Dynamical implications of Viral Tiling Theory

J Theor Biol. 2008 May 21;252(2):357-69. doi: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2008.02.003. Epub 2008 Feb 13.

Abstract

The Caspar-Klug classification of viruses whose protein shell, called viral capsid, exhibits icosahedral symmetry, has recently been extended to incorporate viruses whose capsid proteins are exclusively organised in pentamers. The approach, named 'Viral Tiling Theory', is inspired by the theory of quasicrystals, where aperiodic Penrose tilings enjoy 5-fold and 10-fold local symmetries. This paper analyses the extent to which this classification approach informs dynamical properties of the viral capsids, in particular the pattern of Raman active modes of vibrations, which can be observed experimentally.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Capsid / ultrastructure*
  • Capsid Proteins / ultrastructure*
  • Crystallography
  • Models, Biological
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  • Virus Assembly*
  • Viruses / classification*
  • Viruses / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Capsid Proteins