Session Q2: The Physics of Self-Assembled Protein Cages

11:15 AM–2:15 PM, Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Morial Convention Center - LaLouisiane C

Sponsoring Units: DBP DMP
Chair: Bogdan Dragnea, Indiana University

Abstract: Q2.00004 : Self-Assembly of the HIV Virus

1:03 PM–1:39 PM

Preview Abstract

Author:

  Robijn Bruinsma
    (University of California, Los Angeles)

The talk will discuss the application of the continuum theory of elastic shells to understand the different morphologies of Retroviral capsids. Minor differences in molecular structure between different capsid proteins produce large changes in capsid morphology. Continuum elasticity theory can account for the capsid shape ``phase-diagram.'' The conical shape of the capsid of the HIV virus is the result of assembly ``constraints'' in the form of the enclosing lipid bilayer and the osmotic pressure of the encapsidated genome molecules.