"

From 2012.igem.org

Contents 1 Inside Modifications 1.1 Introduction 1.2 CCMV 1.3 PLRV and TuYV 1.4 Hepatitis B

Inside Modifications

Introduction

Since virus-like particles (VLPs) lack genetic content, they enclose an empty space. This space can be filled with all sorts of proteins such as antibiotics, hormones, and all sorts of farmaceuticals. Modifications on the inside of the VLPs opens up more options. One of the modifications we pursue is adding a coil to the protein subunits, at any location that is exposed on the inside of the VLP. In our case, this is a fusion to either the N-terminal or the C-terminal. The coils will facilitate stronger attachment to the substance which needs to stick to the VLP's interior.

Aim: Construct a Virus-Like Particle that has coils exposed on the inside.

Another way to open up more options for loading our VLPs, is to make a change in the interior's charge. Normally, the interior of a VLP is positively charged, facilitating interaction with negatively charged DNA/RNA molecules. By changing the amino acid sequence that is located on the interior of a VLP, the positive charge can be changed into a negative charge. A VLP with a negatively charged interior can be loaded with all sorts of positively charged molecules, such as polymeres, metals, etc.

Aim: Construct a Virus-Like Particle that has a negatively charged interior.

By modifying the CCMV VLP, we managed to add a negative charge to the interior, enabling us to load metals to the inside.

CCMV

PLRV and TuYV

Hepatitis B

Results: