Nature published the study on Feb. 18.
Here are seven observations:
1. The researchers found a protein complex that allows viruses similar to the human immunodeficiency virus permanently infect their hosts.
2. The study found a retrovirus inserts its genetic information into the host’s genome. In HIV’s case, the viral genes integrate into human immune cells and destroy them.
3. Intasome, a protein complex, irreversibly inserts viral DNA into human DNA, which paves the way for retroviruses to infect.
4. The researchers wanted to decipher the intasome structure from mouse mammary tumor virus, which is similar to HIV.
5. Using cryo-electron microscopy, the researchers froze proteins into a liquid solution. Measuring electron beams deflecting off the frozen proteins, the researchers found the protein structures.
6. The researchers discovered the MMTV complex has eight integrase molecules per two pieces of viral DNA. This discovery indicates complexes interact differently with the host DNA when they are set to insert viral DNA into the genome.
7. The researchers now plan to zone in on the HIV intasome molecular complex. “The technological infrastructure is in place so now I think we can tackle these tricky and poorly behaved specimens using cryoEM,” said Dmitry Lyumkis, PhD, Salk Fellow and co-senior author.
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