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Influenza C virus NS1 protein upregulates the splicing of viral mRNAs

Yasushi Muraki1, Takatoshi Furukawa, Yoshihiko Kohno

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Yamagata University School of Medicine, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan.

Journal of Virology
|December 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Influenza C virus NS1 protein enhances viral mRNA splicing, unlike influenza A virus NS1. This finding clarifies mechanisms of influenza virus gene expression regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Gene Expression

Background:

  • Influenza A virus M and NS gene pre-mRNAs are poorly spliced in infected cells.
  • Influenza C virus M gene transcripts are predominantly spliced mRNA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the mechanism of efficient influenza C virus M gene-specific mRNA splicing.
  • Identify viral factors influencing influenza C virus mRNA splicing.

Main Methods:

  • Comparing mRNA splicing ratios in infected vs. transfected cells.
  • Utilizing RNase protection assays to quantify mRNA splicing.
  • Employing gene manipulation to assess the role of NS proteins in splicing.

Main Results:

  • Influenza C virus M mRNA splicing is significantly higher in infected cells compared to transfected cells.
  • Blocking influenza C virus NS protein synthesis drastically reduced NS mRNA splicing.
  • Influenza C virus NS1 protein enhanced splicing of both influenza C and A virus M mRNAs.
  • Influenza A virus NS1 protein inhibited splicing of influenza A virus M mRNA.

Conclusions:

  • Influenza C virus NS1 protein upregulates viral mRNA splicing.
  • Influenza A virus NS1 protein does not possess this splicing-enhancing activity.
  • Viral NS1 proteins play distinct roles in regulating viral mRNA splicing efficiency.

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