioMedicine Initiative, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CIC), Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Kenneth A Marx
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, United States
| | - Gijs J L Wuite
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter H Roos
- Moleculaire Biofysica, Zernike Instituut, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pedro J de Pablo
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics and Condensed Matter Physics Center, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Valeri Barsegov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, United States.
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