Collaborative Research: Virus Assembly in Extreme Environments: A Structural and Genetic Approach

本项目将研究来自火山温泉的Sulfolobus spindle-shaped virus 1（SSV 1）的结构。 这种形状类似珊瑚的SSV 1在温度超过80摄氏度的酸性温泉中生长。确定高分辨率的SSV 1结构将有助于了解蛋白质在高温下如何相互作用。发现SSV 1结构的遗传决定因素将不仅为SSV 1，而且为所有蛋白质的稳定性提供深入了解。这项研究还将深入了解病毒的进化，以及生命如何在早期地球和/或地外行星上的极端条件下生存下来。该项目还将为大约65名从事SSV 1突变体研究的本科生提供研究经验。 该项目将与俄勒冈州科学与工业博物馆合作，向公众传播科学。这项研究将解决三个关于SSV 1结构的开放性问题：病毒如何形成其独特的纺锤形结构？与宿主细胞结合的SSV 1尾的结构是什么？衣壳蛋白中的关键氨基酸是什么？为了回答这些问题，这项研究将结合使用尖端的冷冻电子显微镜技术和遗传筛选和选择。该研究将评估SSV 1结构的两种竞争模型，并可能为病毒结构提供新的结构范式。这项研究将为社区外展提供一个坚实的基础，以教育和激发公众，并激励下一代的研究人员。这个奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并已被认为是值得通过使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估的支持。

This project will investigate the structure of Sulfolobus spindle-shaped virus 1 (SSV1), a virus from volcanic hot springs. The uniquely-shaped SSV1 thrives in acidic hot springs at above 175 ˚F (80 ˚C). Determining a high-resolution SSV1 structure will contribute to understanding how proteins interact at high temperatures. Discovering the genetic determinants of the SSV1 structure will provide insight into the stability not only SSV1, but all proteins. The research will also provide insight into virus evolution, and how life could have survived the extreme conditions present on early earth and/or on extra-terrestrial planets. The project will also provide research experiences to approximately 65 undergraduates working on SSV1 mutants. The project will communicate science to the public in collaboration with the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. This research will address three open questions regarding the structure of SSV1: How does the virus form its unique spindle-shaped structure? What is the structure of the SSV1 tail that binds to the host cell? What are the critical amino acids in the capsid proteins? To answer these questions, this research will use a combination of cutting-edge cryo-electron microscopy techniques and genetic screens and selections. The research will evaluate two competing models for the SSV1 structure and could provide a new structural paradigm for virus structure. This research will provide a strong foundation for community outreach to educate and excite the public, and inspire the next generation of researchers.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.