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New evidence for the precursor role of 14 S subunits in poliovirus morphogenesis
B Rombaut1, R Vrijsen, A Boeyé
1Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
Abstract:
In poliovirus-infected HeLa cells incubated as 30 degrees, 14 S subunits are selectively labeled and no virions are assembled. When the temperature is subsequently shifted to 37 degrees, the radioactivity of the 14 S material is transferred mainly to virions, showing that 14 S subunits are virion precursors. When 14 S subunits synthesized at 30 degrees are incubated in vitro at 37 degrees, they assemble to empty capsids.
Insights
Poliovirus 14S subunits, synthesized at 30°C, are precursors to infectious virions. Upon temperature shift to 37°C, these subunits assemble into empty capsids or virions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Poliovirus assembly is a complex process involving viral proteins and host cells.
- Understanding the intermediate structures in poliovirus assembly is crucial for viral replication studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of 14S subunits in poliovirus assembly.
- To determine the temperature-dependent assembly pathway of poliovirus.
Main Methods:
- Infection of HeLa cells with poliovirus.
- Incubation at different temperatures (30°C and 37°C).
- Radioactive labeling and analysis of viral subunits and virions.
Main Results:
- At 30°C, poliovirus-infected HeLa cells selectively labeled 14S subunits without virion assembly.
- Shifting the temperature to 37°C resulted in the transfer of radioactivity from 14S subunits to assembled virions.
- In vitro incubation of 14S subunits at 37°C led to the formation of empty capsids.
Conclusions:
- 14S subunits are identified as direct precursors to poliovirus virions.
- Temperature plays a critical role in regulating the assembly of poliovirus particles.