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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Reverse Genetics Mediated Recovery of Infectious Murine Norovirus
Published on: June 24, 2012
Role of cholesterol pathways in norovirus replication
1Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave., Manhattan, KS 66506, USA. kchang@vet.ksu.edu
Norwalk virus replication is influenced by cholesterol pathways. Inhibiting cholesterol synthesis boosts viral RNA and protein, while blocking ACAT reduces it, highlighting cholesterol as a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Noroviruses (family Caliciviridae) are significant global causes of acute gastroenteritis.
- Norwalk virus (NV) is a prototype strain of noroviruses.
- NV replicon systems are valuable tools for studying virus replication in cell culture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify cellular factors involved in NV replication using DNA microarray analysis.
- To investigate the role of cholesterol and carbohydrate metabolic pathways in NV replication.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets for norovirus infections.
Main Methods:
- DNA microarray analysis of NV replicon-bearing cells.
- Gene ontology analysis to identify significantly changed metabolic pathways.
- Inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis using statins and ACAT inhibitors.
- Transfection studies to assess the role of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in NV replication.
Main Results:
- Genes in lipid (cholesterol) and carbohydrate metabolic pathways were significantly altered in NV replicon-bearing cells.
- Inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis increased NV protein and RNA levels.
- ACAT inhibition significantly reduced NV replication.
- LDLR expression was correlated with NV replication levels and promoted replication in trans.
Conclusions:
- Cholesterol metabolic pathways, specifically LDLR expression and ACAT activity, are crucial for norovirus replication.
- These pathways represent potential therapeutic targets for treating norovirus infections.
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