DNA helicase‐mediated packaging of adeno‐associated virus type 2 genomes into preformed capsids

摘要: Helicases not only catalyse the disruption of hydrogen bonding between complementary regions nucleic acids, but also move along acid strands in a polar fashion. Here we show that Rep52 and Rep40 proteins adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV-2) are required to translocate capsid-associated, single-stranded DNA genomes into preformed empty AAV-2 capsids, helicase function Rep52/40 is essential for this process. Furthermore, DNase protection experiments suggest insertion proceeds from 3′ end, which correlates with 3′→5′ processivity demonstrated helicase. A model proposed capsid-immobilized complexes act as molecular motors ‘pump’ across capsid boundary.