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Review
. 2002 Aug;55(4):214-9.
doi: 10.1136/mp.55.4.214.

Picornavirus uncoating

M S Smyth  1 , J H Martin
Affiliations
Review

Picornavirus uncoating

M S Smyth et al. Mol Pathol. 2002 Aug.

Abstract

Recently, much has been learned about the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of picornaviruses. This has been accelerated by the solving of the crystal structures of many members of this virus family. However, one stage of the virus life cycle remains poorly understood: uncoating. How do these simple but efficient pathogens protect their RNA genomes with a stable protein shell and yet manage to uncoat this genome at precisely the right time during infection? The purpose of this article is to review the current state of knowledge and the most recent theories that attempt to answer this question. The review is based extensively on structural data but also makes reference to the wealth of biochemical information on the topic.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Structure of bovine enterovirus (BEV). The colour scheme is: VP1, blue; VP2, green; VP3, red; and VP4, yellow. Only the main chain folding pattern is shown for clarity.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Electron density within the fivefold channel of bovine enterovirus (BEV). A discrete node of non-protein density consistent with a metal ion can be seen blocking the channel at this point.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The hydrophobic pocket within VP1 of the bovine enterovirus (BEV) crystal structure contains electron density (blue) which has been modelled as myristic acid (white).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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