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Cell-surface receptor for ecotropic murine retroviruses is a basic amino-acid transporter
H Wang1, M P Kavanaugh, R A North
1Department of Biochemistry, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201.
Nature
|August 22, 1991
Summary
Murine retroviral receptors are actually basic amino acid transporters. This study reveals how viruses hijack these essential cell surface proteins for entry.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Murine retroviruses utilize cell-surface receptors for entry.
- The ecotropic retroviral receptor (ecoR) is present on most murine cells and may be vital for cell function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the normal function of the ecotropic retroviral receptor (ecoR).
- To determine if ecoR plays a role in metabolite transport.
Main Methods:
- Expressed ecoR in Xenopus laevis oocytes via RNA injection.
- Performed electrophysiological recordings to measure ion currents.
- Assessed amino acid uptake and binding of viral glycoproteins.
Main Results:
- Xenopus oocytes expressing ecoR specifically bound ecotropic murine leukemia virus gp70.
- EcoR mediated stereoselective, saturable uptake of basic amino acids (lysine, arginine, ornithine) independent of sodium.
- EcoR also transported cysteine and homoserine, requiring sodium for uptake, consistent with the y+ amino acid transporter.
Conclusions:
- The ecotropic retroviral receptor (ecoR) functions as a basic amino acid transporter.
- Retroviruses subvert this essential cell membrane protein for viral entry, highlighting a mechanism of host-pathogen interaction.