Download MendeleyThe solution structure of the N-terminal proteinase domain of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 protein provides new insights into its activation and catalytic mechanism.
Barbato, G., Cicero, D.O., Nardi, M.C., Steinkuhler, C., Cortese, R., De Francesco, R., Bazzo, R.(1999) J Mol Biol 289: 371-384
- PubMed: 10366511
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1006/jmbi.1999.2745
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
1BT7 - PubMed Abstract:
The solution structure of the hepatitis C virus (BK strain) NS3 protein N-terminal domain (186 residues) has been solved by NMR spectroscopy. The protein is a serine protease with a chymotrypsin-type fold, and is involved in the maturation of the viral polyprotein. Despite the knowledge that its activity is enhanced by the action of a viral protein cofactor, NS4A, the mechanism of activation is not yet clear. The analysis of the folding in solution and the differences from the crystallographic structures allow the formulation of a model in which, in addition to the NS4A cofactor, the substrate plays an important role in the activation of the catalytic mechanism. A unique structural feature is the presence of a zinc-binding site exposed on the surface, subject to a slow conformational exchange process.
Organizational Affiliation:
IRBM "P. Angeletti", Via Pontina km 30.600, Pomezia, Roma, 00040, Italy.
