A minor capsid protein P30 is essential for bacteriophage PRD1 capsid assembly

Bacteriophage PRD1 is a double-stranded DNA virus infecting Gram-negative h osts. It has a membrane component located in the interior of the isometric capsid. In addition to the major capsid protein P3, the capsid contains a 9 kDa protein P30. Protein P30 is proposed to be located between the adjacen t facets of the icosahedral capsid and is required for stable capsid assemb ly. In its absence, an empty phage-specific membrane vesicle is formed. The major protein component of this vesicle is a phage-encoded assembly factor , protein P10, that is not present in the final structure. (C) 2001 Academi c Press.