Structure, interactions and dynamics of PRD1 virus .2. Organization of the viral membrane and DNA

Structure, dynamics and stability of the membrane and double-stranded (ds) DNA genome packaged within the native PRD1 virion have been probed by laser Raman spectroscopy. The Raman signature of PRD1 is complex, but exhibits distinctive marker bands diagnostic of the internal lipid bilayer and dsDNA. The Raman markers demonstrate, respectively, a liquid crystalline lipid phase (L(alpha)) and a B DNA conformation throughout the temperature range (5 degrees C to 50 degrees C) of virion stability. Despite the absence of large scale lipid phase transitions or DNA melting, small temperature-dependent changes in the Raman markers of lipid and DNA are detected, indicating coupling between their structures. Minor deviations of DNA from the canonical B form are imposed by the membrane. The Raman markers indicate further that base stacking and phosphate group interactions of the packaged PRD1 genome differ from those of unpackaged PRD1 DNA. Specific Raman band perturbations are proposed as indicators of DNA-membrane interaction. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange kinetics of packaged and unpackaged PRD1 DNA are indistinguishable, demonstrating that base imino and amino protons are not affected significantly by either the condensation or membrane enclosure associated with DNA packaging. This contrasts with the significant acceleration of base exchanges detected in the packaged DNA of bacteriophage P22, which lacks a viral membrane. The distinctive H-->H-2 exchange profile of the PRD1 genome, the absence of packaging-induced acceleration of exchange kinetics and the apparent direct interaction between DNA and phospholipids suggest a specific role for the viral membrane in PADI assembly We propose a ''membrane-surface-catalyzed'' model for dsDNA condensation and organization within the PRD1 virion. (C) 1996 Academic Press Limited