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Identification of the coronavirus MHV-JHM mRNA 4 product

D Ebner1, T Raabe, S G Siddell

  • 1Institute of Virology, University of Würzburg, F.R.G.

The Journal of General Virology
|May 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Researchers created a fusion protein from the mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-JHM) mRNA 4. This allowed them to identify a specific viral protein, confirming mRNA 4

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Gene Expression

Background:

  • The mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-JHM) is a significant pathogen.
  • Understanding the expression of viral genes is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.
  • The function of specific viral mRNAs, like MHV-JHM mRNA 4, remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the translational activity of the 5' proximal open reading frame of MHV-JHM mRNA 4.
  • To identify the specific protein product encoded by MHV-JHM mRNA 4.
  • To generate tools for studying the synthesis and function of this viral protein.

Main Methods:

  • Construction of a bacterial expression vector encoding a fusion protein.
  • Isolation of the fusion protein and production of specific antiserum.
  • Analysis of protein synthesis in infected cells and in vitro translation systems using enriched mRNA.

Main Results:

  • The constructed antiserum specifically recognized a 15,000 Mr polypeptide.
  • This polypeptide was synthesized in MHV-JHM-infected cells.
  • The polypeptide was also produced during in vitro translation of infected cell poly(A) RNA enriched for mRNA 4.

Conclusions:

  • MHV-JHM mRNA 4 is translationally active during viral infection.
  • The 15,000 Mr polypeptide is the definitive translation product of MHV-JHM mRNA 4.
  • The developed antiserum provides a valuable tool for further research into this viral protein's synthesis and function.

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