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Poxvirus membrane biogenesis: rupture not disruption

Jacomine Krijnse Locker1, Petr Chlanda, Timo Sachsenheimer

  • 1Electron Microscopy Core Facility & Department of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. jacomine.krijnse@bioquant.uni-heidelberg.de

Cellular Microbiology
|November 22, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals vaccinia virus (VACV) creates its own membrane through a novel rupture process, not host budding. Lipid analysis suggests an endoplasmic reticulum origin for the viral membrane.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Enveloped viruses typically acquire membranes from host cells via budding.
  • Previous transmission electron microscopy (TEM) suggested vaccinia virus (VACV) might form its membrane de novo.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the biogenesis and origin of the VACV membrane.
  • To elucidate the unconventional mechanism of viral membrane formation.

Main Methods:

  • Electron tomography (ET) and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) were used to visualize VACV.
  • Mass spectrometry (MS) was employed for lipid analysis of purified VACV.

Main Results:

  • Data support a model of unconventional membrane biogenesis involving membrane rupture and open membrane intermediates.
  • Lipid analysis indicates an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) origin, with lower cholesterol than host cells.
  • Enrichment of phosphatidic acid, diacylglycerol, and phosphatidylinositol was detected in the virion.

Conclusions:

  • VACV utilizes a unique membrane biogenesis pathway involving rupture, distinct from typical viral budding.
  • The findings contribute to understanding viral membrane origins and potential implications for other pathogens.

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