DNA-Interacting Characteristics of the Archaeal Rudiviral Protein SIRV2_Gp1

Whereas the infection cycles of many bacterial and eukaryotic viruses have been characterized in detail, those of archaeal viruses remain largely unexplored. Recently, studies on a few model archaeal viruses such as SIRV2 (Sulfolobus islandicus rod-shaped virus) have revealed an unusual lysis mechanism that involves the formation of pyramidal egress structures on the host cell surface. To expand understanding of the infection cycle of SIRV2, we aimed to functionally characterize gp1, which is a SIRV2 gene with unknown function. The SIRV2_Gp1 protein is highly expressed during early stages of infection and it is the only protein that is encoded twice on the viral genome. It harbours a helix-turn-helix motif and was therefore hypothesized to bind DNA. The DNA-binding behavior of SIRV2_Gp1 was characterized with electrophoretic mobility shift assays and atomic force microscopy. We provide evidence that the protein interacts with DNA and that it forms large aggregates, thereby causing extreme condensation of the DNA. Furthermore, the N-terminal domain of the protein mediates toxicity to the viral host Sulfolobus. Our findings may lead to biotechnological applications, such as the development of a toxic peptide for the containment of pathogenic bacteria, and add to our understanding of the Rudiviral infection cycle.status: publishe

Population and preoperative refractive comparison of the cysts group and no cysts group.

<p>Population and preoperative refractive comparison of the cysts group and no cysts group.</p

Change in intraocular pressure in the 2 groups at pre-operation and different postoperative visit periods.

<p>*: p<0.05.</p

Changes in 33 eyes with cysts at the last visit.

<p>Changes in 33 eyes with cysts at the last visit.</p

Change of mean spherical equivalent in the 2 groups at pre-operate and different postoperative visit periods.

<p>Change of mean spherical equivalent in the 2 groups at pre-operate and different postoperative visit periods.</p

Comparison of the refractive outcomes in the two groups at preoperative and at the one week postoperative period.

<p>Comparison of the refractive outcomes in the two groups at preoperative and at the one week postoperative period.</p

Change in vault in the 2 groups at different postoperative visit periods.

<p>*: p<0.05.</p

Change of J45 astigmatism of the 2 groups at pre-operation and at different postoperative visit periods.

<p>Change of J45 astigmatism of the 2 groups at pre-operation and at different postoperative visit periods.</p

Adverse events among the two groups.

<p>Adverse events among the two groups.</p

Iridociliary body cysts group versus patients without iridociliary body cysts uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) 20/20 or better and 20/40 or better at postoperative one day and one week.

<p>(*: P<0.05; **: P<0.01; cysts group: 1 day, n = 207; 1 week, n = 205; no cysts group: 1 day, n = 1216; 1 week, n = 1068).</p