Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
octahedral polyomavirus, PVs, tumors, mammals
College
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract
Polyomaviruses (PVs) are viruses that can cause tumors in mammals and fatal diseases in birds. Knowles et al. (2) estimated that over 90% of the human population is infected with a polyomavirus, but these infections are usually dormant, and only show symptoms in patients with compromised immune systems. PVs normally form a capsid with icosahedral symmetry whose structure is known (Figure 1). In this structure, the major capsid protein (VP1) forms a stable pentamer with the C-terminal arms of the proteins extending outwards. VP1 pentamers (filled pentagons, Figure 1) interact with five other pentamers on some vertices, and with six neighboring pentamers on other vertices. The C-terminal extensions coordinate to hold neighboring pentamers together in the overall capsid structure.
Recommended Citation
Swenson, Robert and Belnap, Dr. David
(2013)
"Structure of Octahedral Polyomavirus,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 2618.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/2618