Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
09:25
Rapid, Seamless Generation of Recombinant Poxviruses using Host Range and Visual Selection
Published on: May 24, 2020
5.0K
Reovirus FAST proteins: virus-encoded cellular fusogens
Marta Ciechonska1, Roy Duncan2
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada.
Trends in Microbiology
|September 24, 2014
Summary
Reovirus fusion-associated small transmembrane (FAST) proteins are unique nonenveloped virus fusogens that mediate cell-to-cell fusion. Despite distinct mechanisms from enveloped viruses, both FAST proteins and enveloped virus fusion proteins offer insights into cell fusion and syncytium formation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Membrane Fusion
Background:
- Reovirus fusion-associated small transmembrane (FAST) proteins are the sole known nonenveloped viral fusogens.
- FAST proteins specifically induce cell-to-cell membrane fusion, unlike enveloped virus fusion proteins which mediate virus-cell fusion.
- Both FAST proteins and enveloped virus fusion proteins are crucial for virus dissemination and pathogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To distinguish the structural and functional attributes of FAST proteins from enveloped virus membrane fusion proteins.
- To investigate the distinct mechanisms employed by FAST proteins and enveloped virus fusion proteins in mediating membrane fusion.
- To explore the common pathways involved in pore expansion and syncytium formation, and to understand syncytiogenesis as a cellular response.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of structural and functional properties of FAST proteins and enveloped virus fusion proteins.
- Investigation of viral mechanisms for membrane apposition and merger.
- Examination of pathways for pore expansion and syncytium formation.
Main Results:
- FAST proteins and enveloped virus fusion proteins exhibit numerous distinct structural and functional characteristics.
- Both protein families utilize different mechanisms for membrane apposition and merger.
- Convergence on common pathways for pore expansion and syncytium formation suggests syncytiogenesis is a cellular response to cell-cell fusion pores.
Conclusions:
- FAST proteins and enveloped virus fusion proteins provide critical insights into the universal process of cell-cell membrane fusion.
- Syncytiogenesis appears to be a cellular reaction to the presence of cell-cell fusion pores, regardless of the fusogen type.
- Studying these distinct viral fusogens enhances our understanding of fundamental biological processes like membrane fusion.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
42.8K
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the...
42.8K
02:33Retroviruses
11.8K
Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
11.8K
01:29Viruses with RNA Genomes
1.5K
RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
1.5K
02:28Leaky Scanning
4.5K
During most eukaryotic translation processes, the small 40S ribosome subunit scans an mRNA from its 5' end until it encounters the first start AUG codon. The large 60S ribosomal subunit then joins the smaller one to initiate protein synthesis. The location of the translation initiation is largely determined by the nucleotides near the start codon as there may be multiple translation initiation sites present on the mRNA. Marilyn Kozak discovered that the sequence RCCAUGG (where R...
4.5K
00:57Viral Recombination
22.1K
Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
22.1K
01:30Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
54
Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
54