Direct visualization of the putative portal in the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus capsid by cryoelectron tomography

J Virol. 2007 Apr;81(7):3640-4. doi: 10.1128/JVI.02254-06. Epub 2007 Jan 10.

Abstract

Genetic and biochemical studies have suggested the existence of a bacteriophage-like, DNA-packaging/ejecting portal complex in herpesviruses capsids, but its arrangement remained unknown. Here, we report the first visualization of a unique vertex in the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) capsid by cryoelectron tomography, thus providing direct structural evidence for the existence of a portal complex in a gammaherpesvirus. This putative KSHV portal is an internally localized, umbilicated structure and lacks all of the external machineries characteristic of portals in DNA bacteriophages.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Capsid Proteins / chemistry
  • Capsid Proteins / ultrastructure*
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy*
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / chemistry
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / ultrastructure*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary

Substances

  • Capsid Proteins