The nucleocapsid protein of an enveloped plant virus, Tomato spotted wilt virus, facilitates long-distance movement of Tobacco mosaic virus hybrids

► The TSWV N protein facilitates long-distance movement of TMV-based hybrids. Both the extreme N- and C-terminus are essential for the long-distance RNA movement. Homotypic interaction of the N protein is not required for long-distance movement. The N- or C-terminus deletion mutants induce apparent local symptoms.