The C-terminal two-thirds of nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) exhibits RNA-dependent NTPase/helicase activity. This enzyme is considered to be involved in viral replication and is expected to be one of the target molecules of anti-HCV drugs. In a search for NTPase inhibitors specific to HCV, we expressed and purified the truncated NS3 NTPase/helicase domain. Here, we report the characterization of its RNA-dependent ATPase activity. This enzyme preferred Mg(2+) and the optimal pH was 7.0. We further investigated the effects of heavy metal ions on the ATPase activity. The mercuric ion inhibited it significantly, the 50% inhibitory concentration being 49 nM. The fact that the inhibitory profile was competitive and that this inhibition was blocked in the presence of a large excess of cysteine or dithiothreitol, suggested that a cysteine residue in the DECH box was the main target site of mercury.
Characterization of ATPase activity of a hepatitis C virus NS3 helicase domain, and analysis involving mercuric reagents. Publishing Authors By Initials
Characterization of ATPase activity of a hepatitis C virus NS3 helicase domain, and analysis involving mercuric reagents. Journal Published:
PUBLICATION TYPE: Journal Article
Journal: Journal of biochemistry
VOLUME: 134
Page Numbers: 505-11
Journal Abbreviation: J. Biochem.
ISSN: 0021-924X
DAY: 19
MONTH: Oct
YEAR: 2003
Characterization of ATPase activity of a hepatitis C virus NS3 helicase domain, and analysis involving mercuric reagents. Information
Number of References:
LANGUAGE: eng
NlmUniqueID: 376600
Characterization of ATPase activity of a hepatitis C virus NS3 helicase domain, and analysis involving mercuric reagents. Keywords Mesh Terms:
KEYWORDS: Viral Nonstructural Proteins
MESH TERMS: chemistry
Chemical & Substance for Abstract: Characterization of ATPase activity of a hepatitis C virus NS3 helicase domain, and analysis involving mercuric reagents. Information
Substance Name: Adenosine Triphosphatases
Registry Number: EC 3.6.1.-
Grant and Affiliation Information for Characterization of ATPase activity of a hepatitis C virus NS3 helicase domain, and analysis involving mercuric reagents.