Structures, Dynamics, and Functions of Viral Membrane Proteins by NMR

Abstract

Membrane proteins perform a multitude of tasks in a viral lifecycle. Fusion glycoproteins are specialized membrane-anchored biological machines that play critical roles in viral entry and infection. The membrane fusion mediated by SARS glycoprotein requires an orchestrated participation of functionally relevant domains such as the fusion peptide (FP) and the transmembrane domain (TM). Interaction of these segments with membranes drives large conformational changes in the viral glycoprotein that ultimately lead to the merge of the virus envelope with the cell membrane.