A Liquid Crystal Model of Viral DNA Encapsidation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a liquid crystal continuum model for viral DNA encapsidation in bacteriophages, capturing DNA structure, phase transitions, and forces involved in DNA ejection, providing insights into viral infection mechanics.

Contribution

It develops and tests a novel liquid crystal model for viral DNA inside capsids, incorporating DNA structure, phase transitions, and force predictions, advancing understanding of viral DNA packaging.

Findings

Predicts osmotic pressure inside capsid

Estimates DNA ejection force

Determines isotropic volume size at capsid center

Abstract

A liquid crystal continuum modeling framework for icosahedra bacteriophage viruses is developed and tested. The main assumptions of the model are the chromonic columnar hexagonal structure of confined DNA, the high resistance to bending and the phase transition from solid to fluid-like states as the concentration of DNA in the capsid decreases during infection. The model predicts osmotic pressure inside the capsid and the ejection force of the DNA as well as the size of the isotropic volume at the center of the capsid. Extensions of the model are discussed.