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Viral RNA species in cell lines persistently and lytically infected with measles virus
K H Kalland1, M B Kalvenes, G Haukenes
1Gade Institute, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Bergen, Norway.
Abstract:
Identical measles viral mRNA species were present in similar amounts in the persistently infected cell lines LU106, HEpPi and MaSSPE, and in lytically infected cells as determined from Northern blots. The attenuation of transcription with the gene order did not vary significantly between different infected systems. A previously described selective restriction of F protein production in Lu106 cells could not be explained by defective transcription of F mRNA. RNA synthesis also continued unimpeded at restrictive temperatures for the temperature-sensitive viruses in Lu106 and HEpPi cells. Northern blotting revealed a prominent band in HEpPi RNA and a weak band in Lu106 RNA with the characteristics of incomplete genomes. In all infected cells, previously unrecognized small RNA species, hybridizing with the F- and H-specific probes, were discovered.
Insights
Measles virus mRNA levels were consistent across persistently and lytically infected cells. Researchers discovered novel small RNA species and incomplete viral genomes in infected cells, offering new insights into measles virus replication.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Persistent measles virus infections can exhibit altered protein expression.
- Understanding measles virus RNA transcription and replication is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate measles virus mRNA species and their expression levels in different infection models.
- To characterize previously unrecognized RNA species and potential incomplete viral genomes.
Main Methods:
- Northern blotting was employed to analyze measles virus mRNA species in infected cell lines (LU106, HEpPi, MaSSPE).
- Analysis included comparison between persistently and lytically infected cells, as well as temperature-sensitive virus strains.
Main Results:
- Identical measles viral mRNA species were found in similar amounts across various infected cell systems.
- No significant variation in transcriptional attenuation was observed based on gene order.
- A restriction in F protein production in Lu106 cells was not due to defective F mRNA transcription.
- RNA synthesis remained unaffected by restrictive temperatures in temperature-sensitive virus infections.
- Northern blots revealed incomplete genome characteristics in HEpPi and Lu106 cell RNA.
- Novel small RNA species hybridizing with F- and H-specific probes were identified in all infected cells.
Conclusions:
- Measles virus gene expression is largely conserved across different infection states and cell types.
- The restriction of F protein production in Lu106 cells is regulated post-transcriptionally.
- The discovery of incomplete genomes and novel small RNAs suggests complex viral RNA processing and potential roles in persistent infections.