Latest News

Purdue University researchers detect new Zika virus structure
Tuesday, January 10, 2017 IST
Purdue University researchers detect new Zika virus structure

In a step that would help better understand how the Zika virus infects host cells and spreads, researchers have discovered a new structure of the deadly virus.

Researchers from Purdue University analysed the high-resolution structure of the immature form of the Zika virus.

The research team found that the immature Zika virus had a similar structure to other related viruses, such as the West Nile virus and dengue fever.

The team of study led by Michael Rossmann and Richard Kuhn, both professors in Purdue's Department of Biological Sciences, comprised of postdoctoral research associate Vidya Mangala Prasad.

It is, therefore, probable that the immature form of Zika also plays a role in virus infection and spread," said Michael Rossmann.

Zika belongs to a family of viruses called flaviviruses, which includes dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitis viruses.

The study suggests that while only the mature forms of flaviviruses are considered infectious, the virus population secreted from host cells is a mixture of mature, partially mature and immature virus particles.

I think these findings open the door to begin to explore the assembly process of the virus," said Richard Kuhn, director of the Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, in the release. "We see clear differences between the structure of the immature virus and the mature virus. Not only are there differences in the outer structure, but the inner core must also undergo some significant changes during maturation. We need to study what these changes are and why they occur."

To determine the molecular structure, the team used a technique called cryo-electron microscopy, which allowed the researchers to observe the virus at a resolution of 9 Ångstroms, a high enough resolution to note tiny structural details.

Zika virus has been linked with microcephaly – a birth defect - which causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads and also with the autoimmune disorder Guillan-Barré syndrome.

 
 
 
 
 

Related Topics

 
 
 

Trending News & Articles

 Article
12 Early Signs Of Lung Cancer To Never Ignore

Lung cancer is usually not noticeable during the early stages. Most people are diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage. According to Cancer.org, it is ...

Recently posted . 7K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
11 Surprising Benefits Of Wood Apple Or Bael Fruit

The health benefits of wood apple include [1] relief from constipation, indigestion, peptic ulcer, piles, respiratory problems, diarrhea, and dysentery. It also b...

Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
10 Amazing Benefits Of Bael (Kaitha)

Bael, also known as the “Wood Apple”, is a species native to India. The bael tree is considered to be sacred to the Hindus. A famous drink known as sh...

Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
These 7 Remedies Can Remove The Milia (Milk Spots) From Your Face

Do you know what milia are? Milia is a skin condition which causes the appearance of small white hard bumps on the skin which usually appear on the face, neck or ch...

Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
 

 
 

More in Food & Health

 Article
Type 2 diabetes: Here is how the otherwise healthy apples affect your blood sugar levels

Apples have a lot of health benefits like improving digestion, helping in weight loss, keeping the heart healthy, and may also help in warding off breast cancer. ...

Recently posted. 912 views . 1 min read
 

 Article
Being close to nature can make you develop positive body image

Both of these studies indicated that spending time in a natural environment resulted in significantly higher body appreciation.

Recently posted. 682 views . 0 min read
 

 Article
Are Energy Drinks Really Healthy? Know their Health Hazards

Energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster have become increasingly popular over the last 20 years.

Recently posted. 714 views . 0 min read
 

 Video
Delhi's Iconic Omelette Stall



Recently posted . 858 views
 

 Reviews
5 Best Mosquito Killer Rackets in India



Recently posted . 1K views . 39 min read
 

 Article
Best weight loss exercise, this cardio activity can help burn 1000 calories in an hour

Best weight loss exercise: Toned muscles, calorie burner and fun. Skipping rope can be the perfect fat burning workout to include in your weight loss routine.

Recently posted. 713 views . 1 min read
 

 Article
‘Sugar coma’ may slow down your brain: Study

Sugar coma'— with regards to glucose — is indeed a real phenomenon, where levels of attention seem to decline after consumption of glucose — c...

Recently posted. 797 views . 1 min read
 

 
 
 

   Prashnavali

  Thought of the Day

"Trust because you are willing to accept the risk, not because it's safe or certain."
Anonymous

Be the first one to comment on this story

Close
Post Comment
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST


ads
Back To Top