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Rhinoviral infections activate p38MAP-kinases via membrane rafts and RhoA

Claudia Alexandra Dumitru1, Stephan Dreschers, Erich Gulbins

  • 1Department of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany.

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry : International Journal of Experimental Cellular Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology
|March 18, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Human rhinovirus 14 (RV14) infection activates p38-MAPKinase (p38-K) through a pathway involving RhoA and membrane rafts. This molecular mechanism is crucial for RV14 to infect human epithelial cells.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Rhinoviral infections are common, causing illnesses like the common cold and exacerbating conditions such as asthma.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of rhinovirus infection is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular pathways by which human rhinovirus strain 14 (RV14) infects human epithelial cells.
  • To identify key signaling molecules and cellular structures involved in RV14 entry and replication.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated the activation of p38-MAPKinase (p38-K) in RV14-infected epithelial cells.
  • Utilized genetic constructs to block RhoA activation and assessed its effect on p38-K.
  • Examined the role of membrane rafts by disrupting their integrity and observing the impact on RV14-mediated signaling.

Main Results:

  • RV14 induced a biphasic activation of p38-K, with early and late phases.
  • The small G-protein RhoA was identified as a mediator of RV14-induced p38-K activation.
  • Disruption of membrane rafts significantly inhibited RV14-induced p38-K activation, indicating their essential role.

Conclusions:

  • RV14 infection utilizes a signaling cascade originating from membrane rafts.
  • This cascade involves the activation of the small G-protein RhoA, leading to p38-K activation.
  • The findings provide critical insights into the molecular basis of rhinovirus infection.

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