Viral RNA chaperones

To assemble eleven distinct viral transcripts, rotaviruses employ RNA chaperone NSP2. We use single-molecule fluorescence-based RNA-RNA interaction assays to probe interactions between eleven rotavirus transcripts. The formation of inter-molecular contacts requires RNA remodeling by NSP2, which is likely achieved in viroplasms during the course of infection. We use single-molecule FRET to monitor RNA duplex destabilization in the presence of RNA chaperones from rotaviruses and reoviruses.