Helical structure of polypeptides from the C-terminal half of HIV-1 VPR

Shenggen Yao, Ahmed A. Azad, Ian G. Macreadie, Raymond S. Norton

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Abstract

HIV-1 viral protein R (Vpr), is a 96-residue protein with a number of functions, some of which have been localised to distinct domains in the sequence. This paper describes the solution conformation, determined by NMR, of synthetic peptides encompassing a putative transmembrane helical domain of Vpr associated with formation of cation-selective channels in lipid bilayers. Peptides Vpr50-75 (residues 50-75 of Vpr) and Vpr50-82 both formed α-helices, encompassing residues 53-74 and 53-78, respectively. Thus, Vpr can form a helix long enough to traverse a biological membrane. The helix has some similarities to bee venom melittin, which can also form ion channels.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)127-134
Number of pages8
JournalProtein and Peptide Letters
Volume5
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes

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