Researchers crack structure of key protein in Zika virus
Monday, March 27, 2017 - 09:02
in Biology & Nature
The genomic replication of the Zika virus (ZIKV) is made possible by its 'NS5' protein. Scientists report that they have determined the crystal structure of the entire ZIKV NS5 protein and demonstrated that NS5 is functional when purified in vitro. Knowing the structure of ZIKV NS5 helps the researchers understand how ZIKV replicates itself. Further, the researchers identified the inhibitor-binding site of NS5, enabling scientists to design potential potent drugs to fight ZIKV.