Structure and function of the Zika virus full-length NS5 protein

Nat Commun. 2017 Mar 27:8:14762. doi: 10.1038/ncomms14762.

Abstract

The recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) has infected over 1 million people in over 30 countries. ZIKV replicates its RNA genome using virally encoded replication proteins. Nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) contains a methyltransferase for RNA capping and a polymerase for viral RNA synthesis. Here we report the crystal structures of full-length NS5 and its polymerase domain at 3.0 Å resolution. The NS5 structure has striking similarities to the NS5 protein of the related Japanese encephalitis virus. The methyltransferase contains in-line pockets for substrate binding and the active site. Key residues in the polymerase are located in similar positions to those of the initiation complex for the hepatitis C virus polymerase. The polymerase conformation is affected by the methyltransferase, which enables a more efficiently elongation of RNA synthesis in vitro. Overall, our results will contribute to future studies on ZIKV infection and the development of inhibitors of ZIKV replication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Methyltransferases / metabolism
  • Protein Conformation
  • RNA Caps
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase / metabolism
  • Substrate Specificity
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / chemistry*
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / metabolism*
  • Virus Replication
  • Zika Virus / metabolism*
  • Zika Virus / physiology

Substances

  • NS5 protein, flavivirus
  • RNA Caps
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins
  • Methyltransferases
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase