background:
Norovirus is an RNA virus of the Caliciviridae taxonomic family, causes approximately 90% of epidemic non bacterial outbreaks of gastroenteritis around the world and is responsible for 50% of all foodborne outbreaks of gastroenteritis in the US. Norovirus affects people of all ages. The viruses are transmitted by faecally contaminated food or water and by person to person contact. Noroviruses can genetically be classified into 5 different genogroups (GI, GII, GIII, GIV, and GV) which can be further divided into different genetic clusters or genotypes. For example genogroup II, the most prevalent human genogroup, presently contains 19 genotypes. Genogroups I, II and IV infect humans, whereas genogroup III infects bovine species and genogroup V has recently been isolated in mice. Noroviruses contain a positive-sense RNA genome of approximately 7.5 kbp, encoding a major structural protein (VP1) of about 58~60 kDa and a minor capsid protein (VP2). The virus particles demonstrate an amorphous surface structure when visualized using electron microscopy and are between 27-38 nm in size.
Function:
Capsid protein self assembles to form an icosahedral capsid with a T=3 symmetry, about 38 nm in diameter, and consisting of 36 capsid proteins. A smaller form of capsid with a diameter of 23 nm might be capsid proteins assembled as icosahedron with T=1 symmetry. The capsid encapsulate the genomic RNA and VP2 proteins. Attaches virion to target cells by binding histo-blood group antigens present on gastroduodenal epithelial cells.
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 1491972 Norwalk virus
SwissProt: Q83884 Norwalk virus
Important Note:
This product as supplied is intended for research use only, not for use in human, therapeutic or diagnostic applications.
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