Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
08:31
Advancing High-Resolution Imaging of Virus Assemblies in Liquid and Ice
Published on: July 20, 2022
Three-dimensional structure of Rubella virus factories
Juan Fontana1, Carmen López-Iglesias, Wen-Ping Tzeng
1Cell Structure Lab, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC, Darwin, Madrid, Spain.
Virology
|July 27, 2010
Summary
Rubella virus (RUBV) creates viral factories using cellular organelles. These factories, centered on modified lysosomes called cytopathic vacuoles (CPVs), facilitate viral RNA replication and assembly.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Virology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Viral factories are specialized cellular compartments essential for virus replication.
- Rubella virus (RUBV) infection involves the formation of these factories by reorganizing host cell organelles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the three-dimensional structure of RUBV-induced viral factories.
- To investigate the spatial organization and interconnections of organelles within the factory.
Main Methods:
- Three-dimensional electron tomography.
- Freeze-fracture electron microscopy.
- Immunogold labeling for protein localization.
Main Results:
- RUBV factories are organized around cytopathic vacuoles (CPVs), which are modified lysosomes.
- CPVs exhibit complex membrane structures and interconnectivity with the endocytic pathway.
- RER and CPVs are closely associated via protein bridges, while Golgi vesicles attach to CPVs.
- The mitochondrial protein p32 is identified as a key component within and around CPVs.
Conclusions:
- RUBV viral factories represent a highly organized structure involving CPVs, RER, and Golgi.
- The mitochondrial protein p32 likely plays a crucial role in the function of these viral factories.
Related Concept Videos
00:56Viral Structure
Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.
01:26Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
01:38Intralumenal Vesicles and Multivesicular Bodies
Intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) are small vesicles 50-80 nm in diameter formed during the maturation of early endosomes. A specialized endosome containing numerous ILVs is called a multivesicular body (MVB). ILVs contain internalized molecules such as antigens, nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites. Some of these molecules are released from the MVBs inside exosomes and are transported to other cells. Other MVBs contain molecules that are retained in the ILVs and are later degraded within the...
01:10Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria
Intracellular bacteria and viruses often comprise a group of highly infectious pathogens that can cause several diseases. Bacterial pathogens include those belonging to the genus Rickettsia responsible for conditions such as rocky mountain spotted fever and the Mediterranean spotted fever; Chlamydia, a genus responsible for a sexually transmitted disease; Coxiella burnetii, an agent responsible for Q fever. Viral pathogens include vaccinia—a poxvirus, and herpes simplex virus—a virus that...
02:55The Nucleolus
The nucleolus is the most prominent substructure of the nucleus. When it was first discovered, it was considered to be an isolated organelle that forms fibrils and granules. In 1931, the relationship between the nucleolus and chromosomes was first described by Heitz. He observed that the appearance and size of nucleolus varies depending on the stage of the cell cycle. He also noticed constricted regions on different chromosomes clustered together at definite cell cycle stages. These regions,...
01:29Viruses with RNA Genomes
RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...