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. 2013 Nov 6;28(6):318–325. doi: 10.1007/s12250-013-3341-6

High-resolution 3D structures reveal the biological functions of reoviruses

Xiaoming Li 1,2, Qin Fang 1,✉
PMCID: PMC8208461  PMID: 24254888

Abstract

Viruses in the family Reoviridae are non-enveloped particles comprising a segmented double-stranded RNA genome surrounded by a two-layered or multi-layered icosahedral protein capsid. These viruses are classified into two sub-families based on their particle structural organization. Recent studies have focused on high-resolution three-dimensional structures of reovirus particles by using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to approach the resolutions seen in X-ray crystallographic structures. The results of cryo-EM image reconstructions allow tracing of most of the protein side chains, and thus permit integration of structural and functional information into a coherent mechanism for reovirus assembly and entry.

Keywords: Non-enveloped virus, Reoviruses, Structural basis, Assembly, Cell entry

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