Abstract: ABSTRACT Alphaviruses are known to possess a unique viral mRNA capping mechanism involving the viral nonstructural protein nsP1. This enzyme harbors methyltransferase (MTase) and nsP1 guanylylation (GT) activities catalyzing the transfer of the methyl group from S -adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) to the N7 position of a GTP molecule followed by the formation of an m 7 GMP-nsP1 adduct. Subsequent transfer of m 7 GMP onto the 5′ end of the viral mRNA has not been demonstrated in vitro yet. Here we report the biochemical characterization of Venezuel...
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Topics: 
Molecular biology
Biochemistry
Virology