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Biomédica

Print version ISSN 0120-4157

Abstract

GOMEZ, Luis Alberto; MONTOYA, Gladis; RIVERA, Hernán Mauricio  and  HERNANDEZ, Juan Carlos. E-ZIKV and E1-RV proteins molecular structure and their potential implications in neurotropism and nervous system disorders. Biomédica [online]. 2017, vol.37, suppl.1, pp.121-132. ISSN 0120-4157.  https://doi.org/10.7705/biomedica.v37i0.3807.

Introduction:

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an enveloped flavivirus transmitted to humans mainly by Aedes aegypti. ZIKV infection has been associated with high neurotropism and neuropathic effects such as the Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults, and fetal and postnatal microcephaly and the congenital Zika virus syndrome similar to that produced by rubella virus (VR).

Objective:

To compare Zika virus membrane protein E (E-ZIKV) and rubella virus membrane protein E1 (E1-RV), and to propose possible implications for neurotropism and nervous system disorders associated with ZIKV infections.

Materials and methods:

The amino acid sequence of E-ZIKV protein (PDB: 5iZ7) was aligned to that of rubella virus glycoprotein E1 (PDB: 4ADG). The secondary structure elements were determined using the programs Vector NTI Advance®, DSSP, and POSA, and integrated data management tools (AlignX®). One of the main comparison and alignment criteria was the allocation of structurally equivalent residues with more than 70% identity.

Results:

E-ZIKV structural organization (PDB: 5iZ7) was similar to that of E1-RV (PDB: 4ADG) (70%-80% identity), and it was consistent with relevant structural features of viral membrane class II fusion glycoproteins. E-ZIKV and E1-RV exhibited highly conserved fusion structural elements at the distal region of domain II, which has been associated with the RV myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and Axl cell receptors in ZIKV and other flaviviruses.

Conclusion:

The comparison of E-ZIKV and E1-RV proteins constitutes an essential step towards the definition of ZIKV neurotropism and pathogenesis molecular determinants, and for the adoption of diagnosis, prevention and treatment strategies against neurological complications induced by ZIKV infection.

Keywords : Zika virus; rubella virus; molecular structure; microcephaly; oligodendrocyte-myelin glycoprotein.

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