image: The nonstructural 5B (NS5B) protein is the catalytic core of the hepatitis C virus replication machinery. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity of NS5B supports a staggering rate of viral production in infected patients. A report in the upcoming Feb. 13th issue of Science provides the first views of complete replication complexes of the viral polymerase bound to RNA and nucleotides. The structures provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of HCV polymerase activity and inhibition. This material relates to a paper that appeared in the 13 February 2015 issue of Science, published by AAAS. The paper, Todd C. Appleby at the Gilead Sciences in Foster City, CA, and colleagues was titled, 'Structural basis for RNA replication by the hepatitis C virus polymerase.' view more
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