N
Domain
The DQVD motif is a CASP3/caspase 3 cleavage site essential for viral replication in host cell (By similarity). However, the importance for viral replication is apprently not linked to caspase cleavage (By similarity). This motif is involved in homooligomerization (By similarity).
Function
Binds dsRNA and ssRNA and probably participates in the packaging of viral genome (By similarity). In the dsRNA binding mode, the nucleocapsid protein specifically binds to the vRNA panhandle secondary structure formed at the termini of viral genome (By similarity). Does not discriminate between viral and nonviral RNAs through ssRNA binding mode (By similarity). Displays dsDNA endonuclease activity that is sequence non-specific (By similarity).
Post-translational modifications
Cleaved at the DQVD motif by host CASP3/caspase 3 in mammalian cells at 48 hours postinfection giving rise to cleavage products of about 30 kDa and 22 kDa that remain associated (By similarity). Only the monomeric form is cleaved (By similarity). Little or no cleavage in tick cells (By similarity). Caspase cleavage reduces the viral polymerase activity (By similarity). Caspase cleavage is not required for productive infection in mammalian or tick host cells (By similarity).
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the nairovirus nucleocapsid protein family.
Cellular localization
- Virion
- Internal protein of virus particle.
Alternative names
Nucleoprotein, Nucleocapsid protein, Protein N