RNA-binding properties of influenza A virus matrix protein M1.

The matrix protein (M1) of influenza A virus, which has a critical role in viral assembly and can inhibit the viral transcriptase complex, has the ability to bind RNA. The RNA-binding property of M1 is specific for single-stranded RNA, like that of influenza nucleoprotein (NP) and shows similar sensitivity to pH and to salt concentration. M1:RNA complexes are stable, once formed, to competition from excess single-stranded RNA. The possible location of the RNA-binding regions in the M1 protein is discussed.