The Discovery of Unknown Proteins of the Herpesvirus

Viruses, such as the herpesvirus, have relatively small genomes. The production of proteins relies on the information encoded by the genome. Surprisingly, the genome of the herpesvirus contains a significantly large amount of information.

Hundreds of small novel proteins have been newly discovered in the herpesvirus. Scientists were able to identify the different proteins that were produced by cells that were infected with the herpesvirus for the duration of 72 hours. Genetic material must first be copied (RNA) in order to initiate the production of proteins. Observing the RNA resulted in the discovery of a significant amount of short novel RNA molecules. The results of the herpesvirus’ genome regarding material required for protein production showed a complexity in relation to the organization of the required material’s information.

The information provided by this article allows readers to see the new discoveries that being made in relation to harmful viruses. Each new discovery opens a door to new possibilities for cures.