Local helix content and RNA-binding activity of the N-terminal leucine-repeat region of hepatitis delta antigen.

摘要: Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a satellite of the hepatitis B (HBV) which provides surface antigen for viral coat. Our results show that N-terminal leucine-repeat region (HDAg), encompassing residues 24–50, binds to autolytic domain HDV genomic RNA and attenuates its activity. The solution conformation synthetic peptide corresponding 24–50 HDAg as determined by two-dimensional 1H NMR circular dichroism techniques found be an α-helix. local helix content this was analyzed NOEs coupling constants. Mutagenesis studies indicate Lys38, Lys39, Lys40 within α-helical may directly involved in binding. A structural knowledge thus molecular basis understanding role interaction with RNA.