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Updated: May 25, 2026
09:08
Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Published on: July 27, 2021
Host RNAs, including transposons, are encapsidated by a eukaryotic single-stranded RNA virus
Andrew Routh1, Tatiana Domitrovic, John E Johnson
1Department of Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Summary
Next-generation sequencing reveals flock house virus (FHV) and its virus-like particles (VLPs) package diverse host RNAs, including transposable elements. This finding has implications for VLP therapeutic use and potential horizontal gene transfer.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) advances the study of viral genetic diversity.
- Nonenveloped single-stranded RNA viruses, like flock house virus (FHV), are crucial models for understanding viral RNA packaging.
- Virus-like particles (VLPs) are increasingly explored for biotechnological applications, necessitating a thorough understanding of their cargo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the RNA content of authentic flock house virus (FHV) virions using next-generation sequencing.
- To analyze the RNA composition of FHV and Nudaurelia capensis omega virus virus-like particles (VLPs).
- To assess the implications of packaged RNA diversity for VLP applications and viral evolution.
Main Methods:
- Purification of flock house virus (FHV) and preparation of FHV and Nudaurelia capensis omega virus virus-like particles (VLPs).
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) to profile the RNA content of purified virions and VLPs.
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify and quantify packaged RNA species, including host RNAs and transposable elements.
Main Results:
- VLPs predominantly package ribosomal RNA and baculoviral expression vector transcripts, with 5.3% being transposable elements from the Sf21 genome.
- Authentic FHV virions package approximately 1% host RNAs, including messenger RNA, ribosomal RNA, noncoding RNAs, and transposable elements.
- Significant diversity in packaged RNA content was observed in both authentic virions and VLPs.
Conclusions:
- The genetic content of nonenveloped RNA viruses is highly variable, extending beyond genomic mutations to include diverse packaged RNA transcripts.
- The packaging of host RNAs by FHV suggests potential for horizontal gene transfer between eukaryotic hosts.
- Findings highlight the importance of characterizing VLP cargo for safe and effective therapeutic applications.
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