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A host Ca2+/Mn2+ ion pump is a factor in the emergence of viral RNA recombinants

Hannah M Jaag1, Judit Pogany, Peter D Nagy

  • 1Department of Plant Pathology, University of Kentucky, Plant Science Building, Lexington, KY 40546, USA.

Cell Host & Microbe
|February 2, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Host protein Pmr1p influences viral RNA recombination and replication. Its role in regulating manganese (Mn2+) levels is key to controlling viral evolution and the emergence of new strains.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions

Background:

  • RNA viruses rapidly evolve through mutation and recombination.
  • Emergence of drug-resistant or highly virulent viral strains is a significant public health concern.
  • Host factors play a crucial role in modulating viral evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of host Pmr1p, a Golgi ion pump, in viral RNA recombination and replication.
  • To determine the specific contribution of Pmr1p's ion transport function to viral RNA recombination frequency.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized yeast as a model host for Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) RNA recombination studies.
  • Employed separation-of-function mutants of Pmr1p to dissect its functional domains.
  • Established a cell-free TBSV replication system to assess the impact of manganese (Mn2+) concentration.
  • Investigated the effects of Ca2+/Mn2+ exporter knockdown in plants on virus replication and recombination.

Main Results:

  • Inactivation of the host gene PMR1 resulted in a ~160-fold increase in TBSV RNA recombination in yeast.
  • Pmr1p's ability to regulate cytosolic Mn2+ concentration was identified as critical for viral RNA recombination.
  • Elevated Mn2+ levels in a cell-free system significantly increased TBSV recombination frequency.
  • Knockdown of Ca2+/Mn2+ exporters in plants enhanced both TBSV replication and RNA recombination.

Conclusions:

  • The conserved host protein Pmr1p significantly impacts viral RNA recombination and replication efficiency.
  • Cytosolic manganese (Mn2+) concentration, regulated by Pmr1p, is a key determinant of viral RNA recombination.
  • Host ion homeostasis mechanisms represent potential targets for controlling RNA virus adaptive evolution.

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