Fig. 5. Destabilization of the interaction of the N- and C-terminal domains leads to hexamerization. (A) Gel filtration profile of VP40(31–326). Samples of fractions corresponding to elution volumes of 8–15 ml were separated by 12% SDS–PAGE and stained with Coomassie Blue. Molecular weight markers are shown and the elution position of molecular weight markers from the gel filtration column are indicated. Gel filtration profiles of VP40(31–326) after incubation in (B) 1 M urea, (C) 2 M urea, (D) 3 M urea, (E) 4 M urea and (F) a buffer containing 1% n-octyl-β-d-glucopyranoside.