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Protein synthesis in Sendai virus-infected cells
The Journal of General Virology
|June 1, 1975
Summary
Sendai virus infection significantly boosts protein synthesis in chicken cells, producing six new viral proteins. Some proteins undergo rapid processing, while others are derived from unstable precursors, indicating regulated viral protein synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Sendai virus is a paramyxovirus that infects various cell types.
- Viral infection often leads to significant alterations in host cell protein synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in protein synthesis in chicken embryo cells following Sendai virus infection.
- To identify and characterize the virus-induced proteins and their processing.
Main Methods:
- Chicken embryo cells were infected with Sendai virus.
- Protein synthesis rates were measured using radiolabeling.
- Virus-induced proteins were identified and analyzed using SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
- Pulse-chase experiments were performed to study protein processing.
Main Results:
- Protein synthesis increased approximately twofold in infected cells compared to controls.
- Six stable virus-induced proteins were identified: four structural (P, NH, NP, M) and two non-structural (28K, 61K).
- The structural glycopeptide F was not detected; NH was derived from precursors (69K or 63K), while P, NP, M, and 28K showed rapid or no post-translational modification.
- Synthesis rates varied among protein classes, suggesting regulation.
- Nucleocapsid particles contained major structural proteins P and NP, and a minor high molecular weight component.
Conclusions:
- Sendai virus infection markedly enhances protein synthesis in chicken cells.
- The virus produces distinct structural and non-structural proteins with differential processing.
- Virus-specific protein synthesis is regulated at the translational or post-translational level.