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Published on: May 4, 2010
Comprehensive analysis of host gene expression in Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus-infected Spodoptera
Tamer Z Salem1, Fengrui Zhang, Yan Xie
1Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Abstract:
Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) is the best-studied baculovirus and most commonly used virus vector for baculovirus expression vector systems. The effect of AcMNPV infection on host cells is incompletely understood. A microarray based on Spodoptera frugiperda ESTs was used to investigate the impact of AcMNPV on host gene expression in cultured S. frugiperda, Sf21 cells. Most host genes were down-regulated over the time course of infection, although a small number were up-regulated. The most highly up-regulated genes encoded heat shock protein 70s and several poorly characterized proteins. Regulated genes with the highest score identified by functional annotation clustering included primarily products required for protein expression and trafficking in the ER and golgi. All were significantly down-regulated by approximately 12h post-infection. Microarray data were validated by qRT-PCR. This study provides the first comprehensive host transcriptome overview of Sf21 cells during AcMNPV infection.
Insights
Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) infection significantly alters host gene expression in Spodoptera frugiperda Sf21 cells. Most host genes are down-regulated, impacting protein production pathways.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Insect Cell Culture
Background:
- Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) is a widely used baculovirus vector.
- The impact of AcMNPV infection on host cell gene expression is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the global changes in host gene expression in Sf21 cells following AcMNPV infection.
- To identify specific host genes and pathways affected by AcMNPV.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a microarray based on Spodoptera frugiperda expressed sequence tags (ESTs).
- Analyzed gene expression profiles over a time course of AcMNPV infection.
- Validated microarray data using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR).
Main Results:
- Most host genes were down-regulated during AcMNPV infection.
- A small subset of genes, including heat shock protein 70s, were significantly up-regulated.
- Genes involved in protein expression and trafficking (ER and Golgi) were highly down-regulated by 12 hours post-infection.
Conclusions:
- AcMNPV infection profoundly impacts the host Sf21 cell transcriptome.
- The study provides a comprehensive overview of host gene regulation during baculovirus infection.
- Identified key cellular processes affected by AcMNPV, offering insights into baculovirus-host interactions.
