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Phosphorylation of Marburg virus NP region II modulates viral RNA synthesis

Andrea DiCarlo1, Nadine Biedenkopf, Bettina Hartlieb

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, Institut für Virologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerweinstr, Marburg, Germany.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|October 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Phosphorylation of Marburg virus nucleoprotein (NP) in region II is crucial for viral RNA synthesis. Specific serine residues in NP region II modulate viral transcription and replication, impacting reporter gene activity.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Protein Phosphorylation

Background:

  • The Marburg virus nucleoprotein (NP) has 7 C-terminal phosphorylation regions (I-VII).
  • The precise locations and functions of NP phosphorylation remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify major phosphorylation sites in Marburg virus NP region II.
  • To investigate the functional role of NP phosphorylation in viral RNA synthesis.

Main Methods:

  • Infectious virus-like particle assays were employed.
  • Site-directed mutagenesis was used to mimic or abolish phosphorylation at specific serine residues.

Main Results:

  • Serine 446 and serines 453-455 were identified as major phosphate acceptor sites in NP region II.
  • Phosphorylation at serine cluster 453-455 enhanced reporter gene activity, indicating improved viral transcription/replication.
  • Mutations mimicking phosphorylation at positions 453-455 improved reporter gene activity compared to wild-type NP.
  • Introduction of negative charges or alanine substitution in the serine cluster (aa 450-455) significantly inhibited reporter gene activity.

Conclusions:

  • Phosphorylation of Marburg virus NP region II plays a significant role in modulating viral RNA synthesis.
  • Specific serine residues within NP region II are critical for regulating viral transcription and replication processes.

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