A2 Protein Incorporation into the Qβ Virus-like Particle

Authors

Derek Bush, Brigham Young University
Dr. Band Bundy, Brigham Young University

Keywords

A2 protein, Qβ virus-like particle, VLPs, cell-free protein synthesis, CFPS

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology

Department

Chemical Engineering

Abstract

Virus-like Particles (VLPs) are noninfectious synthetic copies of the outer protein shell of viruses. They are highly symmetrical nanostructures that self-assemble from approximately 200 copies of a single “coat” protein. This symmetry makes attachment of singular foreign entities to the VLPs difficult, which limits their current uses in medical and engineering applications. In this research project we have worked to demonstrate the insertion of a single copy of the “A2” protein into the VLP from the Qβ bacteriophage to serve as a possible location for future site-specific VLP modification. Ultimately we believe that this work will lead to the development of other modified VLPs that will serve in drug delivery and nanostructure engineering applications.

Recommended Citation

Bush, Derek and Bundy, Dr. Band (2014) "A2 Protein Incorporation into the Qβ Virus-like Particle," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 55.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/55