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The dengue virus M protein localises to the endoplasmic reticulum and forms oligomers

Sook-San Wong1, Gholamreza Haqshenas, Eric J Gowans

  • 1Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia. Sook-San.Wong@stjude.org

FEBS Letters
|May 10, 2012
PubMed

Insights

The dengue virus membrane (M) protein, crucial for virion structure, localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and cell surface. This suggests M functions similarly to the E protein as a secretory component.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The dengue virus membrane (M) protein is essential for mature virion assembly.
  • Understanding the cellular behavior of M protein is key to comprehending dengue virus replication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the inherent cellular properties and behavior of the dengue virus M protein.
  • To investigate the localization and potential secretory pathway involvement of M protein.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized recombinant protein constructs for M protein characterization.
  • Employed confocal microscopy to determine protein localization within cells.
  • Conducted cross-linking studies to identify protein oligomerization states.

Main Results:

  • M protein and its precursor (prM) were localized to the endoplasmic reticulum.
  • M protein was detected on the cell surface and in secreted fractions.
  • Cross-linking experiments confirmed M protein can form dimers and tetramers.

Conclusions:

  • Dengue virus M protein exhibits characteristics of a secretory protein.
  • M protein's behavior is analogous to the major envelope protein E.
  • Findings provide insights into the M protein's role in the dengue virus life cycle.

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