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Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy
Published on: February 18, 2022
Microtubules in viral replication and transport
Annette Niehl1, Eduardo J Peña, Khalid Amari
1Zürich-Basel Plant Science Center, Botany, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 1, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
The Plant Journal : for Cell and Molecular Biology
|February 6, 2013
Summary
Plant viruses utilize microtubules for replication and spread. These cellular structures aid in viral transport, the formation of virus factories, and plant-to-plant transmission, highlighting their broad role in viral pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Plant virology
- Cell biology
Background:
- Viruses rely on host cell mechanisms for replication and spread.
- Microtubules are crucial for viral processes in animals and potentially plants.
- Plant transport is actin-based, but microtubules are implicated in viral spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microtubules in plant virus replication and cell-to-cell movement.
- To explore how microtubules contribute to viral pathogenesis in plants.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of viral replication complexes and their interaction with microtubules.
- Observation of virus-induced inclusions and their role in aphid transmission.
- Comparative studies across different plant virus models.
Main Results:
- Microtubules anchor viral replication complexes and guide their movement along the ER/actin network.
- Microtubules are involved in the formation of viral factories and specific inclusions.
- Microtubules facilitate plant-to-plant transmission of viruses like Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV).
Conclusions:
- Microtubules play a significant and widespread role in plant viral pathogenesis.
- The formation of virus factories and inclusions suggests aggresomal pathways are involved.
- Further research indicates microtubules are essential for various stages of the plant virus life cycle.
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