Self-assembly of model proteins into virus capsids. (7th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wołek, Karol; Cieplak, Marek
• Is Part Of: Journal of physics. Volume 29:Number 47(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-11-07
• Subjects: virus capsids -- aggregation -- structure-based models -- proteins; Condensed matter -- Periodicals; Matière condensée -- Périodiques; Vaste stoffen; Vloeistoffen; Natuurkunde; Electronic journals; Computer network resources; 530.4105
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-648X/aa9351
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0953-8984

Abstract

Abstract: We consider self-assembly of proteins into a virus capsid by the methods of molecular dynamics. The capsid corresponds either to SPMV or CCMV and is studied with and without the RNA molecule inside. The proteins are flexible and described by the structure-based coarse-grained model augmented by electrostatic interactions. Previous studies of the capsid self-assembly involved solid objects of a supramolecular scale, e.g. corresponding to capsomeres, with engineered couplings and stochastic movements. In our approach, a single capsid is dissociated by an application of a high temperature for a variable period and then the system is cooled down to allow for self-assembly. The restoration of the capsid proceeds to various extent, depending on the nature of the dissociated state, but is rarely complete because some proteins depart too far unless the process takes place in a confined space.