Biophysical-chemical characterization of the human respiratory syncytial virus matrix protein.

Author(s)

Giovana Cavenaghi Guimaraes

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São José do Rio Preto. 2021-07-12.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Instituto de Biociências Letras e Ciências Exatas. São José do Rio Preto
• Defense date: 2021-06-16
• Advisor: Fátima Pereira de Souza; Ícaro Putinhon Caruso

Abstract

The human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (hRSV) is the main cause of infections in the lower respiratory tract in children and elderly all over the world. The matrix protein (M) is essential for the viral cycle once it acts on the replication process interacting with the ribonucleoprotein complex (RNPs). Posteriorly, the M protein interacts with the cellular cytoskeleton coordinating the RNPs transference to lipid rafts aiding the viral budding process and virion release. It is known that the protein acts in the host cell and has a great importance in the viral replication, thus, the objective of this work was to understand the conformational changes that can occur in the protein structure at different conditions of pH, temperature and salinity. Using the recombinant matrix protein, fluorescence, CD and DSC experiments were performed. The results of the present work demonstrates that the denaturation process is irreversible, with a melting temperature of about 44 °C. In addition, the secondary structure of the protein is influenced by the pH, but, even in extremely acid conditions, there is still some conserved secondary structure of the protein. Lastly, the increase of the ionic concentration leads to protein destabilization, resulting in a decrease of the melting temperature. Thus the results of the present work helped to better understand the conformational characteristics of the hRSV matrix protein. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/08739-1 - Biophysical characterization of the matrix protein from the respiratory syncytial virus
• Grantee: Giovana Cavenaghi Guimarães
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master