Martin McCullagh, from Oklahoma State University, will deliver a seminar entitled, "ATP-dependent Translocation of Viral Helicases: Identifying Components of a Molecular Analog to an Internal Combustion Engine." Hosted by Glen Hocky.
For more information about Martin McCullagh, click here.
Abstract: Helicases are motor proteins that transform the energy from ATP binding and hydrolysis into mechanical work in the form of unwinding and movement along DNA/RNA. Positive sense RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, Dengue, and Zika encode for helicases to perform their pivotal functions during the RNA replication step of the viral lifecycle. The inhibition of these crucial viral proteins prevents viral replication but current inhibitors suffer from a lack of specificity due to the targeting of highly conserved orthosteric sites. In this talk, I will present findings from my group that identify three regions of importance of viral helicases beyond the orthosteric binding sites. Our data suggest that the enzyme is functioning in a manner analogous to an internal combustion engine. We will draw connections between the three regions identified and components of an internal combustion engine. I will end by highlighting ongoing collaborative work to complete or mechanistic understanding of these enzymes.
