DNA binding proteins of archaeal viruses

Abstract

Archaea are single-celled organisms comprising the third domain of life. The Achaeal species Sulfolobus are infected by the Fuselloviridae virus family: SSV1, SSV2, SSV-RH, and SSV-K. The genomes of these viruses have been annotated and contain putative DNA-binding proteins. The purpose of this work is to identify DNA sequences bound by the SSV1 putative DNA-binding protein C43. C43 protein was cloned, expressed, purified, and assayed at various temperatures for interaction with three SSV1 DNA sequences. C43 binds the T5-promoter, T6-promoter, and C43-promoter sequentially and consistently. Additionally, C43 protein is functional at temperatures of 50°C and 65°C. Thus, C43 appears to be an important regulator of the Fuselloviridae SSV1 viral genome.