Proteomic analysis identifies a novel function for galectin-3 in the cell entry of parvovirus

Pierre Garcin1, Sarah Cohen, Sanne Terpstra

  • 1Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4.

Journal of Proteomics
|December 27, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified galectin-3 as a key cellular factor for minute virus of mice (MVM) infection. Depleting galectin-3 reduced MVM uptake and infectivity, highlighting its role in viral endocytosis.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology
  • Proteomics

Background:

  • Cellular factors are crucial for the minute virus of mice (MVM) life cycle, but few have been identified.
  • Understanding host-viral interactions is key to deciphering viral pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify host-binding partners of MVM using a proteomic approach.
  • To investigate the role of identified host factors in MVM infection.

Main Methods:

  • Purified MVM was used as bait in immunoprecipitation assays.
  • Quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was employed to identify MVM-associated proteins.
  • Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to deplete specific host factors, followed by infection assays.

Main Results:

  • A total of 150 proteins were identified as MVM-binding partners.
  • Galectin-3 was significantly enriched among the identified proteins.
  • Depletion of galectin-3 reduced MVM endocytosis and infectivity in LA9 mouse fibroblast cells.
  • Galectin-3 depletion decreased MVM cellular uptake but not cell surface binding.

Conclusions:

  • Galectin-3 plays a significant role in MVM endocytosis.
  • Galectin-3 facilitates MVM access to its receptor(s) at the plasma membrane, promoting viral entry.