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Published on: July 16, 2012
Characterization of HCF-1, a determinant of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus host specificity
1Cornell Research Foundation, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA. klh22@cornell.edu
Abstract:
Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) infects a wide variety of insect species. A number of AcMNPV late expression factors that are involved in replication have been identified as playing a role in determining host specificity. Host cell factor-1, or HCF-1, was previously demonstrated to be essential for viral replication in Tn-368 cells. Here we demonstrate that HCF-1 is an early protein and localizes to the cell nucleus. Coprecipitation experiments revealed that HCF-1 interacts with itself but none of the other late expression factors required for replication in Tn-368 cells. HCF-1 mutants were constructed and utilized to search for the domains involved in HCF-1 biological function and oligomerization. Possible roles of HCF-1 in determining host specificity are discussed.
Insights
Host cell factor-1 (HCF-1) is an early nuclear protein essential for Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) replication. HCF-1 self-interacts and its domains are key to its function and oligomerization in determining viral host specificity.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Insect Pathology
Background:
- Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) infects numerous insect species.
- Late expression factors influence AcMNPV host specificity.
- Host cell factor-1 (HCF-1) is crucial for AcMNPV replication in Tn-368 cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize HCF-1 as an early protein and determine its cellular localization.
- To investigate HCF-1 interactions with other viral replication factors.
- To identify functional domains of HCF-1 through mutagenesis and analyze its role in host specificity.
Main Methods:
- Demonstration of HCF-1 as an early protein and its nuclear localization.
- Coprecipitation assays to study HCF-1 interactions.
- Construction and analysis of HCF-1 mutants to probe function and oligomerization.
Main Results:
- HCF-1 is an early protein localized to the cell nucleus.
- HCF-1 self-interacts but does not interact with other identified late expression factors.
- Mutagenesis studies identified domains critical for HCF-1 biological function and oligomerization.
Conclusions:
- HCF-1 plays a significant role in AcMNPV replication as an early nuclear protein.
- The self-interaction and specific domains of HCF-1 are important for its function.
- HCF-1 is a potential determinant of AcMNPV host specificity.
