Functional and evolutionary analysis of viral proteins containing a Rossmann-like fold

What is it about?

Viruses are the most abundant life form and infect practically all organisms. Consequently, these obligate parasites are a major cause of human suffering and economic loss. Rossmann-like fold is the most populated fold among a/b-folds in the Protein Data Bank and proteins containing Rossmann-like fold constitute 22% of all known proteins 3D structures. Thus, analysis of viral proteins containing Rossmann-like domains could provide an understanding of viral biology and evolution as well as could propose possible targets for antiviral therapy.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Obtained data outlines fast evolving viral proteins that could serve as drug targets as well as four protein families unique for viruses including proteins of Zika, dengue, and West Nile viruses.