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African swine fever virus infection disrupts centrosome assembly and function

Nolwenn Jouvenet1, Thomas Wileman1

  • 1Department of Immunology and Pathology, Pirbright Laboratories, Institute for Animal Health, Ash Road, Woking, Surrey GU24 0NF, UK.

The Journal of General Virology
|February 22, 2005
PubMed

Insights

African swine fever virus disrupts the cell's microtubule network by affecting the centrosome. This viral interference impairs microtubule organization and cell structure.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a large DNA virus known to assemble near the cell's centrosome.
  • Cellular infrastructure, including the microtubule network and centrosome, is crucial for viral replication and cell function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of ASFV infection on the cellular microtubule network and centrosome.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which ASFV affects microtubule organization and centrosome function.

Main Methods:

  • Observation of microtubule network disorganization post-ASFV infection.
  • Analysis of gamma-tubulin and pericentrin localization at the centrosome.
  • Assessment of centrosome-mediated microtubule nucleation capacity.

Main Results:

  • ASFV infection led to microtubule network disorganization shortly after viral DNA replication.
  • Key centrosome proteins, gamma-tubulin and pericentrin, were relocalized, not degraded.
  • The centrosome's ability to nucleate microtubules was significantly inhibited.

Conclusions:

  • ASFV infection disrupts the microtubule network through the redistribution of gamma-tubulin and pericentrin.
  • Viral interference with centrosome assembly and function is a key aspect of ASFV pathogenesis.

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