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Time course of TMV 30K protein accumulation in intact leaves
K Lehto1, P Bubrick, W O Dawson
1Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside 92521.
Abstract:
The kinetics of accumulation of the 30K and coat proteins of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) which are expressed via subgenomic mRNAs were determined in near-synchronously infected cells of intact tobacco leaves. The 30K protein accumulated to maximal levels during the early stages of the infection as previously reported in tobacco protoplasts. However, in intact leaves, 30K protein accumulated for longer periods and attained higher concentrations than in protoplasts, remaining detectable in all later time samples. Detection of the coat protein, and also the 126K and 183K proteins, began at approximately the same time as the 30K protein (9-12 hr after initiation of replication), but their accumulation continued throughout the 72-hr sampling period. Most of the 30K protein accumulated before 24 hr, whereas most of the coat protein accumulated after 24 hr. This confirms that these two genes are regulated differently, both temporally and quantitatively.
Insights
Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) 30K and coat proteins show different accumulation patterns in intact tobacco leaves compared to protoplasts. These findings highlight distinct temporal and quantitative gene regulation during TMV infection.
Area of Science:
- Plant virology
- Molecular biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is a significant plant pathogen.
- Understanding viral protein accumulation is crucial for controlling plant diseases.
- Previous studies in tobacco protoplasts provided initial insights into TMV protein kinetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the kinetics of 30K and coat protein accumulation in intact tobacco leaves.
- To compare protein accumulation in intact leaves versus protoplasts.
- To investigate the temporal and quantitative regulation of TMV genes.
Main Methods:
- Infection of near-synchronously infected cells of intact tobacco leaves with TMV.
- Monitoring the accumulation of 30K, coat, 126K, and 183K proteins over a 72-hour period.
- Quantitative analysis of protein levels at different time points post-infection.
Main Results:
- 30K protein accumulated to higher concentrations and for longer periods in intact leaves than in protoplasts.
- Coat protein, along with 126K and 183K proteins, initiated accumulation concurrently with 30K protein.
- Significant differences in the timing and quantity of 30K and coat protein accumulation were observed, indicating differential gene regulation.
Conclusions:
- The accumulation kinetics of TMV 30K and coat proteins differ between intact tobacco leaves and protoplasts.
- TMV genes encoding these proteins are regulated differently in terms of timing and quantity during infection.
- These findings provide a more comprehensive understanding of TMV replication dynamics in a whole-plant context.