HK97

HK97 is a dsDNA lambdoid phage named for the site of its isolation (Hong Kong). It has a host range of E. coli and related bacteria. The capsid protein of HK97, gp5, cross-links upon maturation to form a concatenated chain-mail like structure. The bacteriophage undergoes a maturation process upon DNA packaging during which it expands by nearly 5 nm and changes from spherically symmetrical to icosahedrally symmetrical.

The HK97 assembly pathway begins with self-assembly of the capsid protein, gp5, into pentamers and hexamers. A protease, gp4, cleaves gp5 at its N-terminus. Attachment of a portal protein, gp3, coupled with conformational changes leads to formation of a prohead or procapsid structure. Further conformational changes and crosslinking of gp5 monomers comprise further capsid maturation and lead to formation of a mature phage head.^{[citation needed]}

References

• Dr. Bob Duda's Publications
• Dr. Roger Hendrix's Publications