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IIT Guwahati researchers discover RNA-destroying function of p30 Protein in African Swine Fever Virus
IMT News Desk
IIT Guwahati researchers discover RNA-destroying function of p30 Protein in African Swine Fever Virus
IMT News Desk
The protein plays a crucial role in the attachment of the virus to host cells by binding to specific receptors on the cell surface and facilitating the merging of viral and cell membranes
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati researchers have investigated the biochemistry of the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) protein, focusing on understanding the biochemical processes of infection to devise effective control strategies.
Prof Sachin Kumar and his research scholars including Satyendu Nandy, Nilave Ranjan Bora and Shubham Gaurav, have studied the proteins found in the outer membrane (capsule) of ASFV, with a focus on the p30 protein.
The protein plays a crucial role in the attachment of the virus to host cells by binding to specific receptors on the cell surface and facilitating the merging of viral and cell membranes. Membrane proteins also help viruses evade detection by the host cell’s immune system. Understanding the biochemistry behind these processes enhances our knowledge of how viruses infect cells and can guide the development of treatments and vaccines that target these points of entry.
The results of this research have been published in the prestigious journal Virology.
Speaking about the research, Prof Sachin Kumar, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Guwahati, said, "Our ongoing research into ASFV aims to uncover the functional roles of proteins like p30, which are integral to the virus's ability to infect and evade the host’s immune response."
Kumar said, "In our study, RNA extracted from mammalian cells was exposed to the p30 protein to analyse its RNase activity. We employed methods such as electrophoresis and fluorimetry to quantify the extent of RNA degradation by p30."