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World J Gastroenterol. Apr 7, 2014; 20(13): 3401-3409
Published online Apr 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i13.3401
Published online Apr 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i13.3401
Computational biology approach to uncover hepatitis C virus helicase operation
Holger Flechsig, Department of Physical Chemistry, Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, 14195 Berlin, Germany
Author contributions: Flechsig H wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Dr. Holger Flechsig, Department of Physical Chemistry, Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany. flechsig@fhi-berlin.mpg.de
Telephone: +49-30-84135300 Fax: +49-30-84135106
Received: September 27, 2013
Revised: January 6, 2014
Accepted: March 6, 2014
Published online: April 7, 2014
Revised: January 6, 2014
Accepted: March 6, 2014
Published online: April 7, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Proteins that are involved in the replication cycle of hepatitis C virus are relevant targets for antiviral therapies. Their dynamical properties, however, cannot be sufficiently studied in experiments yet. Alternatively, owing to the available power of modern computers, the mechanism by which they operate can be investigated in computer experiments using appropriate models. In this regard, considerable progress has now been achieved for the viral helicase protein and the obtained results, in combination with experimental data, have significantly improved our understanding of its activity.