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Title: Membrane penetration of Sendai virus glycoproteins during the early stages of fusion with liposomes as determined by hydrophobic photoaffinity labeling

Journal Article · · Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.; (United States)

The hydrophobic photoaffinity label 3-(trifluoromethyl)-3-(m-(/sup 125/I)iodophenyl)diazirine was used to label Sendai virus proteins during fusion with cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine liposomes. Preferential labeling of the viral fusion protein during the initial stages of fusion demonstrated that this protein interacts with the hydrophobic core of the target membrane as an initiating event of virus-liposome fusion. Labeling showed time, temperature, and pH dependence consistent with earlier fluorescent measurements of fusion kinetics. The present method provides conclusive evidence supporting the hypothesis that hydrophobic interaction of the fusion protein with the target bilayer is an initial event in the fusion mechanism of viral membranes.

Research Organization:
California Institute of Technology, Pasadena (USA)
OSTI ID:
6868760
Journal Information:
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.; (United States), Vol. 85:20
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English