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The influenza virus RNA genome is transcribed and replicated in the context of the viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complex by the viral RNA polymerase. The nucleoprotein (NP) is the structural component of the vRNP providing a scaffold for the viral RNA. In the vRNP as well as during transcription and replication the viral polymerase interacts with NP but it is unclear which parts of the polymerase and NP mediate these interactions. Previously the C-terminal '627' domain (amino acids 538-693) of PB2 was shown to interact with NP. Here we report that a fragment encompassing amino acids 146-185 of NP is sufficient to mediate this interaction. Using NMR chemical shift perturbation assays we show that amino acid region 601 to 607 of the PB2 '627' domain interacts with this fragment of NP. Substitutions of these PB2 amino acids resulted in diminished RNP activity and surface plasmon resonance assays showed that amino acids D605 was essential for the interaction with NP and V606 may also play a partial role in the interaction. Collectively these results reveal a possible interaction surface between NP and the PB2 subunit of the RNA polymerase complex.

Original publication

DOI

10.1371/journal.pone.0191226

Type

Journal article

Journal

PLoS One

Publication Date

2018

Volume

13

Keywords

Amino Acid Substitution, Aspartic Acid, Genome, Viral, HEK293 Cells, Humans, Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype, Influenza, Human, Models, Molecular, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular, Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs, RNA Replicase, RNA-Binding Proteins, Recombinant Proteins, Surface Plasmon Resonance, Valine, Viral Core Proteins, Viral Proteins, Virus Replication