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Published on: January 19, 2015
RNA encapsidation assay.
Padmanaban Annamalai1, A L N Rao
1Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, California, CA 92521-0122, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|March 29, 2008
Summary
This study presents a viral RNA encapsidation assay to determine which progeny RNA can be packaged into virions. The method, applicable to brome mosaic virus and other systems, involves purifying virions and analyzing RNA via Northern hybridization.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Plant Pathology
Background:
- Viral RNA encapsidation is crucial for virus propagation.
- Accurate assessment requires comparing total RNA with virion-packaged RNA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a reliable in vivo viral RNA encapsidation assay.
- To enable verification of RNA packaging competence in progeny viruses.
Main Methods:
- Development of an in vivo assay using whole plants or protoplasts.
- Purification of virions from infected tissues or protoplasts.
- RNA isolation and comparative analysis using Northern hybridization.
Main Results:
- The assay effectively verifies viral RNA encapsidation.
- Comparative analysis reveals RNA synthesis versus packaging efficiency.
- The method is demonstrated for brome mosaic virus but adaptable to other viral systems.
Conclusions:
- The described encapsidation assay provides a rapid and reliable method for studying viral RNA packaging.
- This technique is valuable for understanding virus replication and assembly.
- The assay's adaptability enhances its utility across diverse virological research.
