Naslov
Charge distributions and electrostatic interactions in viruses

Autori
Šiber, Antonio ; Lošdorfer Božič, Anže ; Podgornik, Rudolf

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Skup
New Challenges in Electrostatics of Soft and Disordered Matter

Mjesto i datum
Toulouse, Francuska, 07.05.2012. - 10.05.2012

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Pozvano predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Nije recenziran

Ključne riječi
electrostatics; virus; charge; distribution

Sažetak
Electrostatic interactions are known to be of essential importance for a "proper" functioning of viruses [1, 2]. They are involved in all aspects of viral "lifecycle", including assembly, receptor attachment, membrane penetration, disassembly and release/budding. In the light of their importance, it is surprising that they have not been explored to the level of detail expected by a physicist. Of particular interest is the question of electrostatic stability of a virus and the span of the electrostatic parameter space encompassing stable and "viable" virus particles. In particular, one is interested in the relation between the charges on the virus protein coating (capsid) and those on the genome molecule (RNA or DNA). In order to provide stability to a virus, these parameters need to be within certain limits, yet must also be such to enable virus disassembly when appropriate, i.e. in conditions of appropriate pH and ionic concentrations. Theoretical insights in these matters may also enable one to design self-assembling virus-like particles with engineered cargo [3]. I shall briefly review our work on electrostatic interactions in viruses [1] revolving around the issues from the previous paragraph. I shall also present analysis of charge distribution in real viruses [4] and possible elements of "electrostatic design" in the virus proteins.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Fizika

POVEZANOST RADA