Looking Inside Viruses

Looking Inside Viruses

Since the discovery of the microscope, scientists have tried to visualize smaller and smaller structures to provide insights into the inner workings of human cells, bacteria and viruses. Now, researchers have developed a new way to see tiny structures within viruses.

Conventional cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has allowed researchers to image the surface of viruses in great detail. But scientists hadn't been able to clearly visualize structures inside viruses. Cryo-EM procedures use radiation, and higher doses damage viruses, destroying the very structures researchers would like to view.

A team led by Dr. Alasdair Steven of NIH's National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and Dr. Lindsay Black at the University of Maryland Medical School was studying a type of virus that infects bacteria and so might one day be used to combat pathogens. Past studies showed that the virus, called ϕKZ, contains a cylindrical protein structure called the inner body. Those studies, however, used disrupted viruses. The inner body can't be distinguished from the DNA that surrounds it in intact viruses using conventional cryo-EM.


 Get The Latest By Email

Weekly Magazine Daily Inspiration

In the January 13, 2012, issue of Science, the researchers described how they were able to turn the problem of radiation damage into an asset. They realized that the proteins inside the virus are more sensitive than DNA to radiation damage. After recording images of the virus with low doses of radiation, they used higher doses. As the inner structure deteriorated, it appeared as a cylinder of bubbles. The team was able to superimpose the images and, using 3-D computer reconstruction, clearly visualize the viral structure. The investigators call their technique bubblegram imaging.

Based on the shape and position of the inner body, the researchers believe that it helps organize DNA into its compact structure. In the future, bubblegram imaging may yield further insights into the inner workings of viruses and suggest strategies for developing novel therapies.

The scientists anticipate other uses for bubblegram imaging as well. For example, it could be used to visualize the interactions of proteins with DNA in human cells.

“This new cryo-EM procedure renders previously invisible proteins visible and, thus, will provide new understanding of cell biology,” Steven says.

Related Links:

 The Structures of Life:

Article Source: http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/january2012/01302012viruses.htm

AVAILABLE LANGUAGES

English Afrikaans Arabic Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Traditional) Danish Dutch Filipino Finnish French German Greek Hebrew Hindi Hungarian Indonesian Italian Japanese Korean Malay Norwegian Persian Polish Portuguese Romanian Russian Spanish Swahili Swedish Thai Turkish Ukrainian Urdu Vietnamese

follow InnerSelf on

facebook icontwitter iconyoutube iconinstagram iconpintrest iconrss icon

 Get The Latest By Email

Weekly Magazine Daily Inspiration

Saturday, 08 May 2021 08:43

Humanity has always had a rocky relationship with wasps. They are one of those insects that we love to hate. We value bees (which also sting) because they pollinate our crops and make honey

Wednesday, 19 May 2021 09:40

To “cry poor mouth” is an expression used to habitually complain about a lack of money. A literal poor mouth, however, represents one of the most widespread global diseases: tooth decay.

Friday, 28 July 2023 17:45

Respiratory viruses like influenza virus (flu), SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can make us sick by infecting our respiratory system, including the nose, upper...

Wednesday, 05 May 2021 08:15

While our immune system and antibiotics both do a great job of helping us fight life-threatening infections, the emergence of antibiotic resistance is quickly making it more difficult to cure...

Wednesday, 12 May 2021 08:30

In 2019, Burger King Sweden released a plant-based burger, the Rebel Whopper, and the reaction was underwhelming. So, the company challenged its customers to taste the difference.

Thursday, 27 May 2021 05:24

Life, by its very nature is … alive! Because it is alive, it is not just responding in a set, mechanical way, but rather it is responsive to what is needed and helpful and useful. Cells might...

New Attitudes - New Possibilities

InnerSelf.comClimateImpactNews.com | InnerPower.net
MightyNatural.com | WholisticPolitics.com | InnerSelf Market
Copyright ©1985 - 2021 InnerSelf Publications. All Rights Reserved.